I have stayed at Rhiwddu Barns on 3 occasions now and I absolutely love this place. The scenery is fantastic and the accommodation is perfect. They are beautiful old stone barns and are perfect for a family break. I also stayed at Rhiwddu on the same weekend as Mr Carpenter who left the last review and strongly disagree with what he said; our cottage was immaculate and I actually went in to see Beacons Barn where he stayed before his group arrived as the owners let us see it as we are planning a 70th birthday party for my mother and I wanted to check it out beforehand. It will be perfect for this! The Barn was immaculate so please don't be put off by his malicious review. The cottages are lovely and comfortable and always very clean. And the owners can't do enough to help you. I have also stayed in their other properties as they offer a loyalty scheme. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
Private User
Lovely buildings with stunning views but some fairly big details really let it down. Stayed here for a weekend with a few friends.
Quality furniture with spacious bedrooms and does have a very good layout.
In terms of what let's it down, here are a few examples:
1 - the location of the business on Google is inaccurate. Google says it's about 5 miles from the actual location. The directions given by the owner are very vague too (like turn left 1 mile after a cattle grid when you see a bin) ... Why can't you build a sign or share the location via WhatsApp?
2 - taking into account the price of the rental, some key things were missing and should just be to a higher standard. For example, we couldn't find hand soap in the bathrooms, there wasn't any kitchen towel, there was only one set of keys (but the accommodation can sleep many couples), no oven gloves, there wasn't enough washing powder or dishwashing tablets for a big group staying a few nights ... Small things but could considering the premium price, it should not be an issue.
3 - the house rules are super unwelcoming and very restrictive. It's all about "don't do this" and makes you feel you are just here to hand over money. For example, there are "decorative blankets" that you must remove before using the bed. Why on earth would you put something on a bed that you then order guests to remove?! Considering the cleaning fee, you still have to "leave the accommodation clean and as you found it", strip the beds, empty the bins .... Yes to leaving the place tidy and undamaged, but no to do lots of cleaning, that's why you charge us to cleaning fee. They also threaten to charge if you stain a tea towel!
As i've said, very smart and comfortable place but the rules make it unwelcoming
Ray Monk
If you are looking for a cottage with direct access to the Brecon Beacons, this is it. The guests staying in the barns have direct access via a gate on the drive. Extremely well designed and presented cottages where the owner maintains high standards. There are some lovely touches to the cottages. Large bathroom and comfortable kitchen, dinning and seating areas. Large TV and WiFi connection. Dog friendly.
Jamie “Jamie” Madison
The postcode takes you around 5 miles out from where it actually is, the tesco.delivery driver who arrived had said he had this problem many times and it still hasn't been updated however instructions were provided to assist with this.
This could be so much better for the premium price that is charged. At this higher end rate I would expect to be supplied washing up liquid, at least one toilet roll in each toilet dishwasher tablets at least as the dishes were filthy and all had to be washed before first use. Places I have stayed before have been nice enough to leave a small milk or a little welcome gift such as a local supply of bread or eggs which don't cost much and add a little welcome touch.
2nd issue. Slow replies. We had kids with us and although we were out all day the evenings were to be spent watching some Netflix where WiFi was supposed to be provided. Instead we had 2 days no WiFi no discount offered and slow replies with each two parties claiming they are not responsible for it? We opened the fridge to find pubic hair inside, and a saucepan that looked as if someone had vomited in it and put it back in the cupboard.
I will say the bathrooms were clean and so were the rooms. Very disappointing that there was poor communication and a total day between messages being responded to. The furniture is outdated but the TV is luckily very decent with smart features all useless without WiFi though which was promised.
Edit response. What reason would we have to lie? If you look through the reviews someone else has also mentioned the same about the cleanliness. If you can't be bothered to be there to check the state of the property before or when guests arrive I suggest you stop the accusations of calling people liars. The place was left CLEANER than when we arrived dishes washed rubbish put away and fridge cleaned as we didn't fancy putting our food in a fridge with HAIR. I suggest you get a new cleaner or come and actually have a look before you rent it out instead of trotting off on holidays.
Rachel Pillinger257 days ago
We stayed in Ramblers Retreat. A clean and very comfortable cottage in a fantastic location for walking. The cottage was perfect for us as we did not want to be too close to towns or villages and it had everything we needed for a lovely stay.
Liesl Lowes318 days ago
Excellent location, beautiful cottage with everything we needed for a great few days away. We will definitely be back - thank you!
ANNA1 year ago
Absolutely fantastic place! We stayed in the farmhouse and it had everything that we needed and more. This place is incredibly cosy and full of character. The location is perfect. We will definitely come back. Thank you for the lovely time at Rhiwddu Barns. :)
John Reeves2 years ago
Great farmhouse. Splendid views. Not enough homeliness - a show house.
Quality furniture with spacious bedrooms and does have a very good layout.
In terms of what let's it down, here are a few examples:
1 - the location of the business on Google is inaccurate. Google says it's about 5 miles from the actual location. The directions given by the owner are very vague too (like turn left 1 mile after a cattle grid when you see a bin) ... Why can't you build a sign or share the location via WhatsApp?
2 - taking into account the price of the rental, some key things were missing and should just be to a higher standard. For example, we couldn't find hand soap in the bathrooms, there wasn't any kitchen towel, there was only one set of keys (but the accommodation can sleep many couples), no oven gloves, there wasn't enough washing powder or dishwashing tablets for a big group staying a few nights ... Small things but could considering the premium price, it should not be an issue.
3 - the house rules are super unwelcoming and very restrictive. It's all about "don't do this" and makes you feel you are just here to hand over money. For example, there are "decorative blankets" that you must remove before using the bed. Why on earth would you put something on a bed that you then order guests to remove?! Considering the cleaning fee, you still have to "leave the accommodation clean and as you found it", strip the beds, empty the bins .... Yes to leaving the place tidy and undamaged, but no to do lots of cleaning, that's why you charge us to cleaning fee. They also threaten to charge if you stain a tea towel!
As i've said, very smart and comfortable place but the rules make it unwelcoming
Extremely well designed and presented cottages where the owner maintains high standards. There are some lovely touches to the cottages. Large bathroom and comfortable kitchen, dinning and seating areas. Large TV and WiFi connection.
Dog friendly.
This could be so much better for the premium price that is charged. At this higher end rate I would expect to be supplied washing up liquid, at least one toilet roll in each toilet dishwasher tablets at least as the dishes were filthy and all had to be washed before first use. Places I have stayed before have been nice enough to leave a small milk or a little welcome gift such as a local supply of bread or eggs which don't cost much and add a little welcome touch.
2nd issue. Slow replies. We had kids with us and although we were out all day the evenings were to be spent watching some Netflix where WiFi was supposed to be provided. Instead we had 2 days no WiFi no discount offered and slow replies with each two parties claiming they are not responsible for it? We opened the fridge to find pubic hair inside, and a saucepan that looked as if someone had vomited in it and put it back in the cupboard.
I will say the bathrooms were clean and so were the rooms. Very disappointing that there was poor communication and a total day between messages being responded to. The furniture is outdated but the TV is luckily very decent with smart features all useless without WiFi though which was promised.
Edit response.
What reason would we have to lie? If you look through the reviews someone else has also mentioned the same about the cleanliness. If you can't be bothered to be there to check the state of the property before or when guests arrive I suggest you stop the accusations of calling people liars. The place was left CLEANER than when we arrived dishes washed rubbish put away and fridge cleaned as we didn't fancy putting our food in a fridge with HAIR. I suggest you get a new cleaner or come and actually have a look before you rent it out instead of trotting off on holidays.