This is the estimated nightly price based on a weekly stay. Contact the advertiser to confirm the price - it varies depending on when you stay and how long for.
Stunning views in the most remote and scenic part of southern Britain. Accommodation of a luxury standard: underfloor heating, English oak fittings, antique furniture, high quality electrical goods, pure down duvets & cotton bedding, excellently equipped and supplied with consumables, well-maintained grounds.
Games room with pool, ping-pong, table football, maps, rich library of DVDs, books and games.
Size:
Sleeps up to 15, 7 bedrooms
Will consider:
Short breaks
Access:
Car advised Wheelchair access Nearest amenities: 7km
Family friendly?
Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility
Notes:
Pets welcome No smoking at this property
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, DVD player, Staffed Property
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Pool / Snooker table, Table tennis, Games room, Wi-fi available
The Heart of England / Peak District / Herefordshire region
A thousand years ago, this was the most desperate, dangerous and war-torn part of the British Isles. But also the richest and most sought-after. It left us with the romantic ruins and powerful stories of a troubled past, studded with characterful villages, quirky farmsteads, all in fantastic countryside.
Set in the rain shadow and facing south west towards the Black Mountains, Dukes Farm gets the best of the view, the sun and the weather. It is literally 'smiling across at the Black Hill'.
The Craswall / Black Mountain area
Our local town, Hay-on-Wye hosts the world's most famous literary festival, and is known for its retail richness, good cafés and gentle charm, as well as its cultural life.
Sufficiently remote that all local pubs are free houses, full of character, the local production is cider, and there are dozens of local brews to try.
How to get there
Dukes Farm
What's nearby:
Attractions
Restaurants
Click map icons for more information
Nearest Travel Links
Railway:
Abergavenny: 20 km
Directions to Dukes Farm, Craswall, Hereford HR2 0PW Tel: 01981 510213 Warning: No mobile coverage within 5 miles.
Using SatNav Postcode HR2 0PW will bring you to the end of our drive. This is distinctive, being a right hand turn on a left hand bend. As the road veers away the drive carries straight on. Conversely, if you’re arriving from Hay-on-Wye (up the hill), both sign & drive are on the left at a sharp angle to the road. You’ll need a 3-point turn. The farm sign is in the hedge up to the right.
From Hay-on-Wye Take the B4350 Brecon road out of Hay. Immediately past the Swan Hotel, turn left towards Capel-y-Ffin and Abergavenny. After 2.2 miles, take the left fork for Craswall. Follow the road for 4 winding miles, bearing left by the Bulls Head. 1+ miles further on, turn left for Michaelchurch Escley. At the top of the hill just before a farm, turn very sharp left into Dukes Farm drive.
From M50 At the south end of M50, take A49 towards Hereford, turning left on the B4348 towards Hay-on-Wye. This crosses the A466 and A465 (good shop & garage here), and brings you to Vowchurch, whereupon follow the directions from * below.
From M4 Leave at junction 24, go north along A449. Leave this beyond Raglan, taking the A40 to Abergavenny. At the big double roundabout, take the A465 north towards Hereford. Pass the Rising Sun and the Lancaster Arms, both on the left, and just before the Old Pandy Inn in Pandy, turn left to Longtown and Oldcastle. Take the right fork in Longtown towards Michaelchurch Escley. After about 4 mls, just beyond Michaelchurch church on the right, turn left for Craswall. Follow the directions from ** below.
From Hereford Take A465 Abergavenny rd. Turn right past Belmont Abbey on to B4347 towards Hay-on-Wye. In Clehonger, turn left for Kingstone; in Kingstone, turn right for Vowchurch.
* In Vowchurch, take second left for Michaelchurch Escley When this road terminates in a T-junction, turn left for Longtown. After ¼ ml, turn right for Craswall.
** Follow the road to Craswall for a 1.1ml. Immediately past the 1st farm on the right , take the concrete drive on the right. Dukes Farm is the only house, ¼ ml across a cattle grid. Drive into the yard where you’ll find a welcome, and your front door.
Please call 01981 510213 if you get lost or are going to be much later than planned.
Activities near Craswall
Sports: Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
We rented all 3 cottages for our family get together, and everyone agreed it was a perfect venue for family and friends to gather, very well equipped and a stunning setting. The kids loved the... more
05 Jun 2013
“A Perfect Break”
We stayed in the Goose Cotts for three nights, and we will definitely be back to stay there again. The accommodation is fantastic, a beautiful old building professionally modernised to a very high standard and very well equipped. Everything about this property is comfortable and Ken and Ruth are the most friendly of hosts.
The area is spectacular too. We deliberately chose not to use the car while there and to simply have a relaxing weekend, walking and eating at the splendid local pubs (Bull's Head, Craswall and Bridge, Michaelchurch). The views of the mountains on one side and the rolling Hereford hills on the other are amazing. We ventured slightly further afield on our way home, and next time we will explore the area a little more.
If you want a quiet break, Duke's Farm is perfect.
03 May 2013
“The perfect holiday setting”
We stayed in the Goose Cotts on our 4th visit to this wonderful place. Ruth and Ken always provide a warm welcome. The cottages are well equipped with everything you could possibly need. Goose Cotts is an ideal stay for a couple and provides a warm and cosy environment. The landscape surrounding the cottage is delightful and a very peaceful area to stay. There are many attractions and places to visit within a short distance and this is a relaxing holiday in an idyllic location.
“Perfect, idyllic just wonderful. Need I say more.”
We stayed here as part of a large group celebrating my good friends 30th birthday. Upon arrival, Ruth very quickly met us and showed us round. The accommodation was just delightful with a roaring... more
20 Apr 2013
“Peace on earth.”
What can I say about this place?! It really is peace on earth. You do not have to do anything other than relax. I stayed in the Granary with my husband, and my Mum and Dad, and of course my... more
20 Apr 2013
“A memorable stay in a clean, well-equipped barn with great character and charm”
The beautiful views, shown on the owners' website, are even more spectacular when you walk out on to the verandah and look over the valley. Beds are wonderfully comfortable and shower-toilet... more
We have stayed at Dukes Farm numerous times over the last four years and can honestly say that it is the one place we always want to return to. We enjoy walking with Ted our Border Terrier and Craswall is on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful (and exhausting) scenery you will ever see. The cottages are superbly finished and you do not want for anything however if there was something you lacked I'm convinced Ken and Ruth (the owners) would soon find a solution. Dukes Farm is the perfect place for unwinding and getting away from the day to day tribulations of life!
12 Apr 2013
“A wonderful venue for a special long weekend!”
After a long trip from London we arrived at Duke's Farm, having passed through a a dramatic snow-covered landscape, to be suitably impressed with the delightfully remote and simply picturesque setting. The beautifully beamed interior, substantial log burner and open-plan living area were a joy to behold. Having woken to sunshine on the first morning, we relished the opportunity to explore the delightful grounds and indulge in the favoured pastime of photography. Swallow Barn became very much our home for the duration of our stay, which was a special family celebration. So comfortable, well equipped, warm and cosy. Our time there has created some fond memories, much endorsed by the hospitality of our hosts. We would very much recommend Duke's Farm, and hope to return there as a family in the near future;
01 Apr 2013
“A unique cottage in an idyllic location.”
We stayed in The Granary - we could not fault the excellent amenities and the extra welcoming touches, such as milk and biscuits and a roaring fire to greet us on our arrival. The owners, Ruth and... more
This was our third stay at Dukes farm, we just love it more and more each time, each cottage is superbly equipped with everything you could need, Ruth and Ken ( the owners) are so lovely and... more
21 Feb 2013
“A fabulous, superbly equipped and comfortable place to stay.”
We rented The Granary and Swallow Barn for my father's 70th Birthday. This was a great place to stay with extended family. The hosts (Ruth and Ken Watkins) were very accommodating with our slightly complicated requests for additional days. The accommodation was excellent with lovely attention to detail. It was very comfortable and well equipped. I found nothing that I needed that wasn't there. The children had a great time in the Games Room and on the trampoline and the views from the accommodation was stunning. There are fabulous walks nearby and the owners were very helpful in suggesting local activities and places to visit.
26 Jan 2013
“This was more then a week away, its was fantastic. Thank you”
This cottage is cozy warm and wonderful. The setting is breath taking and the owners Ruth and Ken soooo accommodating. It was hard to leave after a week but we will return.
This is our second visit to Dukes Farm and we stayed in both the Swallow Barn and the Goose Cotts. Both are absolutely fabulous and just perfect. Ruth and Ken are most welcoming and do everything to make the stay go smoothly. It was jolly cold outside but we had great woodburning fires keeping us warm with plenty of wood supplied. We had three dogs with us, and Ruth even provided towels and a place for their bowls...we even think they had sheep moved from the field near our barn just so we could walk our dogs in the field without leads!! How lovely is that!!!
Although there is tons to do nearby you feel as though you don't want to leave the comfort of the barns. It is very easy to just light the fire, snuggle up and eat and drink too much!!!
We will be going back again, the first time I will have ever returned to a holiday cottage more than twice. I still feel there is so much more to see in the area, more walks to explore and now I want return to the Goose Cotts, because it is definately my favourite!
29 Sep 2012
“A wonderful celebration in a wonderful place”
Last week we celebrated our birthdays with 26 others (family and then friends) over a delightful week in this special place. I have not read the other reviews but my guess would be that they were all... more
The countryside in this area is just outrageously beautiful ,and the farm sits right in the lee of the Black Hill. The view looking towards it from the biggest of the three holiday houses is just... more
We've just returned from 4 nights in Swallow Barn at Dukes Farm. We love Herefordshire and have stayed in the area before, but even so were totally bowled over by the fantastic views from the terrace which is south-facing. Swallow Barn is the biggest barn and really sleeps 8 I think, but we loved having the space. If you appreciate superb craftsmanship in terms of the hand-made oak doors, floors, kitchen etc, you'll love it. The bedrooms were fantastic, with beautiful quilts on them. The kitchen had a large range. There was a giant tv and giant fridge and a large log burner with all the logs provided in the price. It has bags of character and there's everything you need. It has a very upmarket feel without being in the least bit intimidating and we felt super-relaxed and thoroughly spoiled there on every level. We think that for what you get, it's excellent value. The owners were incredibly warm, helpful and welcoming but not in the least intrusive. We chose this place as we were celebrating a special birthday and it was perfect. Also, if you want truly spectacular walks 'from the door' in a truly spectacular location, I doubt it can be beaten. As well as the terrace, there was a 'fire pit' and private garden area and we enjoyed playing ping pong in the games barn. Hay on Wye is about 7 miles away and if you've never been to Herefordshire before be prepared for very little traffic even on main roads and constant amazing views. We can't rate Dukes Farm highly enough. I just had a look at the photos on this site and Swallow Barn looks more updated than it does in these photos and I think much nicer than it appears here. We definitely intend to go to Swallow Barn again, though we like the look of both the other barns too. The only tiny thing I'd do differently next time is that I'd bring my own pillows as I found the ones there too firm for my taste. But given I'm normally critical of everything (!), as you'll probably guess from the above, we would definitely give a 10 out of 10 - or higher! Just to add that it would be perfect for anyone who loves walking but even if you didn't, you would love to sit and look at the view and potter about on the farm itself, but there are plenty of places to drive to, including Hay, Leominster for antique shops, Hereford, and I'm sure there are plenty of 'attractions' but we went for the walking so can't say much about tourist type attractions, though there was info in the barn.
21 Sep 2012
“superb”
from the moment we arrived at Dukes farm we were amazed just how lovely it is this is the finest quality holiday cottage we have stayed in .We booked Goose Cottage which was just fantastic very well... more
18 Sep 2012
“Great welcome, superb accommodation and breathtaking views”
Group of adults and young children stayed for a long weekend for a family wedding-all ages catered for with thought and generosity. Simply brilliant and would like to come back for longer next time.
This is the second time we have stayed at Dukes Farm and it certainly won't be the last. Beautiful location, wonderful walks, and so very peaceful! Ken and Ruth are so very friendly and helpful and provide you with everything you could wish for, The converted barns are beautiful, just wish we could relocate to them permanently!! As for the dogs, well they love it there. Would highly recommend this to everyone that is looking for something special.
Response: Independent and owner-run, we are always improving some little thing! Our self-published 'Historie of Cressewelle' has proved a hit with guests, as has a wifi booster taking reliable signal to the Goose Cotts and Granary ground floor. I think we can safely say that, although this summer's weather has been mediocre (to say the least), our outstanding location, great amenities on the farm and 'little touches' like well-stocked kitchens, bathrooms and storeroom have given our guests the best.
09 Jul 2012
“Perfection!”
We stumbled across the Dukes Farm website totally by accident, and what a happy accident it was too. Even before we'd been for our first visit we'd booked a second for the following month and whilst staying for our second visit had already decided to organise two more! I think you know when you've had a really good time away when you honestly don't want to come home and can't wait to return. If you are after beautiful countryside, peace, well appointed accommodation, fabulously welcoming hosts who have thought of absolutely everything possible to ensure you are perfectly comfortable and make the most of your stay you can't help but have a really wonderful time. I'd particularly recommend Dukes Farm to those wanting to walk, ride and generally enjoy all that the area has to offer, those with children, dogs and anyone who really appreciates getting totally away from the rat-race. A very special place indeed, to us a little slice of heaven on earth and having self-catered all over the UK and beyond, anyone would be very hard-pressed indeed to better Dukes Farm. Thank you so much Ruth & Ken I know we'll be back again and again and again and again..........
Response: This rugged part of west Herefordshire is hard against the Black Mountains, un-manicured by modern life, and full of character. We can't help sharing our enthusiasm for it, nor our enjoyment of our visitors. They find that, winter or summer, rain or shine, there are places to visit, things to see, and always a snug home at Dukes Farm to return to.
08 Jul 2012
“A very special place”
The combination of accommodation, location and Ruth and Ken as hosts made this one of the best holiday experiences we have had to date. Accommodation was very comfortable and everything you could possibly need was there.
Spectacular location with wonderful views of the black mountains. Ideal spot for a nice relaxing holiday with lots of opportunities for walking or just enjoying the peace and quiet.
Ruth and Ken are excellent hosts, on arrival we found that Ruth had set and lit the log burner for us since it was a rather grey and damp evening. Ruth has lots of information about walks, places to vistt and where to go if you want to eat out.
We would recommend Dukes farm without reservation and hope to return one day.
Response: We're lucky to have 130 acres of heavily wooded farmland to harvest firewood from, so we usually light a fire for guests' arrival, and always offer unlimited dry harwood logs for their stay. It's all included in our prices.
Beautiful location, glorious views and a very warm welcome. The cottages are equipped to a remarkable standard and the extras make such a difference. All at a very reasonable price.
Response: It's lovely when arriving guests are pleasantly surprised! Without detailing all the good things we offer, a website has to be a bit broad-brush. And try as we might, it's hard to get across the charm & sheer character of Dukes Farm. At least it's a pretty website, and you can use it to look, book, and pay online.
08 Jun 2012
“Fab location, accomodation, views and service”
Accomodation was amazing. Very spacious and very well equipped with special little touches. Like a home from home. Very clean and everything as cited in the blurb. Ruth and family were friendly,... more
Response: Our guests can make the most of the worst Bank Holiday weather with the games room, trampoline, and huge collection of games, DVDs and toys. Plus, the farm & locality provide masses of scenic short... more
08 Jun 2012
“Superb accommodation in beautiful surroundings.”
I booked Duke's Farm (all three properties) for a family get-together to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday. Being a large party (my parents, five siblings plus their spouses and children,... more
Response: The spacious ground floor lounge and dining area have great views, perfect for the more sedate members of the party, while the young folk can break out to the games room, trampoline and gardens. We... more
Although I should probably not speak on behalf of all of our group, I really feel that the Swallow Barn at Dukes Farm is the best place we have stayed. The barn itself is wonderful. The living area is spacious and cosy at the same time, with a lovely wood burner, big sofas to lounge around on and plenty of room at the dining table. The beds are really comfortable and the number of bathrooms ample for a group of pals or a family. There are enough plates and wine glasses for quite a party. We didn't have a party but we certainly used a lot of wine glasses. The outlook from the barn and terrace is stunning: we thoroughly enjoyed watching the lambs frolicking in the fields below, and we loved the sunsets and clear starry nights (when it wasn't raining). Ken and Ruth are marvellous hosts. They have a detailed knowledge of the area and are happy to recommend walks, places to visit and good pubs. Ruth has written a fascinating history of the area and the farm and her family's place in it. They are also great fun. we left feeling we had made two new friends. I would certainly love to return (for the third time).
Response: Dukes Farm's sunny location facing south to the mountain and our lifelong knowledge of the area give us a head's start hosting the best experience possible for our visitors.
23 Apr 2012
“Absolutely first class for accommodation and location.”
This was our second visit to Duke's Farm and, once again, we really enjoyed it. We stayed in 'the Granary' again and it has just about everything; it's well-equipped, comfortable, tastefully decorated, peaceful and easy to heat if the nights are chilly. The views are fantastic and you more or less have the freedom of the farm. Ruth and Ken are perfect hosts; if you need anything they're there, but at the same time it's easy to imagine you've got the whole place to yourself. A perfect place to unwind – we definitely recommend Duke's Farm, even though we'd really like to keep the place a secret!
Response: Thanks for this review - we love to hear those words "well-equipped, comfortable, tastefully decorated, peaceful and easy to heat" because we enjoy making Dukes Farm a real home from home where people can come again and again to reliably find all of the above. Great to be appreciated!
A group of friends 12 adults 3 Children & 4 Dogs. We took over the place for a long weekend. Everyone had a great time the location is amazing, views and facilities excellent. Everything was well appointed, the games room a bonus and used by adults and kids. Ruth and her husband have thought of everything and were very welcoming. We didnt try the catered option but did walk down to the local pub, The Bridge Inn and had a lovely Sunday lunch. The more adventerous of us then walked the Cats Back to enjoy the view of the farm from the ridge. Would recommend Dukes Farm to anyone and I am sure a lot of our party will be considering a return visit.
Response: Guests can walk out from the door over our own farmland: real freedom, and perfect for families with children and/or dogs. There are also great local walks to suit all tastes and abilities, many centred on our diverse local pubs.
I stayed in the Granary for 4 nights with my two little dogs. The place is gorgeous! Tastefully decorated but cosy and homely. We were there that beautiful sunny week in March and we made the most of the beautiful south facing garden with a fabulous view of the Black Hills. There is a super little pub about 2miles walk along the lanes 'The Bridge'. It's right next to the river with weeping Willows around the bridge and it does lovely fresh food. We had a lovely relaxing break and can highly recommend Dukes Farm.
Response: Being able to walk on the farm and to the local pub is a great asset to guests - with or without dogs.
25 Mar 2012
“Relaxation at its best”
This was the second time we had stayed here. The first time was in January 2011. We stayed in the Goose Cotts with our dog. The building has all the charm that you could ask for with a well equpped kitchen and a table for two for that intimate 'get away from it all' atmosphere. The log burner adds to the feel and with no phone or internet reception (except in the bootroom) it is a perfect palce to down tools and recharge the batteries. The hosts were absolutely lovely and will do anything to make your stay perfect which includes not being in your face if you dont want them there...they have the balance perfectly set. In essence i cannot imagine a nicer more perfect place to go to get away form it all.
Response: We really enjoy our visitors, and providing the resources - maps, DVDs, music, guides, games - for them to get the most out of their break.
02 Dec 2011
“If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, then you couldn't do better than Dukes Farm”
This was the first time we have been to this wonderful part of the country and Dukes Farm is one of those great finds which just 'hit the spot'. If you want to walk, this is the place; If... more
Response: This area has it all in spades: mountains, castles, free house pubs, foodie havens ... We enjoy helping our guests find the best, and providing real class and comfort at Dukes Farm for them to return... more
The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2011. This farmhouse has received 30 reviews from previous guests.
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