Divine timing came into play when property owner Ceri and her husband were on the hunt for a mountain hideaway of their own in their precious Brecon Beacons (or Bannau Brycheiniog). In our latest chronicle, we hear what they love about their celestial home, Celestia, and how they spend their family time here.
With a strong connection to this beautiful stretch of land in the Brecon Beacons, after many a visit and their very own wedding in a church nearby, when their favourite hotel in the area sadly closed, Ceri and her husband commenced the search for a place of their own. “For us, this area is a perfect location; wild and rugged but very accessible from places like London,” she says, so when they happened upon Celestia, with its enchanting Welsh farmhouse exterior, the opportunity was too good to refuse.
Comprising two buildings; a Welsh longhouse and a converted barn, which Ceri notes “have very different feels,” Celestia exudes that best-of-both-worlds ideal. With inimitable character and integrity found in the old bones of the farmhouse, sitting alongside more modern, light-filled open spaces in the barn. Colour plays an important role here too; with the buttery yellow walls of the farmhouse kitchen bringing the warmth of the morning sun, and the peacock blue Earthborn clay paint in the living room creating a space that is both serene and snug. Especially when paired with the roaring open fire on colder eves.
When asked about her favourite spaces, Ceri notes “I love that much of the original features have been retained and that we have reused and repurposed where possible.” Passed-through-the-family treasures include an antique Welsh coffer and Steinway piano, adding to the character and history of their home. “I also love that the original height of the dining room has remained - it’s funny to think that this is where the animals once slept.”
Despite the 18th century property being in impeccable condition when they purchased it in October 2022, Ceri and her husband were eager to fill it with personal touches. “Over the years we have collected items from around the world, and they have moved with us around the world,” she notes. “Our Indonesian daybed in the sun room of the barn, for example, was last used on a tropical veranda overlooking lush jungle. Two very different settings." “The Burmese mask used to scare our children when they were younger, however it is supposed to bring luck. And luck is indeed what we feel in being the guardians of Celestia.”
Moving outside, the grounds of this valley home in the Brecon Beacons only add to its magical quality. “That feeling of seclusion and peace is quite something,” adds Ceri. “A total detox for adults and children alike.” Surrounded by majestic mountains (the property resides beneath the peaks of Pen-y-Fan - the highest summit in the National Park), lush pastures and trees that soar skyward, this really is a place that encourages freedom, time to reset, and the chance to connect with nature. “One of our favourite things to do is to wrap up warm, head outside as dusk turns to night on a clear evening, and race to see who can spot the first star,” Ceri notes. “We are always amazed at how quickly they all start to appear. We have had nights when we have lost count of the number of shooting stars, too, which is a truly other-worldly experience.” Which gives context to the fitting name of this beautiful home.
When it comes to how they'd spend a perfect day at Celestia, Ceri's preference would be to: “Not use the car and stay very local to the house. It's such a treat to let the children run wild, in and out of the stream, running through the woodland trail and playing cricket on the mowed lawn. Some of us might go for a walk or run up onto the tops, brave a dip in the natural plunge pool or do some yoga in the meadow. Finishing with a sundowner and a big barbecue with everyone on the terrace is the perfect way to end an idyllic day."
But, when they can bear to tear themselves away, there is much to enjoy in the local area too: “Start with coffee in nearby Crickhowell before picking up some goodies for lunch. Then, head up to Partrishow to look at the beautiful, remote church there (where we got married), and then on to wander around the Llantony Abbey ruins. From there, head up over the Gospel Pass, still one of our favourite road trips in the world, and walk up Lord Hereford’s Knob for a picnic lunch. You can then head to Hay-on-Wye to explore the lovely book and antique shops, stock up on treats from one of the delis, and enjoy dinner at one of the wonderful local pubs on the way home.”
Celestial living never sounded so good. Book your break in the Beacons.
