Nestled within the heart of the glorious Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons National Park the pretty and friendly village of Llanfrynach is surrounded by towering mountain peaks, undulating fields, and meandering rivers. It is a perfect base for exploring one of Wales' jewel of the landscape, either on foot, on water, or on a bike or horse, but also for amenities and facilities, with Brecon only a five minute drive away.
On the fringe of the village a converted chapel is waiting to greet you with the most pretty of interiors and memorable of character inside. The two bedroom abode has had the most amazing of transformations to create a holiday let that you can enjoy, as well as being an escape for owner Gary when he feels like stepping away from a busy life. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
It was the special location that enticed Gary to convert the chapel into a place perfect for victors, sure they would be as captivated by it as he is. Gary says: "You can do a number of walks immediately from the front door as well as the peaks of the Brecon Beacons which are easily accessible, and there are also easier treks around the canal and the River Usk, which is all flat, with loads of ferns, wild garlic, ducks, herons and swans all on show along the way. And if you are more adventurous you can hike up the mountains where you are rewarded with striking views across south Wales.
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"The amazing waterfalls above Taylbont reservoir are an easy drive." Gary continues, "With Hay-on-Wye just a half hour drive away and there is a great pub in the next village The Three Horseshoes in Groesffordd, which has exceptional award-winning food and is a personal favourite." The landscape is calling you at Gary's chapel but if you fancy staying at a holiday let next to water and away from it all, this cute cabin by a lake can oblige, read more about it here.
Gary has owned the chapel for three years and it took nearly nine months for himself and his business partner to renovate it from a much-loved but dated home into a property that is now distinctive for all the right reasons. Waves of predominantly pink is not the most obvious of choices for décor but Gary wanted an interior that was relaxing and yet refreshing for his visitors.
He says: "Instagram was a big inspirational help. Based on designers I follow, dusky pinks and greens were, and remain, popular colours. We wanted it to feel bright and bold but also feel slightly glamorous and cosy, so we went for brass finishings along with bold pink walls, emerald green tiles, and rustic wood cladding and wood flooring for cosy feel."
The cocoon of colour has been complemented with bold furniture such as velvet sofa and beds in green, mustard and turquoise that add an extra pop of colour. Gary adds: "The brief was also heavily influenced by mid-century modern style, it compliments the heritage of the building and it's beautifully arched windows."
Gary wanted the décor to help him create a home where people could stay and feel relaxed, offering a welcoming and inviting ambience with a touch of glamour and luxury. He says: "It's incredibly cosy in the living area and calm and airy in the bedrooms with a bit of glamour in the bathrooms with the mid-century modern lighting above which gives a real luxury feel, but it's a very practically laid out space inside too.
"The living area and kitchen layout is designed to feel both separate from the kitchen, but also together, with the dining table dividing the two. The bedrooms both have an ensuite so you have that extra privacy that is great with not having to share a bathroom with your family and friends. I think the quality, slightly glamorous furnishings and finishings make guests feel like they are being treated to something special."
Gary's favourite place in the chapel is the open-plan living and kitchen space with the wood burner complemented by the cosiness of the wood cladding, doors and floors. He says: "It makes it an incredibly social space, but then I also love going upstairs where there are higher ceilings, and it feels lofty and airy with lovely views from every windows. I don't get to stay there as much as I would like and it certainly feel like a treat when I do."
The chapel sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms, both with king size beds and a private ensuite, plus there's a dedicated workspce with WiFi. The old chapel is available to book from £535 for a five night stay via Airbnb, who have awarded it one of the most loved homes on Airbnb according to its guests.
For more renovation stories, including holiday lets where you can stay, check out the new edition of the Amazing Welsh Homes magazine which is also packed with renovation stories, interior design ideas, competitions, and discounts – plus a peek inside some celebrities' homes too. You can pre-order it here.
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