Sequestered away in the Radnor Valley in Powys, Wales, is Little Harp, a 17th-century stone cottage that The Modern House co-founder Albert Hill and his wife, Ciara, have opened as a holiday let – available to book now.

The cottage – which sleeps five in three bedrooms – was originally refurbished by local design practice, Harp Studio, who sensitively built upon the humble simplicity of the original building with a pared-back scheme. Incorporated in the design are flagstone floors, deep inset fireplaces and log burning stoves, as well as white-washed lime hemp walls, exposed solid oak beams and copper pipping. The result is a cosy but elegant, timeless interior, enhanced by details like specially-sourced linen and local ethical toiletries.

Located in the sleepy hamlet of Old Radnor in an area close to the border with England known as the Welsh Marches, a stay at Little Harp is as much about the surrounding landscape as it is about being inside (tempting though it may be to hunker down with a fire going). This ancient landscape is defined by its rolling hills and ridges, swopping river valleys, fertile plains and picturesque villages. The area has long attracted artists and writers, who have found beauty and awe in the landscape.

Runners, walkers, road and mountain cyclists and horse riders are well looked after in these parts, but for those looking to fill a day with less strenuous activity, the area plays host to a lively cultural calendar, running the gamut from the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts and local folk festivals to agricultural shows and a vintage sports car rally. Year-round activities include wild swimming (if you’re feeling brave) and courses such as glass blowing and cheesemaking, offered at Monkland Dairy, a local artisan cheesemaker.

To hear more about Little Harp, we spoke to Albert about the joys of staying in the cottage and how he and Ciara have filled the house with 20th-century art.

Albert, can you tell us about the experience of staying at Little Harp?

“Things seem slower and stiller. There is the sense that time slows down and space expands. The cottage has been there for hundreds of years, so it seems rooted in the landscape. The neighbouring Harp Inn, an ancient Welsh longhouse and recently awarded Best Country Pub in the UK by The Good Pub Guide 2020, has been there even longer so you can really feel the feet of your predecessors who have trodden this hilltop before you, and even those who will do so in the future.

“I really like the fact that in some ways the cottage has changed so little over the centuries, the original 17th-century bread oven, for instance, is still in place, and yet every occupant will have inhabited it in their own way that reflects the time they’re living in.

“We really enjoy visiting the local small towns, Kington and Presteigne, for supplies and going on long, wild walks. We haven’t yet been to half the pubs or visited half the villages or done half the walks that have been recommended to us so it’s always exciting to think about experiencing those too. And, of course, it’s always great to leave behind the grind of work, school or whatever, and live the simple life, at least for a weekend.”

Could you tell us more about the art in the house?

“We have always loved art and have long thought that there’s something interesting about seeing it in a more private setting, such as homes, than in a public gallery.

“We just liked the idea that when you stay at Little Harp, there are some interesting things to look at on the walls as well as this amazing landscape out of the windows.”

To find out more about Little Harp, including availability and prices, please visit littleharp.co.uk