Ty Berllan (pronounced Tee Bere-chlan) is Welsh for Orchard House. The cottage was built in the late 18th Century, and while the property is not listed it is situated within the stunning Bannau Brycheinog National Park, and we have attempted to bring the convenience of 21st Century living and technology to this period property whilst remaining sympathetic to the surrounding environment.

Arrival and Access to Ty Berllan

Car Parking

Ty Berllan does not have its own dedicated parking space, but there is ample free off-street parking available at Orchard Street / Hoel Y Berllan carpark next door to West End Fish & Chip Shop. Alternatively, on-street carparking is readily available in Orchard Street, Newmarch Street, Newgate Street or Ffynnon Dewi. Please do not park on double yellow lines or private parking spaces.

Access

Ty Berllan is accessed from the street via the red front door. A key lockbox is situated to the top right of the door frame. The code is changed regularly, and the current code will be provided once booking is confirmed. The single key is turned clockwise to open. To lock the door, lift the handle and turn the key anticlockwise. Check the door is locked before leaving.

Smoking & Vaping

For the safety, wellbeing and comfort of all our guests and neighbours the whole of the inside of Ty Berllan is designated No Smoking or Vaping. Vaping is permitted in the courtyard at the back of the cottage; cigarette smoking is not permitted.

Ground Floor Accommodation

Front door

The front door has recently been replaced with a modern secure locking key unit. The door can be locked and unlocked from the inside without the use of a key. This is to enable easy escape if there were an emergency. It does however, mean the door could be unlocked by children. It is your responsibility to ensure your children can’t exit the cottage onto the street unsupervised.

Lounge / Diner

The lounge/diner is fully equipped for 4 guests.

Dining table has drop-leaf panels, please ensure the legs are fully extended before using to ensure it is securely opened.

Window

The lounge is fitted with triple glazed ‘tilt & turn’ window. To open the window in ‘tilt’ mode turn the handle to the right and upwards by ¼ turn and pull towards you. To lock push the window back into the frame and twist the handle back down. The blind is provided for privacy and can be adjusted to manage light.

Network: SKYEBJIE

Passcode: ZqX6Axw EC7ya

Wireless Speaker

A wireless Bluetooth speaker is available in the lounge. Search for BLAUPUNKT PORTABLE SPKR to connect. If the speaker requires recharging a USB-C cable is available in the kitchen drawer.

HIVE Central Heating Thermostat

Ty Berllan benefits from gas-fired central heating, and radiators are fitted in all rooms except the landing. The HIVE thermostat is situated on the wall at the bottom of the stairs. The central heating is programmed to come on during the day. If you are arriving during cooler months, we will aim to put the heating on before you arrive. The cottage does become warm very quickly, so please be mindful in only using the heating when you really need it. However, if you are cold, the heating can be boosted by pressing the Heating Boost button on the top of the thermostat once to boost for 1 hour.

Please do not adjust any other settings

Log Burner

Recently installed we are excited to be able to offer our guests use of the log burner. Note this burner only burns kiln-dried wood and paper and is not a multi-fuel burner.

1. Prepare the fire: Place a small amount of paper in the bottom of the fire

2. Add kindling: Crisscross some kindling diagonally on top of the firelighters.

3. Add small logs: Place 2 small logs on top of the kindling.

4. Light and open the air vent: Light the firelighters and open the air vent to its maximum setting (fully to the right).

5. Open the door: Leave the stove door slightly ajar on the first latch to allow an air gap.

6. Wait for the flue to establish: Allow the fire to burn for at least 20 minutes to get the flue to pull strongly. If the fire goes out when you close the door, the flue may be too cold. If this happens, leave the door open with kindling for at least 35 minutes before trying again.

7. Close the door: Once the fire is burning strongly, close the door to become airtight.

8. Adjust the air control: For the first 10-20 minutes, leave the air control lever near the maximum setting to get the stove up to temperature.

9. Adjust for efficiency: Once the fire is burning well, move the air lever slightly to the left to achieve a controlled, efficient burn. You are looking for a steady, "rolling flame" rather than a roaring one. If the fire slows down too much, move the lever back to the right slightly.

Understairs Cupboard

Guests do not have access to the understairs cupboard, this is for storage of our personal items and supplies for future guests.

Once burning well add a couple of logs and close the door. We supply a small amount of kiln-dried wood and kindling for your convenience. Additional logs can be purchased from the garage opposite.

The cottage is fitted with a number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  One is situated on the ceiling in front of the fireplace.  If you accidentally set one off press the large circular button in the centre of the alarm until the alarm stops sounding.  The alarms are 'hard-wired' in so should never run out of batteries.

Quick manufacturer instructions are available online https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=wYMO6Z0LzMM&t=4

For your convenience we have set up a small tourist corner. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park straddles 2 Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps OL12 and OL13. The 6 Figure grid reference for the cottage is 038 283. A custom OS map centred on Ty Berllan is provided on the wall, but we do not provide copies of OS Maps as there are a wide range of mapping and route planning apps and services available.

The location on What3Words ///parties.steep.huddling

We have provided a selection leaflets and local guidebooks for your convenience. This is by no means exhaustive, and if you do find and an attraction worth visiting, please do add to this collection. We would appreciate it if you could leave the publications for future guests. There is up to date information on What’s On and Activities on the Bannau Brycheiniog website and Visit Brecon website.

There is a small selection of ‘rainy day’ activities – hopefully something to keep you busy. Although Brecon and Bannau Brycheiniog has so much to offer we hope you won’t need them! If you do use them please leave everything as you found it so things are available for our next guests.

Kitchen

We hope the kitchen is equipped with everything you need to make your stay a home-from-home.

Large Appliances:

Hob / Oven Please ensure the hob and oven are switched off after use

Extractor Hood We recommend using the hood if cooking spicy/aromatic food

Washer / Dryer A small supply of washing liquid and fabric conditioner under sink

Fridge-freezer Freezer on the top, Fridge at the bottom. Please remove all your food at the end of your stay

Combi-boiler The boiler should provide hot water on-demand. Please do not change the settings on the boiler. It is serviced regularly by our Gas-safe registered plumber

Small Appliances:  Kettle -  Espresso maker  -  Toaster  -  Microwave  -  Air Fryer

Cooking Equipment

There is selection of pans and cooking equipment hopefully to suit your culinary needs.

We have provided a minimum of 6 dinner plates, side plates and bowls. Additionally, there are 8 mugs, non-ceramic bowls, plates and beakers are available for younger guests. We have a selection of glasses for different beverages in the cupboard above the microwave.

We would appreciate it if you could utilise the granite worktop saver or chopping board for food preparation and hot pans.

Laundry

The washing machine takes a maximum of 7kg of washing. The drier will sensor dry up to 5kg wet clothes. To minimise the impact on the environment wherever possible please use ecologically friendly washing liquid and fabric conditioner.  A clothes airer is located between the fridge-freezer and the washing machine.

The ironing board is stored beside the wardrobe in the main bedroom, and the iron is stored in the cupboard under the sink.

If you need to use a large capacity washing machine there is a self-service ‘WASH ME’ Laundrette located in Morrison’s Supermarket Carpark, Free St, Brecon LD3 7SE

Cleaning Equipment

The vacuum cleaner is stored in the Bunk Bedroom, a dustpan & brush is stored in the cupboard under the sink, and a mop & bucket is stored in the bathroom.

Water Supply

The cottage is supplied by mains water and mains sewerage system. Tap water is suitable for drinking. The water supplier is Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water. If you notice any leaks or problems with the water supply, please contact the owners Lynne and James on 07535 999918 as soon as possible. In an emergency contact the appropriate emergency services.

Ty Berllan is located within the National Park area. The cottage is fitted with a water meter. We appreciate your consideration in conserving water wherever possible.

The Courtyard is accessed through the backdoor from the kitchen. There is no access from the rear of the property. Furnished with a rattan-effect corner sofa and coffee table. The cushions on the sofa are water-resistant, but to ensure you don’t risk a wet bottom we would recommend using the cover provided at night – the Welsh weather can be unpredictable!

The party walls between property Numbers 38 and 40 are shared. We have a good relationship with our neighbour at Number 38. She has a small dog and is happy to answer any questions you may have. She also has a key to the property for emergencies.

If your dog needs to go to the toilet in the courtyard, please ensure any dog mess is removed, and any wee is washed with water. We would recommend exercising your dog on the playing field behind the cottage.

Recycling & Rubbish

Recycling is collected weekly via kerbside collection. Collection day for recycling is Wednesday. If you are staying on a Tuesday night please could you put the recycling boxes out for collection either late on Tuesday evening or by 7.30am on Wednesday morning.

Powys have a 3-box recycling system, and the boxes are located outside the back door

Red Recycling Box

Clean food and drink cans, Aluminium foil and trays, Clean plastic bottles (rinsed, squashed and lids removed), Plastic bottle tops and lids, Metal bottle tops and jar lids, Kitchen and bathroom aerosols Drinks cans, Clean plastic food trays, Clean pots and tubs, Clean food and drink cartons, Paper containers with metal ends and plastic lining (crisp tubes, dough tubes, gravy granule tubs, etc), Clean paper coffee cups (no lids)

Aqua Recycling Box

Clean glass bottles and jars (lids removed)

Blue Recycling Box

Newspapers and magazines, Catalogues and directories, Junk mail, Paper, White envelopes, Shredded paper (in envelope or wrapped in paper), Brown card (as long as it fits in the container)

Items that are not yet recycled at kerbside

Wallpaper, Metallic or glittery wrapping paper, Tissues, Broken glass, Plate glass, Mirrors, Glass cookware (Pyrex), Light bulbs, Ceramics or crockery, Polystyrene, Yoghurt pot lids, Cling film, Crisp packets, Electrical items, Large plastic items, Paint tins, oil cans, Plant pots, Plastic wrappers and bags, Bubble wrap, Mixed material - plastic items, Pill blister packs

Purple Rubbish Bag and Bin

Everything that cannot be recycled needs to be disposed of in a purple rubbish bag. Rubbish bags are collected every 3 weeks and Powys County Council charges £2.50 per purple bag. If you can take any non-recyclable rubbish away with you it would be much appreciated. Where this is not appropriate, please put any bagged rubbish from the kitchen bin into this Purple Bin. Take care to sort your recycling well and keep non-recyclables to the minimum. Thank you for your help with this.