One for style seekers and/or cyclists, this modern renovation of an old barn sleeps four and is just outside Talgarth, a hub for mountain biking in the Brecon Beacons. Underfloor heating and a contemporary woodburner keep things cosy in this otherwise fashionably minimalist holiday pad … Photograph: Matt Davies
Hang out in the slate-floored lounge, with its picture windows and all-white dining nook, or head out on bikes into the Black Mountains – or make for Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, in search of fabulous local food, and books.
• 0844 5005 101, cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk. From £498 a week Photograph: Matt Davies
This old stone tower for two is surrounded by ancient woodland south of Monmouth. Inside, a beamed kitchen, a bathroom with roll-top bath and a bedroom with brass bedstead create a cosy retreat … Photograph: PR
Walking is the main event outside: the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path run close by, while in the village The Boat Inn serves a pint of Butty Bach and the Inn at Penallt does great food.
• 01600 714997, thedovecote.co.uk. From £310 a week Photograph: PR
History looms large at this ancient building in Brockweir. Now sleeping a family of four, it was once home to the monks at nearby Tintern Abbey, and claims to be the oldest house in the Wye Valley, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It has a huge open fireplace, whitewashed stone walls, beamed ceilings and old leaded windows … Photograph: Matt Davies
More modern features include a walk-in rain shower, flat-screen TV and high-tech lighting. The neighbouring Brockweir Inn does a good line in homemade curries and fish pies, with a wine list crafted in conjunction with Tanners.
• No phone, wyevalleyholidaycottages.co.uk. From £595 a week Photograph: Matt Davies
This sleek barn conversion is green without being grungy. A ground-source pump provides underfloor heating and hot water, a woodburning stove is supplied with logs from a sustainable local source and the roof slates are recycled; but the focus is on unwinding in light, bright spaces … Photograph: PR
Sleeping five, it's a clever mix of contemporary and country, with iPod docks, Wi-Fi and a well-stocked modern kitchen, sheepskin rugs, woollen throws and vintage wooden furniture. Step through the French doors and you're in a wild flower meadow.
• 01497 831225, theperen.com. From £550 a week Photograph: PR
This Swedish-designed cabin up a farm track in Llandogo, a few miles from Tintern, sleeps four. Its (basic) facilities stretch to a bathroom, kitchen and two bedrooms (the second only really suitable for children) … Photograph: PR
A stay here is really about enjoying the outdoors, though, with Cedar Falls waterfall one of many natural attractions in the area.
• 01275 395447, canopyandstars.co.uk. From £615 a week Photograph: PR
