Johnson Cottage in Brockweir is a homely country retreat, just 20 minutes from the M4, in the heart of the Wye Valley. This beautiful 2 bedroomed cottage is perfectly situated on a footpath that wanders a short distance to a lovely meadow on the banks of the River Wye, and has one of the village's brooks babbling past the front door. It is ideal for romantic honeymoons and anniversaries, or as the perfect location for a more active break with family or friends - relax in front of the fire after a day of exploring or adventuring on and around the Wye; walking, cycling, canoeing, fishing and many other activities are easily available.

Johnson Cottage is the quintessential old village cottage, dating back over 200 years. Recently refurbished, it has retained its charming original features whilst also providing modern amenities. Brockweir is a desirable, unspoilt old village with a strong community spirit and a rich history, where you will find the atmosphere very friendly, quiet and convivial - Brockweir is a truly unique place to get away from it all.

Through the front door, you will be welcomed by a spacious beamed living and dining area retaining all its original and rustic features. It enjoys natural light from the windows and stairs and is transformed into a romantic and homely atmosphere with subtle lamps, which is a feature carried on throughout the cottage. With solid oak floors and rugs, and a woodburner set in an original fireplace with exposed stone walls and a cosy sofa area - its perfect for snuggling up on those cold winter nights or when the summer evenings start to cool. A generous basket of wood is provided, along with kindling and firelighters, and we will make up a fire ready for you to light on the evening of your arrival. Enjoy the warmth and glow of the real wood fire and feel the full ambience of the cottage come to life as the warmth spreads throughout. The cottage also has storage heaters throughout.

The dining table seats 4 comfortably and a TV, DVD player and CD player are provided, along with a generous and eclectic amount of board games, DVDs, CDs and books (including local information and guides) for your enjoyment. You'll also enjoy our rocking recliner chair! The cottage kitchen is superbly equipped with an electric hob and cooker, microwave, washing machine, fridge freezer, toaster, kettle and dishwasher. All mod cons are provided plus larder essentials including tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, washing up liquid, soaps, and all crockery and kitchen and dining linen. We also provide a picnic set and blanket in a large whicker basket so you can enjoy a riverside picnic.

Upstairs, the main bedroom, with kingsize bed, is spacious and airy with a view over the footpath, lush walled country gardens (a popular gathering spot for sparrows!) and across to the hills above Brockweir where you often see horses grazing. It retains beamed features along with original stone window sills and surroundings. In the evening, the lamps (including a tall-shaded corner lamp) give a lovely romantic glow to this room. You'll find an iron and ironing board in the wardrobe and a hairdryer in the drawers here.

The second bedroom, though smaller, is just as charming with a small stone fireplace feature and original exposed stone wall. This enjoys the same views and can be made-up as a twin or double to suit your requirements (please note that the twins are 2'6" (childrens size) that become a kingsize when combined). Both rooms have modern yet sympathetic furnishings, and feature sumptuous duck-down duvets and pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets that will sleep you in indulgent comfort.

Take a moment to watch the horses from the local HAPPA rescue centre on the hill and the birds flying around the trees and eaves of surrounding buildings; enjoy the tranquility of the quiet countryside as the evening fades.

Then to the bathroom, where you can relax with a well-earned soak in the lovely traditional style roll-top bath - always a favourite. Note that the cottage is bath-only, but the mixer taps have an integrated shower head. When you get out, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers await you!

The nitty gritty

You are very close to the tranquil banks of the Wye - head just along the path at the front door and past the famous neighbouring Moravian Church to enjoy the riverside meadows and idyllic views of Brockweir Bridge and the stunning Wye Valley countryside, and continue on over the hill to Tintern, returning via the opposite riverbank after having a look around the stunning Tintern Abbey.

Availability, pricing & how to book

Changeovers are normally Mondays and Fridays (enquire about other days). Weekends are set-priced from Friday 4pm to either Sunday evening or Monday 10.30am; so you can stay 1, 2 or 3 nights for the weekend price. If there are only 2 nights available, this shorter weekend will be priced down accordingly. Move the cursor over a date and prices will appear, and click for a quote. You can book online, or contact us by email and we can do it for you: caroline@blackmountains.biz or telephone 01873 890190.

Location map

From the visitors book at Johnson Cottage

"Lovely cottage, we instantly felt comfortable and relaxed here, a real home from home. The weather has been terrible but it hasn't spoilt our stay and we will definately come back soon to do the walks which were too muddy this time. The pub is very friendly and landlord and landlady had us in stiches. Last but not least, we really enjoyed the Rioja. Thanks for a great break." Craig & Sharon

"A wonderful cottage in such a beautiful surroundings - perfect for our 1st wedding anniversary. It's been a very special week which we will remember. Instantly felt at home here, thank you for your lovely touches. Provisions you left - much appreciated. Very welcoming cottage especially after long day walking! Recommend: Tintern, Eagle's Nest, Symonds Yat, Chepstow to name a few. Locals are all very friendly especially the pub next door which serves fantastic food with the great company. Many thanks. XX (Woof, woof!)" Karl & Deborah and Jasper & Riley the dogs

"Absolutely fantastic short break - incredibly peaceful. Great attention to detailwhich was much appreciated after a long journey. Superb relaxing bath. Lots of reasons for coming back. Excellent." Jackie, John & Marion

"Thank you for the lovely welcome - sunflowers are so beautiful. We loved bacon, eggs etc. too. Sorry we didn't drink the wine - I'm pregnant... Loved all the books and CDs and Tom devoured your DVDs. Never seen such a happy man on arrival... Highly recommend the "Flowerpatch" books [by local author Flora Klickmann] - she writes beautifully and they're so evocative of Brockweir in the war years. Fab. Actually went and bought a copy at the Tintern bookshop. Was great to find her house too! We had some great walks - thanks for all the walky guides and maps - really helpful. Thank you for creating such a lovely place - what a great escape from London! XXX. PS. The sparrow showmen on the vine - viewed out of the bedroom window - beats any breakfast TV..." Caroline & Tom, London

"We had a lovely week in the Wye Valley and we wanted to thank you for letting us stay at your cottage. Johnson Cottage is beautiful, and we have written this in the guest book too. It's obvious that you have spent a lot of time thinking about what to put in the cottage and what your guests would like. Your attention to detail makes a huge difference. The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are fabulous and we found that Brockweir was a good place to start exploring from on foot or by car. We hope to visit the area again soon." Paul & Esther, Norfolk

"The week went pretty much like this...wake to birdsong & sunshine, walk legs off, relax (in bath, beer optional)...eat...sit on quay (beer compulsory)...sleep like a king...wake to birdsong & sunshine... The upstairs is spot-on - cottage charm meets boutique hotel. Loved the village shop...even though it's half a mile away I enjoyed the walk up the hill. The view makes it worthwhile, and the staff are helpful and friendly. Had a fabulous week!! You are very lucky to have this." Victoria & Stuart, Derby

"We're leaving at 10.00am on 10/10/10! And the cottage gets 10/10. we had a lovely relaxing time. Thank you very much. XX" Jo, Chris & Florrie