A little house in the farmyard

Fforest Lodge, a familiar old friend with lovely views, a little family history and room to make yourself at home.

The lodge has been part of our family life for many years, although some of you may remember it by its old name, Moat House. It was originally put here in the 1990s so that our granny Diana could keep an eye on what was happening around the farm, and since then it has provided a home, sometimes for quite long stretches, to various friends and members of the family. Like most places that have been well lived in, it has gathered a good many memories along the way, and we're very fond of it.

After a lot of work from the team, including a remodelled kitchen, fresh paint and some general care and attention, we've been able to welcome guests back again. We haven't tried to turn it into something grand or fashionable, because that was never really the point. It's a cheerful, practical little place where you can put the kettle on, settle in with a book, cook yourself a good supper and enjoy having a few days away from the usual routines.

A room with a view

One of the best things about the lodge is its position. From here you look east up the Edw Valley, where the morning light catches the hills and the sun rises over a landscape of fields, trees and distant ridges. On clear mornings it's worth getting up a little earlier to watch the day begin, particularly with a cup of tea in hand and nowhere you need to be.

There's an enclosed garden and a paved patio for sitting outside when the weather is kind, and a shed where you can tuck away bicycles, walking boots and the other bits and pieces that tend to accompany a holiday in the countryside.

Being in the farmyard, the lodge also offers a little glimpse of everyday life at Fforest Farm. This is a working place, with all the comings and goings that brings, and we rather like the way the lodge sits comfortably amongst it all.

A few days to call your own

Inside, there's room for up to four people, although we think it's particularly comfortable for one, two or three, as the second bedroom is quite small. We welcome adult guests and well-behaved dogs, who will no doubt be delighted by the prospect of a few days exploring the countryside.

It's a good base for getting to know this part of Wales, whether you fancy walking the hills around the farm, exploring the little villages of Radnorshire, visiting Hay-on-Wye or simply spending a few days enjoying the peace of the Edw Valley.

And you needn't fill every day with outings. There is plenty to be said for a slow morning, a leisurely breakfast, a walk when the mood takes you and an evening spent watching the light change across the hills. Sometimes the nicest part of going away is finding that you're perfectly happy staying exactly where you are.

We're pleased to have this little old friend welcoming people again, and we hope that those who come to stay will find as much happiness here as the people who have called it home over the years.

Come and stay

Fforest Lodge is available for short breaks and longer stays throughout the year. Find out more.