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Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi

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Exterior
Blackthorn Lodge front patio area
Shows the distance from Blackthorn Lodge's  jacuzzi to its sauna
Sauna
Blackthorn Lodge's own Jacuzzi J225 with jets and waterfall

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 441 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Pontypool near Usk, Panteg, Wales
  • Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • International Convention Centre Wales
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Bristol Filton Airport (FZO)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Main Bedroom

1 King Bed

Twin Room

2 Single Beds

Wet Room Style Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi

Blackthorn Lodge is a professionally cleaned and laundered 2 bedroomed, Visit Wales 4 Star graded, full-size detached country bungalow set in just under 2 acres of grounds - which it shares with its sister bungalow Hawthorn Lodge. Each lodge has its own Free WIFI which can reach speeds of up to 100-116mbps.Blackthorn Lodge is in a 'dark skies' designated area so is perfect for stargazing.

Blackthorn Lodge is situated in the rural village of Coed y Paen and is only a 5-minute walk to the Carpenters Arms country pub and restaurant and is 2 minutes’ drive or 10 minutes’ downhill walk to Llandegfedd Lake’s Visitor and Water sports Centre (kayaking, paddle boarding, peddle boarding, wild water swimming on certain days, wind surfing, fishing, crazy golf, archery, fun days and lots more). It is also less than 6 minutes’ drive to Greenmeadow Golf and Country Club which also has a restaurant and bar.

We offer year-round availability (no arrivals on Christmas Day) for up to 4 guests (including children and babies) and the lodge is available to book for stays from 3 night to up to 28 nights. For groups of more than 4 guests and up to 8 guests we recommend that guests book both Blackthorn and Hawthorn Lodge (which are side-by-side). Our prices remain the same all year round however we have a minimum 3-night stay off season and a 4-night stay during high season - 7-night stays are at our discounted weekly rate.

We do not allow pets, smoking, events or large family gatherings (in the property or in the grounds) and expect our guests to behave responsibly especially with regards to noise, music etc. Our properties are non-smoking and (as is the same for every holiday let in the UK) we expect all of our guests to comply with the UK Government's Fire Safety 2005 Act and October 1st 2023 amendments and regulations which prevents the use of candles, guests' own electrical equipment and deep fat frying in the building etc. As alternatives we provide hairdryers, hair straighteners and single basket air fryers. No one under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults should be left in charge of the building at any time or for any reason. Please feel free to contact us prior to booking for more information should you have any questions.

Blackthorn Lodge is within 10 minutes’ drive to Cwmbran Shopping's retail and hospitality area with its free parking and e-charging points however, local supermarkets including Iceland, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco etc. and some other food delivery services such as Dominos, Just Eat etc. also cover our area (please check with your preferred company prior to booking).

Private lockable garden area with outdoor bike storage: –
Red Cedar Barrel Sauna, Jacuzzi Spa hot tub (solely for use by Blackthorn Lodge guests - no fake tan, sequins or balloons allowed), garden table, 4 chairs, 2 sun loungers and festoon and solar lights. The private lockable garden area can also be used for outdoor bicycle or sporting equipment storage but not for storing or charging e-bikes, scooters or any other type of outdoor e-vehicle.

Shared children's play area - range of Play equipment including a climbing frame with a slide, rock wall and a double swing set, a spring rocker and a trampoline.

Spacious lounge - comfortable corner sofa with storage pouffe (with throws inside), table and 4 chairs, coffee table, board games, 43" Smart Ultra HD tv with Freeview, catch-up tv channels, Apps that can be used to access your Netflix, ITVX, Disney+ etc., accounts and a Blu-ray DVD player. A beautiful glass fronted multi-fuel stove (see photo) - runs the radiators in the gallery kitchen, both bedrooms, bathroom and hallway (please note that the fire must be lit and have reached optimum temperature for the radiators to work). We supply the logs, anthracite, kindling, matches and newspapers free of charge.

Main bedroom - King Size bed, 2 chest of drawers with bedside lamps, pine wardrobe and a 43" Freeview Smart tv with catch up tv, access to apps including Netflix, Disney+ etc.. Professionally laundered white cotton towels are stored in the pine wardrobe. The bedroom also has blackout curtains that keep the light out and the warmth in.

Twin bedroom - 2 full size single divan beds, 2 bedside lamps and mirror wardrobes . Professionally laundered white cotton towels are stored on the top shelf of the mirror wardrobe. It also has blackout curtains that keep light out but also keep warmth in.

Modern fitted gallery kitchen - air fryer, fridge freezer, washing machine, electric ceramic hob, electric oven, toaster, kettle, microwave oven, cutlery, crockery, glasses, pots, pans etc. (please note you will be required to recycle your food and other waste into the containers provided and follow the countryside code during your stay).

The Wet room / bathroom is fully tiled with electric shower, shower chair, shower curtain, toilet, sink and electric shaver point. Also a mirror bathroom cabinet with spare toilet rolls, first aid kit etc. We also provide liquid soap handwash.

Front exterior - designated off-road parking area, sole use terrace/patio area with garden table and chairs, flowers and the shared large grassed area with footballs and goal posts for recreational purposes and a brick-built BBQ are available for guests' use - subject to conditions. Also, a small fruit orchard (home to a small flock of free-range chicken, geese and occasionally wild ducks).

Hawthorn Lodge is a bungalow so there are no steps. It has wheelchair accessible doors, electric sockets and light switches. An adjustable shower chair and a high-rise toilet seat are also available for guest's use should they be required. As we do not have a designated storage and charging area for outdoor mobility scooters we are unable to allow the charging of these vehicles. Please note that the sauna and jacuzzi have steps. Electricity, wood for the wood burner, towels and bed linen are all included in the price. Sorry but no pets are allowed inside the bungalow or in the grounds.

Please note that our free WIFI (no ethernet ports) can now reach speeds of up to 100 to 116 mbps . Although it can only be accessed wirelessly it is more than fast enough for most streaming services and software such as Teams etc.

Property manager

Julia
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
4 guest maximum includes all ages including babies
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests are expected to be considerate to others, respect the property, its contents and follow the house rules. Recycling of food waste is essential.
The lead guest must read and sign the Jacuzzi, Sauna and Play Area conditions of use before using them.
No pets, loud music, parties, events or family gatherings. Smoking only allowed in the private gardens and cigarette ends disposed of responsibly.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pontypool

Located in Llangybi, a neighbourhood in Pontypool, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Grosmont Castle and Caerleon Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Bowlplex Cwmbran and Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway and Super Tubing. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Pontypool near Usk, Panteg, Wales

What's nearby

  • Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital - 8 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club - 17 min drive - 17.6 km
  • International Convention Centre Wales - 17 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Pontypool Park - 17 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Principality Stadium - 31 min drive - 33.4 km

Getting around

  • Pontypool & New Inn Station - 10 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's Pontypool - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Ashbridge Inn Table Table - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Shaheen Tandoori - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Harvester Cwmbran - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Visit Wales 4 Star, rural bungalow - Sauna, jacuzzi, play area and Free Wi-fi located?

This family-friendly Pontypool holiday home is located on a lake, 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Grosmont Castle, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Bowlplex Cwmbran and Caerleon Castle. Usk Castle and Shell Grotto are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Philip L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Australian family visiting

An absolutely fantastic cottage. The hosts were so thoughtful and attentive they even provided a Christmas tree and decorations at our request. We were sad we hadn’t booked it for longer, however we will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julijana A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for a recharge and enjoy in nature!

We had an amazing long weekend with friends at the lodges, located in beautiful surroundings! The accommodation is equipped with literary everything, the fireplace makes it super cozy, and the spacious outdoor area is perfect for sports, children play and hot tab / sauna relaxing. It's perfect, I couldn't recommend more!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice, chilled break.

Well equipped, clean and cosy cottage. We had a really relaxing stay with our young daughter. Great hosts who had thought of everything we might need. The only limitation was the slow wifi, but that is to be expected in the countryside.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

donna c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect, spacious, cosy family getaway

A children’s paradise, lots of space to roam, garden toys, trampoline and play equipment. Lovely, cosy property, accessible and clean. No hesitation in recommending
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gemma R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and perfect

If you want a break from the noise and bustle of town/city life this is the perfect place. Great facilities for the children to play safely. Lovely to be able to enjoy the use of both a jacuzzi and sauna. We loved the fire and it quickly warms up the whole lodge. Julia and Jo the owners were great and really helpful with any questions we had.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely few days at Blackthorn Lodge!

We had an amazing stay at Blackthorn Lodge. Joe and Julia were fantastic hosts. Joe was there to welcome us on arrival and explain how everything worked. Blackthorn Lodge had everything we needed. The Hot tub and Sauna were a welcome treat after a day on the lake and hiking in the Brecons. Couldn't get the kids out of the Hot tub! :) Thanks Joe & Julia for a great couple of days away. Just what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

amy s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Year Break Away

The house was clean and presentable, and easily accessible. Plenty of kitchen utensils/cups and plates etc. Main bedroom bed was very comfy, the childrens single beds were a little hard and our daughter struggled. Children loved the hot tub, downside being you have to walk around the front to the back and especially when it's cold was off putting but others may not be bothered by this - it was just hard with a toddler. Main sticking point was the wood burner fire/heating - it was either freezing cold in the mornings and you had to wake up throughout the night to restart the fire or it was so hot we had to have the doors open in a wind/rain storm. Toddler loved feeding the geese and chickens.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable peaceful cottage, great hot tub & sauna

The 3 of us (2 adults, 1 child) had a great week at this nicely rural property. Hot tub and sauna were well looked after and a treat to have exclusive use. The cottage shares the site with another holiday cottage, with a large shared grassed area to the front - good for football! 10 min walk to the local pub for dinner and the reservoir for watersports. No shops within walking distance but plenty in the nearby towns. Overall a great base from which to explore the local area. Recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

wendy l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

fabulous christmas break away

Had a lovely christmas break in this accommodation. We needed for nothing. The hot tub and log burner were fab. The steam room was fab until we encountered some wasps and then my husband wouldnt go back in. The owners were lovely and left refreshments and plenty of wood and coal etc. Would love to stay in summer to enjoy the play area. The Christmas decorations were lovely.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis of calm

Peace, tranquility, comfort. Perfect for seeing this part of Wales. Relax in hot tub then sauna and chill later to watch films . Pubs in in Usk and closer by, Usk Castle, Fagans museum worth a visit
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved it

Stayed here with friends the place had more than everything we needed, we wouldn't hesitate to come back
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and peaceful

All the basic items were to hand from tea towels to dettol wipes, Oven gloves to bottle opener. Very much appreciated. Made it alot easier for me. Even games to entertain the grandchildren.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicola T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Low key New Year

We had a lovely low key New Year (two couples). The cottage is clean and well equipped. It's heated by a stovax multi fuel burner but the shower is electric. I'm a cold person so I worried that I would get chilly at night but the place retains the heat really well, the hosts are also generous with the wood & coal and brought us more when we ran low (lots of places we have been are a bit stingy!). The hot tub and sauna were a lovely addition and treated every day. Kitchen equipment was well stocked and plastic glasses provided for the hot tub. I am disabled ( standard size manual wheelchair user) and was able to navigate the cottage and the bathroom is actually a wet room. Note there is a small strip of beach type shingle separating the hard pathway that leads round the back to the hot tub so I needed help navigating this. Julia was really communicative both before and during our visit, but not intrusive. The area is really nice with walks around. We went to eat and sample some craft beers at the Tiny Rebel Brewery on the outskirts of Newport and would recommend it! Overally we had a lovely stay and would definitely come again. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy bungalow with hot tub, sauna and wood-burning stove

A lovely, peaceful place to stay. Host Joe attends every day to check hot tub chemicals and bring more logs/kindling/ smokeless fuel. Nice area for visiting castles, market towns, etc. I would definitely go again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Lovely place for a weekend with friends, friendly hosts, lovely location, clean property with all we needed, loved the hot tub and sauna
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Helen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fab family holiday

Lovely location great facilities hosts we’re very accommodating would definitely stay there again
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome with kids

A wonderful space for kids, with open spaces, animals, playground, games, jacuzzi and BBQ facilities. Wonderful animal farm and soft play nearby and surprisingly easy drive (one hour) to beaches. Julia pays great attention to detail and the property is very well appointed.

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

Really nice location, I’m already looking forward to going back. Thank you for a lovely stay
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place to Stay

Couldnt ask for more. Everything you need at hand . Lovely Log Fire , so very cosy . Owners always ready to help . If you want a home from home feel Blackthorn Lodge is the place
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful time, great for the family

The cottage was a great base for a mini break. Great facilities for my two year old nephew, and very accessible for my mum, who has problems with her mobility. The sofa and beds were comfortable, the site was picturesque and the hosts were very welcoming - no complaints at all!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Holly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our short stay with young family

Absolutely perfect. The lodge is like a home from home and Joe & Julia think of everything you may need on your stay. Our children are aged 3 and 2 and loved the play equipment and outdoor toys, the trampoline and watching the chickens and geese nearby. The grounds are gated and secure and we could let them run around freely without worrying. The accommodation was spotless, the rooms are cosy and comfortable. There is a really homely touch to the place which is in the smaller details and made our stay extra special. Joe & Julie are so lovely and accommodating and we hope to return in the near future.

About the host

Hosted by Julia

Host profile image
We've been hosts since 2010 and the best part about it is getting to meet so many lovely people from all over the world and sharing our two lodges at Blackthorn Meadow with them. We are happily on hand if help or advice is needed and always do our best to ensure that everything is there for our guests' stay. We built both bungalows as stables and a barn back in the 1990s when we had Section D Welsh Cobs and converted them when the buildings became redundant so they are not and never have been residential properties. My husband Joe enjoys fishing, playing the guitar but I love films, gardening, taking care of our chickens, geese and our wild mallard duck visitors.

What do we enjoy most of all? Seeing our returning guests as you know that you must be doing something right when your guests come back year after year.

Why they chose this property

Blackthorn Lodge is in a 'dark skies' area. It is a 2-3 minute drive - less than 10 minute downhill walk - to Llandegfedd Lake (Reservoir) with its Visitor and Water Sports Centre. The reservoir forms a 434 acre lake which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its wildlife. The purpose built Llandegfedd Lake Water Sports Centre specialises in tuition and equipment hire. You may also bring your own kit and pay to launch your craft. They offer one of the best sailing experiences South Wales has to offer and is a fully accessible activity. Other water activities include windsurfing, dinghy sailing, stand up paddle boarding and pedal boarding, canoeing and kayaking. They have brand new kit for hire including the first fleet of Stand-Up Pedal Boards in Wales. They offer fishing and open water swimming. Llandegfedd Lake’s open water swimming sessions are regulated under the close supervision of their fully-trained team. Pre-booked organised sessions are tailored to clubs, groups and individuals who want to have a go at this hugely popular activity. Llandegfedd Lake also has 4 designated walks that can take you around the reservoir and into the surrounding countryside. Hawthorn Lodge is also close to three local golf courses.

Usk town offers a range of small traditional rural tea shops and restaurants while Cwmbran - less than 4 miles away - offers a Bowl Plex, Vue Cinema, Community Farm, Boating Lake and a host of cafes, restaurants and large retailers.

Local attractions include Blaenavon World Heritage Site, Big Pit, Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, Llandegfedd Lake (Reservoir), Usk Picnic Area etc. The property is less than 6 miles from the M4 motorway which provides easy access to local castles and numerous other attractions including St Fagan's and Cwmcarn Scenic Drive

What makes this property unique

Our properties are situated within an area of Outstanding Beauty which is also a designated 'Dark Skies' area. You can visit our local country pub and restaurant - The Carpenters Arms - or visit Llandegfedd Lake Watersport and Visitors Centre which offers designated walking trails around the reservoir and numerous water sports without having to get into your car as both are within walking distance. If golf is more to your taste, we are also less than 6 minutes’ drive to Greenmeadow Golf and Country Club which has a public restaurant and bar. We are situated within the rural countryside but are only a short distance from traditional villages with quaint tea rooms and modern shopping centres with their shops, bowling alleys and cinemas. You can either relax and enjoy the lodge's Jacuzzis and saunas or if you want to do something more active you can take part in the local water sport activities on the lake or go on one of its 4 designated walks around the reservoir and into the surrounding countryside. If water sports and walks don't appeal to you then you can sit down in the Visitor's centre cafe, relax and watch the world go by while enjoying Bara Brith, Welsh cakes, scones or a full breakfast or other meals from the Visitor Centre's menu.

If you want to avoid the shops, supermarkets including Iceland, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda and Tesco offer a reliable delivery service so you can arrange to have your shopping arrive after you do. Other places to visit include Cwmbran Boating Lake, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Usk's rural life museum (also Roman Fort (ruins), coffee shops, range of small traditional art and craft shops) and Caerleon's Roman legionary fortress of Isca as they are only a short driving distance away. No visit to Wales is complete without a visit to Cardiff's St Fagan's National History Museum - a leading open-air museum (in the castle grounds). We are also within travelling distance of castles, beaches and other attractions.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests