The Old School

Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Pets No
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Features

Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher

Mrs Hellyer
October 2019

“I loved the fact lots information provided how things are set up in house.”

It's near loads of lovely scenery and highly recommend visiting show caves.

It's near loads of lovely scenery and highly recommend visiting show caves.
Palmer September 2019

“It was the right location for us to visit family and old friends.”

No complaints about the accommodation though it would have been advantageous to have WiFi and a washing line. It was wet all week but that didn't bother us at all. We loved the cottage and hope to go again soon.
Mrs Andrews August 2019

“The Old School is the best equipped holiday rental we've ever stayed at.”

I have got used to taking all sorts of bits from home but this time I didn't use any of them! I note some previous comments about the neighbour's dog but there was only ever a small amount of barking, certainly not enough to be a problem. The lack of wifi wasn't an issue (despite howls from the teenagers!), and there was enough phone signal to be able to look things up. Loads of information about walks and things to do. There are only a limited number of games and we had expected more so didn't take any. If you've got children it would be worth taking some with you.
Mrs Mcdonald August 2019

“So the cottage is lovely, spacious and clean, has everything you could possibly need and is a good base for exploring South Wales.”

The owners could not be more helpful, they genuinely want you to have a lovely time. I was dubious about booking a cottage with no WiFi and my eldest and her friend were devastated (lots of complaining about this) BUT I’m so glad it had no WiFi having spent the week without it... it was refreshing everyone sat and played cards and board games and chatted... it was lovely, no heads in phones, everyone present and in the moment for a change. The cottage itself is very well equipped and the range cooker is wonderful! I’m now bugging my husband for one! The cottage is also very clean and tidy and having the towels provided saved space in the suitcases. We had a couple of hiccups that were no fault of the owners and they rectified them quickly with no quibble which was really good of them. Highly recommend.
Mr Oldridge August 2019

“The cottage is well equipped if somewhat dated but the mattresses (used lower bunk and double beds) need updating.”

The bathroom is good with hot water but needs better ventilation. The window in the ceiling is very high to be reached by a pole and I hesitated to open it in case I couldn't close it. Some of the kitchen cupboards smelt on opening; possibly damp I have never rented a holiday property where instructions have been received both from the property owner and the holiday company. And I feel that Sykes sends out far too many emails. Why not simplify and include all information in one or two emails. Nor have I be informed after booking that an extra £100 is required before the visit to be returned following the visit and I had to chase the return of this money. The landlady said she had had a problem with her computer. We appreciated the owner's directions to the property.
Mrs Williams September 2018

“Every thing was perfect after we found out how to work heating system.”

I think clock was incorrectly set .
Mr Merchant June 2018

“Sykes process for booking the cottage was spot on - very intuitive and easy to follow.”

Hassle free and we got from the beginning of the process to the end with no issues whatsoever. The holiday itself was taken in the middle of the June/July 2018 heatwave. This led to a different experience to the one we were hoping for - we went for the "Waterfall Country" experience but, unfortunately, due to Mother Nature, we had not so much water and not so much falling BUT it was nevertheless still a brilliant holiday, seeing the rivers in a way that most folks never get to. Clambering over the rocks on the riverbeds was a novel experience, especially in Wales. We managed 12 'waterfalls' in our weeks stay and as most of the walks were under tree cover it was just about bearable given temperatures approaching 30C. The cottage itself was practical and very useful in itself, with everything being catered for. It felt like it could do with a professional deep clean from time to time (we don't know if this is done regularly or not? ). Whilst the idea of getting the holidaymakers to give it a good clean prior to leaving with the threat of a £100 bond being used to fund further cleaning if not done would appear to be useful in reducing costs on the face of it, I don't go on holiday to get involved in vacuuming, mopping and getting rid of cobwebs at the end of what should be a relaxing week. I wouldn't mind paying a bit extra for someone else to do it. There were 3 points that though detailed did actually impact on our enjoyment of the week - Firstly, no parking with the property - on street parking and all the fun that come with parking wars. If it was just a quiet cul-de-sac as it appears then no problem BUT it is actually the access road for all school and team building course students nationwide!!, this meant twice a day there were all sorts of buses, coaches, minibuses etc dropping folks off and picking them up. I'd bought a new (old) car the week previous and was more than a little concerned at this for the week. Secondly, the listing warns of shared access to the property through the neighbours garden. We are asked to ensure that the gate is securely closed everytime we go through it as they have a dog. They certainly do. It is a very chatty and excitable hound. It is a beagle and has the associated bark. It barks when anyone passes by, comes through the gates, goes out. It barks when it's feeling lonely and abandoned after everyone in the house has left, for a good while. Due to the temperatures during the week (excessive), both their windows and ours were left open. The temptation to leave the gate wide open and allow the little fella (or lass) to seek alternative housing was very strong, but we resisted, heroically. - The dog needs a bit of training to help calm it down somewhat. Thirdly - no wifi!!!! - I'm sorry, I know there are those around who think this is a good idea and they can get to talk to their grandchildren but I am willing to bet the grandchildren weren't thinking the same. This is not just the C21st but the second decade of the C21st. - Also, due to the fact mobile signal is patchy at best, this is wholly unacceptable and should be remedied post haste. I was hoping to use the OS maps facilities (which are remarkably uptodate but was very limited. I was hoping to stay in touch with my youngest son who had headed off to Australia for 3 months the previous week, but was virtually unable to. Again, for a relatively small fee, this is a service which, in this day and age, could and should be provided, especially in such a poor reception area for mobile signals. It was a lovely holiday and it was a lovely cottage. The neighbours and locals were beyond friendly and helpful. My wife and I are very easy going and relaxed about life in general. The 3 points I've raised didn't ruin the holiday but certainly grated. We appreciate that the parking would be difficult to resolve (maybe enquiries to the owners of the garages just up the road, which no-one appears to use), but a quick chat to the neighbours about the dog - it didn't look happy and a bit of training wouldn't go amiss and certainly get internet access in there.
Mr Johnson June 2018

“Excellent base for visiting the waterfalls and cycling along the mostly quiet and flat routes”
Janet F May 2018

“Lovely cottage, convenient for walks to waterfalls”

Very well equipped cottage. Clean and comfortable. Ideal for a long weekend. There are several walks to beautiful waterfalls and the river right from the doorstep. 2 pubs just down the road, 5-10 mins walk. We had very good meals at the White Horse. No wi-fi, so this is a real escape from technology! Great place to chill and relax.
Mrs Akehurst March 2018

“Lovely cottage, a little home from home in a great location for Bike Park Wales.”
Mrs Tebay March 2018

“Wonderful location.”

Amazing walks from the front door. Two good pubs with food a short stroll. Easy access to the Brecon Beacons in minutes. Comfortable accommodation to relax in after an active day. Waterfalls in every direction.
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The property

A charming terraced holiday home in Pontneddfechan near Glynneath, with comfortable accommodation throughout, The Old School is an ideal base for your fun-filled family holiday.

The slightly unusual entrance path to the cottage leads through next door's garden and into your small seating area in front of the cottage, made more private with a partial screening wall and a great place to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning sunshine.

A front internal porch is ideal to slip off any muddy shoes before going into the open plan living space which offers comfy seats in front of the gas fire, a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area, making it a great place for family time together.

There is also a rear entrance, making it easy to store your cycles in the shed or enjoy a bit more privacy in the rear courtyard.

There are two bedrooms, offering flexibility for sleeping, and two bathrooms, one on each floor, meaning less queueing for that shower or relaxing bath after great days out.

A short stroll from the cottage will take you to the renowned Waterfall Walk and the waters of the Afon Melte flows under the stone bridge nearby.

Dinas Rock rises majestically beside the bridge providing a very accessible rock climbing venue.

At the end of a busy day return to the village and visit one of the three local pubs all of which serve good food and are only a short stroll from the cottage.

The nearby small town of Glynneath has a good selection of shops including three small supermarkets so all your essential provisions are easily obtained.

The village also boasts its own golf course and the local leisure facilities include a sports centre with a swimming pool and gym.

The whole of the Brecon Beacons National Park is on the doorstep, either for a drive to enjoy some of the most outstanding views in Wales, or for the more active, cycling, trekking or rambling.

With the South Wales coast a short drive away including the magnificent Gower Peninsula, days on sandy beaches, walks along the coast path or an evening of entertainment in Swansea or Cardiff may be the order of the day.

From this ideally-located cottage your days out can be as energetic or relaxing as you wish, and all year round your holiday is sure to be one to remember.

Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x family room with 1 king-size double and 1 single, 1 x triple bunks (double below, single on top)
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC
Open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with gas fire.
Gas central heating with gas fire
Range cooker with 2 gas ovens, gas hob and electric warmer plate, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, iPod dock, selection of books, games and DVDs
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Unrestricted roadside parking outside cottage
Enclosed rear courtyard with furniture, front seating area
Bike storage
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Shop 2 miles, pub 5 mins walk
Note: Entrance path is through next door's garden
Note: Max 6 guests including infants
Max 4 adults

Note: This property has a refundable Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

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About the location

PONTNEDDFECHAN

Glynneath 2 miles; Brecon 25 miles; Swansea 21 miles.

Pontneddfechan which means “bridge over the Little Neath” is a small village on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys in South Wales. The village lies at the confluence of two rivers, the River Melte and the Nedd Fechan and allows easy access to a wonderful series of waterfalls in the Upper Neath Valley. The surrounding countryside is a haven for cyclists and walkers with stunning scenery to be enjoyed, and there’s even a local golf course. Dinas Rock rises majestically beside the bridge which is a popular and easily accessible rock climbing venue. The nearby community of Glynneath has a selection of shops, pubs, eating places and also a leisure centre, or for those who wish to have a taste of city life Cardiff and Swansea are within easy reach. With the Gower Peninsula with its golden sandy beaches a short drive away, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to what to do in this beautiful scenic area.

Note: Max 6 guests including infants.
Note: Max 4 Adults.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

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The Old School

Pontneddfechan, South Wales & Pembrokeshire (Ref. 6120)

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Features

“I loved the fact lots information provided how things are set up in house.”

“It was the right location for us to visit family and old friends.”

“The Old School is the best equipped holiday rental we've ever stayed at.”

“So the cottage is lovely, spacious and clean, has everything you could possibly need and is a good base for exploring South Wales.”

“The cottage is well equipped if somewhat dated but the mattresses (used lower bunk and double beds) need updating.”

“Every thing was perfect after we found out how to work heating system.”

“Sykes process for booking the cottage was spot on - very intuitive and easy to follow.”

“Excellent base for visiting the waterfalls and cycling along the mostly quiet and flat routes”

“Lovely cottage, convenient for walks to waterfalls”

“Lovely cottage, a little home from home in a great location for Bike Park Wales.”

“Wonderful location.”

The property

Summary

Calculate your drive time

About the location

PONTNEDDFECHAN