Black Mountain Escapes

Step back in time at Gablebach, a Luxurious and Vintage Country Cottage with Unspoilt Black Mountain Views

Two cosy, character-packed cottages with outdoor tubs and a secluded Carmarthenshire setting perfect for couples.

Steeped in history and surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Tywi Valley, Black Mountain Escapes offers two boutique cottages dating back to the 1600s – each designed for slow, restorative breaks in one of Wales’s most enchanting landscapes. Close to the Black Mountain and the western edge of the Brecon Beacons, this peaceful corner of Carmarthenshire feels blissfully removed from modern life, yet sits within easy reach of characterful villages, ancient woodland and legendary walking routes.

Gablebach, the larger of the two, is the jewel of the collection: a converted stable and hayloft full of original charm, complete with exposed beams, flagstone floors, a handcrafted kitchen and a decadent rolltop bath. Y Golchdy, once the old laundry, is a smaller single-storey hideaway – both cottages are intimate, atmospheric and ideal for couples looking to switch off. Both pair rustic heritage with thoughtful comforts, creating spaces made for slow mornings, long evenings by the fire and time spent simply being together.

Romantic retreats, countryside escapes, star-filled nights – whatever draws you to this part of Wales, Black Mountain Escapes offers a stay shaped by character, comfort and sweeping valley views.

Gablebach – A Storybook Cottage for Two

Once a 17th-century stable and hayloft, Gablebach is now a deeply romantic vintage hideaway where old stone, oak beams and candle-lit corners create a setting made for slowing down together. Every room has a sense of history, every detail feels considered, and the surrounding valley views add a quiet kind of magic that lingers long after you leave.

What sets Gablebach apart from other romantic country cottages is the sense that you’ve stepped back in time. Many original vintage features and restored objects from the past remain in place, while the modern conveniences you need — including a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine and microwave — are present but discreetly tucked away.

Inside Gablebach

A bedroom made for lingering mornings
A French 1920s carved double bed, dressed in luxury linens, sets the tone for unhurried lie-ins and cosy evenings tucked beneath soft throws.

A peaceful dressing room
A charming second room with a single bed – perfect for getting ready, unpacking in comfort or stealing a moment for yourself.

An indulgent, vintage-inspired bathroom

• Rolltop bath for long soaks after long walks
• Vintage shower with timeless fittings
• Victorian washstand, robes and cloud-soft towels
  

Living spaces that feel warm and timeless
Exposed beams and flagstone floors frame a welcoming sitting area with a glowing log burner and a plush sofa – an effortless invitation to pour a glass of wine, curl up, and let the world fall away.

A handcrafted kitchen with an Aga at its heart
Perfect for slow breakfasts, simple suppers and candlelit evenings spent cooking side by side.

Outside Gablebach

• Outdoor bath tubs for moonlit soaks beneath shimmering dark skies
• Sauna from Spring 2026
• Private patio with seating and sweeping valley views
• A peaceful backdrop of birdsong, grazing farmstock and the soft hush of the countryside
  
• EV charger at Gablebach Cottage

Gablebach is dog-friendly, and guests travelling with horses can arrange on-site stabling.

Y Golchdy – A Cosy Single-Storey Hideout

Once the old laundry room, Y Golchdy is a charming, compact retreat perfect for couples who love character and simplicity. With its oak beams, handcrafted details and gentle rustic warmth, it offers a slower pace of living in a beautifully peaceful setting.

Inside Y Golchdy

• Double cabin bed dressed in soft linens
• Shower room with a powerful rainfall-style shower
• Handcrafted wooden kitchen equipped with modern appliances
• Inviting living space with a log burner set into a period fireplace

Outside Y Golchdy

• Private veranda with far-reaching countryside views
• Hot tub for relaxed evenings soaking under dark skies
• Patio heating and outdoor seating for year-round comfort

Y Golchdy isn’t dog-friendly, but it does offer stabling for guests bringing their horses.

The Tywi Valley & Beyond

Set in the peaceful village of Llangadog on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in West Wales, Black Mountain Escapes sits in a landscape shaped by rolling hills, ancient woodland and stories as old as the mountains themselves. From your doorstep, you can wander quiet country lanes, follow riverside paths or simply pause to take in the dramatic sweep of the Black Mountain rising in the distance.

A short stroll brings you to three welcoming pubs, a village shop, Post Office and a traditional butcher – everything you might need without ever getting in the car. The tranquil Afon Sawdde river is also close by, perfect for skimming stones or cooling off on warm summer days.

For days out, the vibrant market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery are just five miles away, offering coffee shops, restaurants, independent boutiques and art galleries. Nature lovers will be drawn to Llyn y Fan Fach, home of the Lady of the Lake legend, and the wild beauty of Mynydd Du (Black Mountain) – both a short journey away and unforgettable in any season.

Local Attractions

This corner of Carmarthenshire is made for slow adventures and scenic days out. From misty mountain walks to historic sites and charming nearby towns, there’s plenty to explore:

• Brecon Beacons National Park – A vast landscape of mountains, waterfalls and wildlife, ideal for walkers and photographers.
  
• Llyn y Fan Fach – A gorgeous glacial lake steeped in Welsh legend, perfect for a romantic hike with breathtaking views.
  
• Mynydd Du (Black Mountain) – Wild, rugged and spectacularly beautiful, offering some of the region’s best walking routes.
  
• Llandeilo & Llandovery – Bustling market towns just a short drive away, full of independent shops, cafés, galleries and places to linger over lunch.
  
• Dinefwr Castle & Estate – A striking historic site with woodland walks and sweeping views across the valley.
  
• Carreg Cennen Castle – Dramatic, remote and unforgettable – perched high above the countryside with a sense of true Welsh magic.

From long rambles to lazy days browsing local boutiques, this part of Wales offers as much or as little as you’d like to do.

Getting Here

Black Mountain Escapes is conveniently located in the heart of Carmarthenshire, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.

• By Car: The cottages are easily accessible via the A40 and A483, with clear signage from Llandeilo or Llandovery. Ample parking is available on site.
• By Train: The nearest stations are Llandeilo and Llandovery, both around a 10-minute drive from the cottages.
• By Air: Cardiff Airport is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away, making the area accessible for longer weekend breaks or extended stays.

A Countryside Escape to Remember

Black Mountain Escapes offers a romantic refuge deep in the Carmarthenshire countryside – two charming period cottages where time seems to soften, and the landscape takes centre stage. Gablebach and Y Golchdy blend 17th-century character with quietly luxurious touches, creating spaces made for lingering mornings, fireside evenings and starlit soaks in the hot tub or outdoor bath. With valley paths just moments away and the brooding beauty of the Black Mountains on the horizon, every day here begins and ends with a sense of calm.

Designed for couples seeking connection, celebration or simply a pause from the bustle of life, these hideaways promise comfort, seclusion and a deep feeling of being away from it all. Dog-friendly Gablebach even allows your four-legged companion to join you – perfect for those who want their countryside escape to be shared with every member of the family.