Little Daren

A secluded retreat in the Olchon Valley, Herefordshire

This is the ultimate retreat, a spacious rustic cottage in acres of private land literally on the side of the Black Mountain range that runs from Hay-on-Wye to Abergavenny, with the Offa’s Dyke Path along the ridge.

Freedom to play, explore and unwind, with open spaces all around and the most incredible views. You can walk for miles here without going near a road.

Little Daren sleeps six people, in two king-size beds and two twin beds. It is dog-friendly, although you will need to be careful with the mountain sheep. It is 13 miles to Hay-on-Wye by road, and about the same to Abergavenny. Longtown, with its pub, excellent village shop, castle and activity centre is about 2.5 miles away.

Book Little Daren via AirBnb
Little Daren, a secluded holiday cottage near Hay-on-Wye

AirBnB review

“The house is very well equipped and thoughtfully set up, but it’s the location that is so special. We hiked, had fires and were completely at peace. Will be coming back for sure.”

A small stone house with a moss-covered tiled roof, surrounded by green grass and trees, under a clear blue sky.

More reviews…

  • “Beautiful home, in an incredible location with the most stunning views.”

    Sebastian, 2023

  • “A stunning location, beautiful house and grounds. A perfect place to relax and spend time with the family. Loved making a fire with the fire pit and looking at the night sky. Pure tranquility.”

    Michelle, 2025

  • “Without doubt the most magical experience! We loved the cottage, views and surrounding walks. It was really difficult to leave Little Daren and I wholeheartedly cannot wait to return.”

    Rosie, 2025

  • “The setting is spectacular and the cottage is perfectly placed for taking full advantage of the views and just kicking back and breathing. The approach to the cottage, even in not so perfect weather conditions, is easily negotiable and delightful and the sheep were very welcoming. The cottage itself is wonderful, well equipped for a stay, and very cosy and comfortable. The fire pit is set in the perfect position to enjoy the fantastic views and the BBQ is an added plus.”

    Melanie, 2023

  • “This is a real hidden gem. If you're looking for remote wilderness and tranquility, this is the place. Picture postcard surroundings. You can walk straight from the cottage up onto the mountains behind, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The views were breathtaking and the cottage itself was super cosy and like something from Lord of the Rings! Highly recommend!”

    Olly, 2025

  • “Our stay was absolutely incredible. The location is unbeatable – isolated and peaceful, offering breathtaking views that made every moment special. The property itself has lots of open space, which was perfect for the kids to run around and explore. The hosts were super responsive and made sure everything was perfect during our stay. A perfect getaway that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to escape into nature.”

    Kristina, 2024

A small stone house with wooden door and window, surrounded by lush greenery and trees on a sunny day.
A scenic landscape with a moss-covered stone wall in the foreground, green grassy area behind it, leafless trees and some with budding leaves, and a hillside in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A stone house with a moss-covered roof, set in a grassy yard under a partly cloudy sky.
Cozy living room with wooden ceiling beams, hardwood flooring and cosy decor.
Interior of a rustic cottage kitchen and dining area with exposed wooden beams.
A cosy living room with wood floors and exposed wooden ceiling beams, holiday accommodation near Hay-on-Wye.
A cosy bedroom with white stone walls and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, at a holiday cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
Stone cottage with a moss-covered roof set on a grassy lawn, surrounded by leafless trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Cosy attic bedroom with a metal bed frame and blue bedding, wooden furniture including a dresser and a nightstand, a sloped ceiling, window and skylight allowing natural light, a red rug and potted plants for decoration.
A stone house in a rural woodland setting at dusk with warm lights glowing from the windows. In the foreground, there is a fire pit with a small fire burning.
A rustic stone house with mossy roof in a lush green landscape, surrounded by trees and hills.
A coy rustic kitchen with stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, and a vintage cream-coloured stove.
Cosy kitchen with wooden cabinets, white tiled backsplash, and vintage cream-coloured stove.
A small, moss-covered brook flowing through a wood with tall trees and green foliage.
A cosy attic room with wooden flooring, a skylight window, a beige sofa, a wooden chest with books, a potted plant, and a red patterned rug.
Green hillside covered with bushes and trees, a footpath in the foreground, partly cloudy blue sky.
View from horseback riding in countryside with rolling hills, brown and green fields, and a few sheep grazing.
Person relaxing in backyard with feet up, watching a fire pit with burning branches at dusk.
A stone house with lit windows at dusk, surrounded by trees and grass, with a fire pit and outdoor chairs in the foreground.
A scenic view from a hillside or mountain overlooking a lush green valley with fields and patches of trees, under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.