Penrhadw Farm is an independent, landscape-led hospitality project rooted in the Taf Fechan valley above Pontsticill. Our aim is to carefully restore the farmhouse and barns and shape a modest boutique hotel, restaurant and gardens that celebrate local heritage, strengthen nature, and deliver genuine community benefit.
A new chapter in historic Vaynor…
Penrhadw is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation — a carefully designed project that will renovate and repurpose this historic farm into a boutique hotel and restaurant destination at the southern gateway of the Bannau Brycheiniog | Brecon Beacons National Park.
Our ambition is to blend the warmth of local hospitality with sustainable design and Vaynor rural character. The project will celebrate the landscape, the village, and the unique history of Penrhadw while creating new opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
When complete, Penrhadw Farm will feature a 20-bedroom country hotel, a signature restaurant and lounge-bar within a new barn building, landscaped gardens, garden grill and outdoor dining terraces — all designed to complement the setting and contribute to the long-term vitality of Pontsticill and the wider Vaynor area.
About us…
Penrhadw Farm has watched over the Taf Fechan valley for generations, a working hill farm serving the village of Pontsticill and the wider parish of Vaynor and the rapidly expanding town of Merthry Tydfil. The farm sits in the foothills of the National Park, overlooking the reservoirs, woodlands and upland slopes that define this part of Taff Fechan Valley.
Our ambition is to give Penrhadw a new life while honouring its past and it will continue to be a working farm. The traditional farmhouse and barns will become a design-led hotel with a barn restaurant, lounge bar and relaxed garden grill, all set within restored gardens, meadows and woodland walks.
We are a locally rooted and independent – bringing together farm, hospitality, landscape and community. Penrhadw is not a corporate resort; it is a carefully scaled, landscape-led development designed to feel as though it has always belonged here.
Our Vision for Penrhadw…
At its heart, the Penrhadw project is about three things:
Place: Restoring and celebrating a historic farmstead within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, using local materials, sensitive design and a deep respect for the existing landscape.
People: Creating a welcoming place for guests, neighbours and visitors – with spaces to stay, eat, walk, gather and enjoy the valley in all seasons.
Planet: Reducing our carbon impact and enhancing biodiversity across the full 20-acre site, through green infrastructure, renewable energy, careful planting and long-term stewardship.
When complete, Penrhadw Farm will include:
A boutique farmhouse hotel with characterful bedrooms and suites.
A Barn Restaurant celebrating local Welsh produce and seasonal cooking.
A Lounge Bar for relaxed drinks, coffee and conversation by the fire.
A Garden Grill & Terrace for informal dining overlooking the valley.
Landscaped gardens, woodland paths and meadow walks connecting the buildings to the wider land.
A village-serving car park and improved access, supporting sustainable visits to Pontsticill and the National Park.
What you can expect…
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Farmhouse
At the heart of the estate, the original stone farmhouse is being sensitively extended and restored to form the welcoming centrepiece of Penrhadw Farm. It will house the main reception, lounge bar, and guest areas, combining historic architecture with light-filled contemporary extensions that open towards the gardens and views of the National Park.
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Ty Vaynor
The existing holiday cottages will brought together to form Ty Vaynor, and become the main 20-bedroom hotel building, designed to offer comfort, character, and modern amenities. Finished with Welsh Stone, Slate and wood, with accessible design built-in throughout, ensuring a warm welcome to everyone.
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Barn Restaurant
A striking yet sympathetic new addition to the farm, the Barn Restaurant will provide a distinctive dining experience inspired by traditional Welsh barns. Featuring vaulted ceilings, natural timber interiors, and large bi-fold windows, the space will connect directly to a south-facing terrace with panoramic views of the Taff Fechan valley.
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Lounge-Bar
Our Lounge Bar will offer a warm and welcoming space for guests to relax and unwind — whether enjoying a quiet afternoon coffee, a glass of wine by the fire, or celebratory drinks with friends and family. Blending traditional character with contemporary comfort, featuring natural stone walls, soft lighting, and views across the gardens and Morlais Castle.
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Garden Grill
Set within our front landscaped gardens, the Garden Bar & Grill will offer a relaxed, informal setting for outdoor dining and summer gatherings, perfect for family and friends. Designed to blend with our beautiful countryside, it will provide a space in Spring and Summer for residents and guests to enjoy local food and drinks in the open air.
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Gardens & Grounds
The land will be carefully managed to enhance biodiversity and maintain the farm’s natural beauty, with extensive pollinator, tree and hedgerow planting. Paths and terraces will connect buildings through native planting, stone walls, and seating areas, creating an inviting landscape that feels both intimate and open to the countryside beyond.
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The Snug
Tucked away within the farmhouse, The Snug will provide an intimate, private space designed for family gatherings, corporate meetings, and private dining experiences. The Snug offers a calm and elegant setting for small celebrations, business discussions, or relaxed dining, with a tailored service ensuring every occasion feels personal and memorable — a quiet retreat at the heart of Penrhadw Farm.
Meet the Team
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Geraint McCarthy
Founder
I am Vaynor born and bred, and many of you will know me from our Ysgol y Graig and Vaynor & Penderyn years at school.
My family moved into Pontsticill in 1945, marking eighty years since my late-grandfather started working on the Res for the Taff Fechan Water Board.
Penrhadw used to be my playground when I was young, and it is incredibly important to me that the farm is protected with good stewardship for all future generations to enjoy.
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Steven George
Principal Architect
Steven and his team are the leading architectural practice in the Heads of the Valleys Region based in Merthyr Tydfil and Abergavenny. This award-winning firm brings unparalleled local knowledge and a design approach that has pushed boundaries alongside working to enhance client briefs and final design.
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Nate Raynes
Assistant Architect
Supporting Steven on the project and working to ensure every detail, from the materials to the layout, is carefully considered. Nate has worked on the project from the initial concept stage.
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![Anuerin James]()
Aneurin James
Assistant Architect
Supporting Steven on the project and working to ensure every detail, from the materials to the layout, is carefully considered. Aneurin has worked on the project from the initial concept stage.
