The Writers Retreat Brilley
Storybook stone cottage near Hay-on-Wye with wood burners and a luxe copper bath for slow, romantic escapes.
- Sleeps 2
- 1
- 1
Highlights
- A beautifully restored stone cottage near Hay-on-Wye, offering a peaceful, romantic escape for couples seeking slow days and cosy nights.
- Snuggle up in the intimate lounge, with a comfy sofa, TV and a crackling wood-burning stove for relaxed mornings and firelit evenings.
- A charming farmhouse-style kitchen that makes cooking together a pleasure, whether it’s lazy breakfasts or candlelit dinners.
- An indulgent free-standing copper bathtub, perfect for long, luxurious soaks before bed.
- A calm and cosy bedroom designed for deep rest and unhurried lie-ins.
- Multiple wood-burning stoves creating warmth, atmosphere and a true sense of retreat all year round.
- Easy access to Hay-on-Wye’s bookshops, cafés, riverside walks and the wider landscapes of the Welsh borders.
You should know
- Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 10am.
- Parking is available for up to two cars near the property.
- Well behaved dogs are welcome.
- A cautionary deposit is required and returned after departure, subject to checks.
The details
Tucked away along a quiet country lane just moments from Hay-on-Wye, this beautifully restored stone cottage feels like stepping into a gentler rhythm of life. Thick stone walls, glowing wood-burning stoves and soft, inviting interiors set the tone for a stay that’s all about slowing down, switching off and savouring the simple pleasures. By day, light drifts through the windows as you potter, read or wander the lanes. By night, the skies darken, the fire crackles and the cottage becomes a cosy, candlelit haven.
Inside, the lounge is made for two. Sink into the comfy sofa with a coffee in the morning or curl up in the evening as the fire flickers and a favourite film plays on the TV. It’s intimate, warm and wonderfully unhurried. Just next door, the farmhouse-style kitchen blends rustic charm with everything you need to cook up relaxed breakfasts or simple suppers, whether that’s something hearty after a long walk or a slow, candlelit meal for two.
One of the true highlights awaits upstairs. The bedroom is calm and restful, promising deep, uninterrupted sleep, but it’s the free-standing copper bathtub that really elevates the experience. Run a hot bath, sink into the warmth and let the day melt away in pure, indulgent comfort before drifting off to bed.
This cottage has been lovingly saved and restored from the ground up, with huge care taken to preserve its original character using traditional materials and techniques. The result is a space that feels both timeless and thoughtfully finished, full of soul and quiet beauty.
When you’re ready to explore, Hay-on-Wye is just a short drive away. Spend days browsing its famous independent bookshops, lingering in artisan cafés or strolling along the River Wye. Walkers can head straight from the doorstep onto rolling hills and open common land, while the wider Welsh borders offer endless scenic adventures before you return to your snug hideaway.
Tucked away along a quiet country lane just moments from Hay-on-Wye, this beautifully restored stone cottage feels like stepping into a gentler rhythm of life. Thick stone walls, glowing wood-burning stoves and soft, inviting interiors set the tone for a stay that’s all about slowing down, switching off and savouring the simple pleasures. By day, light drifts through the windows as you potter, read or wander the lanes. By night, the skies darken, the fire crackles and the cottage becomes a cosy, candlelit haven.
Inside, the lounge is made for two. Sink into the comfy sofa with a coffee in the morning or curl up in the evening as the fire flickers and a favourite film plays on the TV. It’s intimate, warm and wonderfully unhurried. Just next door, the farmhouse-style kitchen blends rustic charm with everything you need to cook up relaxed breakfasts or simple suppers, whether that’s something hearty after a long walk or a slow, candlelit meal for two.
One of the true highlights awaits upstairs. The bedroom is calm and restful, promising deep, uninterrupted sleep, but it’s the free-standing copper bathtub that really elevates the experience. Run a hot bath, sink into the warmth and let the day melt away in pure, indulgent comfort before drifting off to bed.
This cottage has been lovingly saved and restored from the ground up, with huge care taken to preserve its original character using traditional materials and techniques. The result is a space that feels both timeless and thoughtfully finished, full of soul and quiet beauty.
When you’re ready to explore, Hay-on-Wye is just a short drive away. Spend days browsing its famous independent bookshops, lingering in artisan cafés or strolling along the River Wye. Walkers can head straight from the doorstep onto rolling hills and open common land, while the wider Welsh borders offer endless scenic adventures before you return to your snug hideaway.
On the map
Availability in The Writers Retreat Brilley
Reviews
From previous guestsBased on 2 reviews
What an idyllic place. The cottage is perfectly nestled amongst the countryside with nothing but nature surrounding you, birdsong and the faint bleating of sheep are all the noise you can hear. Set on a very quiet country lane, the cottage itself is beautifully curated to suit your every need. Sympathetically decorated and the perfect size for 2. The only issue is you’ll never want to leave!
Coolstays User
Stayed July 2026
This is a little piece of heaven and by far the most romantic place we have ever stayed. The pictures do not do justice to how stunning it is. The cottage was immaculate and it is close a high degree of thought and detail has gone into its renovation which artfully maintains all original features. It’s very cosy with underfloor heating and was a lovely place to stay during Storm David. We will definitely be back!
Coolstays User
Stayed April 2026
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FAQs about The Writers Retreat Brilley
Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 11am.
Check-in is via a lockbox system and full details will be sent with your booking confirmation.
Yes, the cottage has Starlink WiFi and login details will be provided before your stay.
Yes, there is parking for a maximum of two cars near the sheds.
Pets are not allowed at the moment, but the owners hope to welcome them in the future.
Yes, there is a TV connected to a Sky Hub for streaming, along with a selection of books.
Yes, there are three wood-burning stoves between the cottage and garden room. Logs and kindling are provided.
The deposit helps protect this carefully restored cottage. It is returned within around 10 days of departure, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
The nearest petrol station for essentials is about a three-minute drive away, with a Co-op in Hay-on-Wye around ten minutes away.
You can contact the owner through the ‘Request to Book’ button on the Coolstays listing. You can then enquire about dates and book directly with them.