Tretower Court Cottage
A Brief Introduction To Tretower Castle
Cover image from blackmountainsholidaycottages.co.uk
Set in the beautiful landscape of Powys, Tretower Castle has around 900 years of history. The castle was established around 1100 by the Picard family, Norman adventurers who gradually became powerful Welsh lords. What began as a motte-and-bailey fortress was transformed into a substantial stone stronghold, including the impressive circular tower that gives Tretower its name. With its four storeys and walls around nine feet thick, the tower was both a formidable defensive structure and a powerful statement of its owners’ status.
Just across the castle green stands Tretower Court, a magnificent late-medieval residence. In the fifteenth century, Sir Roger Vaughan transformed Tretower into an impressive centre of hospitality and power, with a great hall where lavish feasts were held. Today, careful restoration allows visitors to imagine the court as it might have appeared in the past, complete with a recreated great hall, kitchen and medieval garden.
Tretower and the Tudors
Sir Richard Vaughan was one of the most powerful men in Wales and an ally of the Yorkist Sir William Herbert. He fought for Edward IV and became closely involved in the conflict that brought the Yorkists to power. In 1471, following the Battle of Tewkesbury, Vaughan pursued Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor’s uncle and one of the leading Lancastrian figures. Vaughan was eventually captured by Jasper and executed at Chepstow. This dramatic episode places Tretower directly within the story of the struggle that preceded Henry Tudor’s eventual victory at Bosworth in 1485.
Stay At Tretower Court Cottage
Tretower Court Cottage is a rather special place to stay if you like historic buildings, beautiful landscapes and the idea of having a medieval monument almost on your doorstep.
It sits in its own private garden within the grounds of Tretower Court and Castle, near Crickhowell in Powys, on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The cottage is owned by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and forms part of Cadw’s small collection of historic holiday accommodation.
The cottage itself dates from the eighteenth century and has been extensively restored and refurbished. Cadw describes the interior as having an Arts and Crafts feel, with William Morris fabrics and decorative wallpapers inspired by the surrounding countryside. It’s a single-storey property with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping two to four people, with space for an infant and up to two (well behaved) dogs.
It’s also a five-star Visit Wales property, so although you’re staying in a historic setting, it’s intended to be a comfortable, high-quality holiday cottage with plenty of colour, style and every comfort.
Historic Properties Nearby
If you would like to explore the area, below are some Tudor places to visit nearby:
- Tretower Castle – (less than 1 mile)
- Abergavenny Museum (10 miles) and St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny to visit the tomb of Sir William ap Thomas – found out more here
- Raglan Castle – (12 miles) – discover the castle’s Tudor history here
- Llanvihangel Court – (15 miles) – (open on limited days only)
- If you have more time in Wales, you may enjoy some locations in my itinerary: A Tudor Weekend in Monmouthshire or A Long Weekend In The Tudor Welsh Marches
Visitor Information
Contact Details: You can book Tretower Court Cottage via The Cottage Co here, and you can contact the property via email at office@the-cottage-company.co.uk, or via phone on +44 (0) 1248 430258.
Address: Tretower Court Cottage, Tretower, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1RD.
STAYING HERE? LET US KNOW!
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about this charming accommodation.
If you visit Tretower Court Cottage, please let me know in the comments below or via email at sarah@thetudortravelguidecom. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
