Ty Mawr

‘A jewel set in glorious Welsh countryside’ on the edge of Brechfa Forest, this 17th-century country house is ‘one of the most outstanding small hotels we have stayed in’, readers write. Since taking over in 2022, Gill Brown and David Hart have been winning such plaudits. ‘A lovely comfortable hotel with charming owners and staff,’ a Guide regular related. Bedrooms are traditional and charming. Dual-aspect Gardd Fotaneg draws inspiration from the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a 15-minute drive away, with pretty blue-and-white wallpaper and a wall of exposed stone. Dog-friendly Coedwig Brechfa has its own front door, patio seating, vintage Dickens novels in a bookcase set into the wall. There are torches and binoculars to use, and they will dry wet walking clothes. ‘The best local produce is at the heart of everything. The food is superb.’ Short, rotating menus feature perhaps chicken supreme and smoky bacon; baked celeriac steak, ratatouille. One reader found the cooked part of breakfast disappointing; others ‘particularly enjoyed Gill’s soda bread containing hazelnuts and raisins. Smoked salmon with free-range eggs was outstanding.’ (Bob and Jean Henry, Robert Cooper)