Fronhaul, Cefn Coch, Powys

A sublime extension has transformed this 17th-century farmhouse and barn in Cefn Coch, Powys, into a writer’s retreat for the senses. Extensive glazing has been added, framing beautiful views across the almost 10-acre grounds and out towards the rolling hills in the distance. Old and new are perfectly attuned, with new fittings and fixtures added between textured stone walls and exposed timber beams.

The Building

Cefn Coch is nestled in mid Wales, almost equidistant from Eryri National Park and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. Reimagining what were previously a derelict farmhouse and barns, the current owners worked with architecture practice BCHN to create a home that balances tradition and modernity. A glass structure was added to link together the extant buildings and establish a set of inspiring, interconnected spaces.

An important part of this extensive renovation project was integrating a strong eco-conscious ethos. As a result, the whole dwelling has been rebuilt with 300mm of recycled insulation in walls and ceilings with underfloor heating throughout, powered by air-sourced heat pumps, a heat recovery and ventilation system, solar thermal water heating and PV panels on the roof, and an EV charging point in one of the garages.

The Tour

Entry to the house is from the yard to the North, past four roller-door garages (one of which leads to a workshop). The front door opens into a double-height entrance hall with a WC and a coat room as well as an inside door to the heated workshop. The main access to the house is down a wide flight of stairs (there is a stepless entrance via French windows on the ground floor).

Directly across from the foot of the staircase is the formal dining room, a delightful space with exposed stone walls and glazed doors to the garden. Beyond is a combined kitchen and living room, a stunning space loosely delineated with original timber posts. The living room, which also has space for a more informal dining area, faces out to the garden through a bank of floor-to-ceiling glazing that wraps around the extended barn. Exposed trusses overhead exaggerate the sense of volume. Large-format Minoli tiles run underfoot here and across the ground floor.

The kitchen has low, galley-style cabinets that maintain a sense of openness. Okite worktops frame appliances from Bulthaup kitchen designers. There is a deep pantry across the way from the run of kitchen units, next to an additional, more intimate reception room with original wall beams.

Creating spaces for writing, illustration and book production was a vital part of the clients’ brief: as a result, there are two flexible studies and a snug at the far end of the house, next to the back door, which also has access to a WC, boot room and generous utility room. The snug is a particularly atmospheric space, with a wall of original panelling and a log-burning stove.

The house has five large bedrooms. The ground-floor main bedroom (located up two steps) lies at the east end of the house. It has doors to the garden, an en suite bath and shower, and a separate dressing room. There is a second en suite bedroom on the ground floor with doors to the garden, providing a wonderful private suite for visiting guests.

There are three more double bedrooms on the first floor of the cottage area, along with a bathroom. The finishes throughout are crisp and evocative. The house has plenty of storage, with a large cellar accessed from the ground floor.

Outdoor Space

The gardens that surround the house are enchanting, spanning just shy of 10 acres and encompassing lawns and sections of formal planting. A large, flagstone-laid terrace extends from the house; glazed doors ensure a seamless permeability in the warmer months. Included in the sale is a meadow behind the house, which erupts in wildflowers during spring and summer.

Next to the meadow are sections of mixed woodland, a wildlife pond, an arboretum, and a bountiful orchard with apple, pear and plum trees. At yard level, the house is divided between the two garages, a tractor store (for those agriculturally inclined), and a workshop. A large timber barn is directly adjacent to the orchard, for additional storage and equipment.

The Area

Fronhaul sits in a rural spot, surrounded by some of mid Wales’ most breathtaking topography. The beginning of the Eryri National Park can be reached in around 30 minutes by car and encompasses endless walking routes, the country’s tallest peaks and stretches of striking coastline. Other natural prospects can be found in the Shropshire Hills, around 24 miles to the east.

There are some delightful spots nearby, including the hamlet of Llanllugan, with an ancient church and stained-glass windows, and the small town of Llanfair Caereinion. The market town of Welshpool is home to historic Powis Castle and its famous gardens. The Montgomery Canal runs through Welshpool and is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll. Montgomery, home to the well-respected restaurant The Checkers, is about half an hour away.

There are plenty of cultural sites close by, including Gregynog Hall, Montgomery Castle, and Newtown’s Oriel Davies Gallery of contemporary art.

Welshpool station is around 25 minutes’ drive from the house, providing links with Birmingham International and London Euston to the east and the beautiful Welsh coast to the west. Road connections are good: the A483 runs towards Brecon in the south, and the A458 brings Shrewsbury within easy reach.

Council Tax Band: E