Riverbank House lives in harmony with the outdoors. Hang out with an evening tipple on the terrace’s chunky tables and take in unobstructed views of the valley and the canoeists grappling with the rapids. Join them from the river launch. After a barbecue in the sunshine, of course.
Kick a ball into the nets, test the trampoline springs and splash the day away in the eco-heated outdoor pool.
Exceptional stays start here. Burn some wood on the fire and watch the river roll by as you scroll through a full package of Sky Sports. Get some pool or table football going in the games room or pick a book from the shelf and laze and lounge in supreme comfort. Log it all on Instagram over the in-house Wi-Fi.
Let the kids stay up late over board games, because Riverbank House is a place where rules are as relaxed as you are. This is where generations come together, old friends reunite, anniversaries get the fanfare they deserve, and corporate guests loosen their ties a little. Load another log onto the fire and top up your glass.
Perch on the bar stools for breakfast or get everyone around the dining table for dinner. Better still, eat al-fresco on the terrace above the valley with a view of the canoeists riding the rapids. Cook in the fully equipped kitchen or bring in the pros while you hit the pool or pour another Prosecco.
Shop at Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Lidl. Shop for organic meat at Pen-y-Lan farm shop with its own prime herd of Aberdeen Angus, Murray Grey cows, and mixed-ewe flock. Stock up on wine from the Wernddu Vineyard or the Wythall Estate Vineyard. After a tasting, of course.
Sit by the logburner while you wait for a table in The Saracen’s Head: when it arrives, tuck into linguine Bolognese or venison faggots. Enjoy river views from Ye Old Ferrie Inn and tuck into lamb, pigeon, seabass or vegetable curry. Or enjoy a spot of tea and cake at Rose Cottage Tea Garden.
Try the duck pancakes at The Old Court Hotel Restaurant or the leek and Brie tart or home-cured honey-roast ham at The Riverside Restaurant. Head further afield, to Ross-on-Wye for the catch of the day or slow-cooked pork belly at No. 3, or to Moody Cow for good old beefburger or fish and chips.
Here along the banks of the Wye, the gentle rush of the river and the rippling leaves infuse rather than intrude upon your dreams. Riverbank House sleeps 14 in six comfortable bedrooms.
Bedroom one is a ground-floor double with en-suite, while bedroom two on the first floor provides two single beds and an en-suite and cot. Also on the first floor, bedrooms three and four are double en-suites, while bedroom five is kiddie heaven, with two singles, a bunk and a TV (no aerial). Bedroom six is an en-suite double.
