Garden & Grounds

Courtyard garden

The courtyard garden with a pond and shelter under the bows of two enormous oak trees provides ideal site for sun bathing, relaxing and outdoor dining. The pool is teaming with wildlife newts,dragon flies, frogs, toads and water boatmen to keep one entertained for hours.

Spa Sun Terrace

Step directly from the spa pool to the south facing sun terrace with loungers and parasols to relax after a swim.

Al Fresco dining and BBQ

Choose the court yard or opt for the meadow or orchard to set up your BBQ and seating for al fresco dining. The meadow offers superb views over the black mountains and Brecon Beacons where you can watch the sun set from your dining table.

Orchard

A sheltered and shady spot between the apple and pear trees to chill out, surrounded by the wild meadow and hedge groves.

Meadows, Woodland and Wildlife

Over 12 acres of wild meadow and woodland to explore, never ploughed so teaming with spring flowers and wildlife where you can spot buzzards, sparrow hawks and Skylarks above and pheasants, woodcocks, hares, foxes, rabbits and partridge in the undergrowth. At sundown the resident tawny owls and occasional barn owl make an appearance. We planted over 2000 deciduous trees in the margins of the meadow to create a natural habitat for wildlife back in 2005 and this is taking hold with beech, oak, rowan ash and cherry. The boundary hedge groves offer elderflowers in spring , and blackberries in autumn , and sloe berries for sloe gin making early winter. So foraging is a popular pastime at Dukes Barn.

Woodland Dell

The mature woodland dell running the length of the estate carries a winter burn stream, pools and ancient oaks providing an adventurous area to explore , and in spring is a carpet of primroses.

Nature walk / Running / Mountain Bike Circuit

We have created an undulating 2 to 3km trail through the new woodland and meadow around the estate providing an ideal walkway which can be used as a running circuit or mountain bike ride.

Views from the Barn

We enjoy an outstanding 360 degree panoramic view of the local countryside and mountains. We have a commanding view of The Skirrid mountain rising above the meadows to 2000ft and the highest point of the Black Mountains can be seen over 15 miles away. To the north we look up to the 11 Century White Castle some half a mile away and our closest neighbours! To the west we look across to the Brecon Beacons National Park including Blorange which towers over Abergavenny and the Langattock limestone escarpment above Crickhowell leading to Pen Y Fan over 20 miles away. .

Offa's Dyke and Three Castle Footpaths

The Barn is adjacent to the Offa's Dyke ancient long distance footpath, which runs from Chepstow in the south to the North Welsh coast a 180 mile undertaking. more modest is the 19 mile circular Three Castle footpath. So plenty of footpaths to explore the local countryside , for a leisurely stroll or a big day out in the hills to challenge the seasoned hill walker.