This is what the Rough Guide to the best places to stay in Britain said:
The lane narrows until you’re hemmed in by hedgerows. The last house was way back, just when you’ve given up hope, the route darts uphill and you’re at a white painted farmhouse. Even in a Welsh mist it hints at Arcadia, while in sunshine, with silence and views to the Cambrian mountains, it is bliss. Notwithstanding the coc
kerel for an alarm clock, peace reigns supreme at Talbontdrain, Personality does, too, thanks to charming, child-friendly Hilary Matthews. She greets guests like old friends and has the same informality as her décor; a mix-and-match of antique armchairs and pretty watercolours. The loveliest room (en suite) retains original Arts and Crafts furniture. This feels more relaxed home-from-home than B&B, especially so at meals, when guests linger to swap stories over the home cooking. A pretty cottage garden segues into rural hills, and Hilary can pack you a lunch then direct you onto the many walking tracks hereabouts. Many first-timers treat Talbontdrain as an overnight stop en route to somewhere else, then beg to extend their stay when they realise what they’re leaving behind – too late, though, as rooms are invariably booked. Better still, stay three.
