This cottage places you next to Hay-on-Wye Library and Richard Booth's Bookshop. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a fenced private yard.
Brecon Beacons National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Richard Booth's Bookshop - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Hay Castle - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
The Old House - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
River Wye - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Getting around
Hereford Station - 27 min drive
Cardiff International Airport (CWL) - 104 min drive
Restaurants
The Olde Black Lion - 2 min walk
Antur Brew Co - 9 min drive
The Rhydspence Inn - 6 min drive
The Three Tuns - 2 min walk
Boat Inn - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi
Chancery is a cosy, stylish and fully equipped self-catering cottage (sleeps 4) in a quiet, yet central location, in the heart of Hay-on-Wye. Private parking provided. Park your car and enjoy this characterful towns' attractions by foot, only a few strides from the cottage door.
Charming and eye catching with its' traditional exposed oak beams, stone fireplace and many other original features. This traditional Welsh cottage offers a good sized sitting room, contemporary fitted kitchen and ground floor bathroom. A luxurious roll-top bath plus separate shower unit with great water pressure. Upstairs two bedrooms both with comfortable Laura Ashley mattresses & beds. Free fibre fast wifi provided plus smart TV.
Private courtyard garden to chill out on those long balmy summer evenings, perfect for drinks, reading your recent purchases from the bookshops and catching the sun. Ideal for pets to wander safely as stone walls surround the courtyard garden.
An ideal bolt hole to stay for a few days quiet break, a readers' retreat or a week's holiday. Explore the wonderful Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, and the Borders stunning countryside of Herefordshire. There's so many rural activities available such as canoeing or kayaking on the River Wye, horse or llama trekking, wild life walks or exploring the local ancient castle ruins.
The beauty of Chancery is you can wander on foot from the cottage to the wonderful varied second hand bookshops, cafes serving delicious cakes, traditional pubs and restaurants serving great local foods and the endless browsing around the intriguing individual galleries, shops and historic Hay castle.
Each week there is a thriving colourful market weaving around the length of the the town selling fresh breads, home made brews, flowers, pastries, Welsh cheeses, local veg and lots of crafts. Really not to be missed!
Or if you feel like taking a walk to explore the borders countryside there are several walks you can do directly from the cottage door. A wonderful walk wanders along the Wye to the Warren which has a fabulous coffee stop enroute serving fresh take-aways and coffee. As you meander along the river path through the woods to The Warren look out for the magnificantly wood carving of local birds and animals beautifully carved by local artists. At The Warren you can climb to the top of hill to admire the charming Welsh countryside, let your dog enjoy open fields or find one of the perfectly located benches to enjoy the peace and birdsong of this wonderful rural setting.
On those odd rainy days you can settle into watching a film at the local 50 seater cinema just around the corner from the cottage. Popcorn and drinks available in a beautiful retro seating area before sinking into the comfy cinema seats. Pure enjoyment!
The town is steeped in local history, and Chancery Lane also has its unique story with this small row of workers stone cottages dating back to late 18th Century. Hay-on-wye was a bustling rural market town then, and Chancery Lane was known as 'Pig Alley' which was a holding place for the pigs before heading up to the market at the top of town. Stone workers cottages were later build with the dwellers being some of the poorest families in the area. They continued to keep pigs in the rear alley which was then one long open alley along the entire breadth of Chancery Lane. It wasn't until the 1980's that the stone cottages were lovingly restored by a Salters, a local builder.
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a fenced private yard.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
No elevator
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive recycling policy
Double-glazed windows
Garden
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Please respect the property by bringing your own pet bedding and do not let dogs go upstairs. Do not leave pets alone in the property at anytime.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total (55 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this cottage?
This cottage is located in Hereford, just steps from Hay-on-Wye Library and Richard Booth's Bookshop, and within a short walk of The Old House. You'll also find River Wye and Hay Castle less than a mile away.
Is there parking available at Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi?
Yes, there is wheelchair-accessible parking available.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
What do couples enjoy most about Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this cottage include a fireplace, a smart TV, and a kitchen.
Does Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi have a hot tub?
No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.
Does Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi have connecting rooms available?
No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Are there rooms with balconies at Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi?
No, there aren't any cottage with balconies at Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi.
Pretty cottage, perfect readers' retreat in centre of Hay, parking & fast wifi Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 15 reviews
10 - Excellent
13
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Andrew Jeeves A.
Aug 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage
Excellent location, best appointed cottage we've stayed in, it has everything you would need. Great instructions,clear and comprehensive. Comfortable and cosy. Great place to explore Hay-on-Wye.
It was a lovely cottage on a quiet street in one of our favorite towns.
Sarah
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sarah D.
Apr 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Hay on Wye Break
Amazing cottage in centre of Hay on Wye, cosy and comfortable with everything needed for a restful and enjoyable break away form the hustle and bustle of normal life. There was not enough time to explore the area to the full and we are already planning on returning next year for longer stay.
Incredible accommodations and host was super helpful!! We had a wonderful stay ! Highly recommend this cottage. Thank you !
Audra
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kirsten C.
Feb 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Kirsten C.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lisa P.
Nov 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Autumn Retreat Break
A lovely 3 night Stay in Hay on Wye. The cottage is stunning and so well located for browsing the shops, the sights and the castle and perfect to pop back and forth if needed. Very central but also very peaceful.
Communication from Sue was amazing and she was really accommodating and generous throughout our stay.
I would book here again in a heartbeat.
Lisa P.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
8/10 Good
Eleanor D.
Sep 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Short break in Hay on Wye
This property is centrally located. It is well decorated and very clean with all mod cons. It has its own parking space and an outdoor area. The perfect place to browse book shops from!
Eleanor D.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sylvia B.
Jun 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy cottage in great location
There was very good communication with Sue, the owner, throughout the process. The cottage is exactly as described on the website. It is located in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, which has a fantastic selection of shops and eateries.
The cottage was very comfortable for our party of three adults and a dog. It is well equipped and has the benefit of a small courtyard garden, which is a real sun trap.
We particularly liked the fact that there were a number of walks from the cottage, so we didn't need to use our cars. We have already discussed returning to the cottage next year and would certainly recommend it to anyone visiting this area.
Sylvia B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gretchen S., London, UK
May 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cottage in Hay on Wye
Chancery Cottage was the perfect place to stay in Hay on Wye for our family (2 adults and an infant). The property was clean, well-appointed, centrally located, and cozy. The designated parking spot was much appreciated and the Wi-Fi was fantastic. Everything about the cottage made our vacation as easy and relaxing as possible!
Gretchen S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth L.
Jan 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place to stay in Hay
My husband and our teenagers stayed there while visiting relatives in the area. My teenagers' exact words to describe the place were "cute and cozy". Check-in and check-out instructions were easy to understand which is always helpful. Special gratitude to the host who helped my little family solve some transportation issues to Hay due to some very bad weather. Sue was "above and beyond" helpful to them and we will always be grateful for her gracious assistance. Highly recommend this Vrbo.
Elizabeth L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robert C.
Oct 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy cottage in Hay-on-Wye
We loved our stay at Chancery Cottage. It was clean, central and perfectly equipped.
Our only mixup was when our mobile ‘lost’ the entrance code and we had trouble contacting the owner due to poor reception. It was resolved satisfactorily and we had a fabulous visit to this gorgeous town.
Robert C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nancy G.
Oct 19, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy central comfortable
The property is comfortable. It’s so central even I could walk everywhere in town. The parking space is perfectly convenient. In summer the garden would be perfect for drinks and catching the sun. There were two of us and we were more than comfortable. 4 adults would need to be very good friends!
Nancy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
David L.
Aug 22, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage in a great town location but with easy walkable access to the countryside.