“It was like the Tardis, looked tiny from the outside but plenty of space inside.” That is how one guest described Hay Market House, a restored townhouse in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, the Welsh market town known for its books.
The building spent around 200 years as a pub and is believed to be one of the oldest in town. Its exterior dates to the 1700s. Inside, the restoration kept uneven floors, exposed architectural features and a narrow staircase up to the attic suite. It sleeps up to four across two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and can be booked through Luxury Cottages.
Four floors
The ground floor is an open-plan living and dining area with a wood-burning stove, next to a well-equipped kitchen. Outside is a secluded courtyard garden with furniture and a gas barbecue.
Below, the old beer cellar is now a second sitting room under a vaulted brick ceiling.
The first-floor master bedroom has a super-king-size bed, a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower over. On the second floor, the attic suite has a double bedroom and an adjoining sitting room with a foldaway single bed.
Location
Bookshops, independent boutiques, cafes, pubs, restaurants and the weekly market are all within walking distance. The house is well placed for visitors to the Hay Festival, and the Wye Valley countryside around the town offers walking, hiking and canoeing.
What guests say
Past visitors have praised the interiors and the central spot. One wrote: “The bed was like sleeping on a big marshmallow – divine! We had the best night’s sleep.” The same reviewer liked “the sound of the old town clock next door” and called Hay “a beautiful little town with fabulous independent shops and everyone was so friendly.”
Another said: “Wonderful house and a great week. So much space, so much character and what a lovely host. Hay Deli is great, so is The Granary. Do get up early for the market and for bread from the Deli.”
A third reported one drawback. The house is “very close to the clock tower, so not one for light sleepers.”
Others were won over regardless. One guest wrote: “We had the most glorious weekend staying at the property. Everything about it was perfect, from the cosy welcoming living room, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, to the fascinating art; what a jewel!”
