The Yat B&B, Glascwm (Powys)

The Yat dates from 15th century, set in beautiful unspoilt countryside, now carefully restored and run as a guest house.

Summary Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Facilities Free broadband access Shared gardens Children's games Food and Drinks English breakfast (included) Lunch available (at additional cost) Dinner available (at additional cost)

Nearby recreations Recommended walks Pub (walking distance) Pub (a short drive) Historic houses Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Recommended restaurants (a short drive) Theatre (a short drive)

Introduction

The Yat is an ancient country house, dating from the 15th century, or earlier. Having undergone extensive restoration it is now a grade three star (Welsh Tourist Board grading) family-run guest house. It is open in May during the Hay Festival, then from June until September.

There are only two guest bedrooms and so guests can be assured of personal attention and attention to detail, to ensure that they feel comfortable and welcome. One room has twin beds and the other a double bed, and both have en-suite bathrooms. 

We pride ourselves on being eco-friendly. Organic food is served whenever possible, we have spring water on tap, the hot water for the bathrooms is heated in the summer with the benefit of solar panels, and our gardens and surrounding land is cared for using green methods.

Well behaved pets are welcome, though not in the dining room.

Single occupancy (not during the Hay Festival or The Royal Welsh Show) £50.00: enter "single" as a promotion code to benefit from this reduced rate.  There is a 10% discount for three or more nights.

History to the present day

The Yat, is an ancient house, dating from the 15th century, possibly much earlier.  It has had a colourful and interesting history and was once the centre of the Cwm Mawr Estate, which included much of the valley in which it stands.

Although the area is apparently remote, the site of the hamlet of Glascwm was a special one for the Celts and, as a result, the Romans established a military presence in a fort at the head of the valley.  A large monastery was set up here by St. David in the 6th century, perhaps on the site of the Yat itself (though some believe that the monastery is more likely to have stood on the site where the 13th century church now stands on the other side of the road from the house). Glascwm was once on the drovers’ route to London and was reputed to have had eight inns.  It is now a peaceful backwater, which belies its eventful past. 

The terraced garden around the house may have its origins in Tudor times, Baptist ministers once lived in the Yat; there are ruins of a Baptistry in the garden and a small private graveyard still belongs to the house, where former Baptist owners of the house are buried. The oldest grave dates from 1708.

In Victorian times Kilvert’s diary reported tales of “the wicked Squire Bevan”, who was the owner of the Yat (“or the Court, as he tries to have it called” – you will see the house shown as the Court on old maps). 

Time often appears to have stopped here as you travel along the single-track roads with their tall hedgerows, or through heather clad hills, or by hillside streams.  The area is one of outstanding natural beauty and still has much of the quality of wilderness about it. It was once referred to as ‘Wild Wales’. The last wolf in Wales was killed just a few miles down the road in 1760. Wild ponies can be found wandering on the hills.

The house has been restored by the present owners in keeping with its character but with the addition of modern comforts. The house now has the benefits of underfloor heating under its ancient flag stone floor and of a conservatory, built in oak and with leaded lights. Solar panels heat the water in summer. There is an atmosphere of beauty and tranquillity in the house and in the surrounding area.

Food and Drinks

Food is freshly prepared in the kitchen and, whenever possible, Krystyna and Derek only serve organic ingredients.  Food is also sourced locally and we benefit from a vegetable and herb garden.

We have spring water on tap, so our guests can fill up their water bottles (as well as bathe in spring water).

We serve a traditional cooked English breakfast, with special options for those on special diets.

Evening dinner can be ordered in advance and special diets are also catered for. We serve a three course dinner, followed by coffee, cheese and biscuits. Wine is complimentary (we do not have a drinks license but guests can also bring their own wine). Dinner is served by candlelight in our dining room, where a log-burning stove adds to the atmosphere.

Grounds and gardens

The garden around The Yat most probably had its terraces created in Tudor times and when restoring the garden ancient flag stone paths were discovered, though now mostly under large tree roots.  

There is an orchard, a pond, a small woodland and even a private graveyard, where former owners of The Yat are buried. There are ruins of a former Baptistry in the garden, and it has many quiet spots for sitting, specially created for their views, as places of meditation, or for drawing, reading, or just contemplation. 

Other facilities

The library contains books, through which our guests may browse, on a variety of topics including art, gardening, history, psychology, ecology, interior design and more.

Krystyna Zaremba, one of the owners of The Yat, is a painter who has often organised art and craft workshops based at The Yat.  She now offers personal tuition in painting and drawing in her studio by special arrangement.

The area provides a rich variety of activities. Walking in the beautiful unspoilt countryside is a favourite pastime amongst many of our guests; more energetic guests cycle. Horse riding can be arranged. There is a variety of scenic routes for all three activities. Besides these outdoor activities, the Hay Literary Festival takes place each May in the local town of Hay-on-Wye and Builth Wells is best known for the Royal Welsh Show, which is held there in July. For guests wanting to drive, the Elan Valley is a short drive away and the nature reserve, the lakes and the surrounding hills are stunning. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: The Yat, Glascwm, Wales, Powys, LD1 5SE, United Kingdom

Address: The Yat Country Guest House, Glascwm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys
LD1 5SE

Check In: From 4pm Check Out: By 10am

We can store luggage prior to check in or after check out if necessary.

Directions:

From London by car, the drive can take any time between 4 and 5 hours.

Take the M4 west towards Cardiff, then at junction 24 take the A449 north. Then at Raglan take the A40 west to Abergavenny.  Continue along the A40 to Crickhowell, then take the A479 to Talgarth. At Bronllys, take the A470 to Builth Wells. In Builth Wells, take the A483 in the direction of Llandrindod Wells, go over the bridge, turning right at the roundabout and then first right, taking the Hundred House road.  Follow this road for about 4 miles. At the Hundred House crossroads, take the road marked Glascwm 4 miles. Follow the signs to Glascwm. We are the first big white house on the right hand side (opposite the church).

More photos of The Yat B&B, Glascwm

Landing	Garden	Garden Bench	Roses in the Garden	Garden Gate
Gazebo	Adjoining field	Hills around Glascwm	View of Glascwm	Glascwm church
Dining room	Buddha in the Knot Garden