The Yat B&B, Glascwm

History

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 & beverage

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 & 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.