Merryfields Barn, Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons, Wales

Located in the quiet and peaceful hamlet of Ffawyddog, meaning 'beech grove', Merryfields Barn has a contemporary, cosy feel throughout. Completed in 2009, both bedrooms have beautiful oak beams and floors. There is a Japanese square bath and walk-in shower/wet room, an oak kitchen and utility room. Thick insulation and under-floor heating will keep you toasty, in warm weather, two sets of oak French doors open onto patio areas; one has fantastic mountain views over an orchard and the other is completely private, with garden furniture and a barbecue. There's also a paddock with a small stream and fenced dog-exercise area to the rear.

The village of Llangattock and quaint market town of Crickhowell are within walking distance, as are the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal and River Usk. Crickhowell is well-known for its good shops including two butchers, a baker, small supermarket, art galleries, tourist information office and several cafes, restaurants and take-aways. The area is renowned as a 'foodie capital' and there are annual food festivals at nearby Abergavenny, Brecon and Hay-on-Wye.

The area is perfect for birdwatchers, with buzzards, red kites and even peregrine falcons regularly flying overhead. There's a 9-hole golf course just down the road, a brilliant climbing centre and boating lake at Llangorse, canoeing, paragliding, extensive mountain biking and horse riding routes and a variety of delightful walks nearby, including several from Merryfields Barn itself. Otherwise, you can just relax, unwind and enjoy the garden, gorgeous views and Welsh countryside.

Why is this a greener holiday?

To truly minimise the environmental impact, guests are encouraged to arrive by public transport: the nearest train stations are Abergavenny (6 mi) and Ebbw Vale (5 mi). From there it is possible to walk to the barn from Abergavenny station along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal path (about 6 miles), or there are buses from Abergavenny bus station (250 yards from station) and Ebbw Vale to Crickhowell town centre, which is a 20-30 minute walk from the barn. If available, the owners are happy to pick guests up from Crickhowell by car or alternatively taxis are available.

Onsite the owners have taken a number of green measures to reduce the environmental impact of their tourism business; and as a result have earned Silver from the GTBS. Some of these initiatives include full insulation, underfloor heating, dual-flush toilets & reduced flow taps and a combination boiler which has more than a 90% efficiency rate.