Ty Hedfan, Pontfaen, Powys

This exquisite example of modern architecture is the work of the acclaimed architectural practice Featherstone Young and comes to market for the first time since its inception. Multi award-winning and short listed for the prestigious Manser Medal in 2011, Ty Hedfan is a masterful exercise in light and materials, a five bedroom home with beautifully light lateral living space cantilevering elegantly over the River Ysgir. Contextually driven, the architectural design is a triumphant response to its secluded location in the Welsh countryside, with the Brecon Beacons National Park reachable in five minutes.

The Architect 

Headed by Sarah Featherstone and Jeremy Young, Featherstone Young was established in 2002 and has delivered a considerable number of high quality, innovative buildings. Their work has been widely acknowledged as critical and inspiring – reflected in considerable client satisfaction, numerous awards, exhibitions and media coverage.

Featherstone Young see architecture as a process of place-making, with capturing context and local identity a crucial part of their design thinking. As a result, each of their buildings have unique and distinctive qualities that respond both to the immediate surrounds, their clients’ ethos and that of the people who use them. For their work on Ty Hedfan, the firm won a RIBA Award and was nominated for the Steven Lawrence Prize. The building attracted significant media coverage and was featured on several television programmes.

Listen to our Homing In podcast with Sarah Featherstone here 

The Tour

On the approach, the exterior façade feels effortlessly embedded in its surroundings, setting local slate and stone against the lush backdrop of the treetops. Taking its cue from the traditional Welsh long house form, Ty Hedfan - meaning ‘hovering house’ in Welsh - is highly site-specific and makes use of topographical constraints to inspire its form. In total control of their palette, the architects demonstrate an intentional approach to materials, carefully selected for both longevity and visual appeal.

Distinctive in its elevation, the profile is characterised by two distinct wings, totalling approximately 2,400 sq ft. On entering, a series of exceptional living spaces unfold, cleverly conceived on an angled plan to optimise a sublime quality of light while connecting visually to the spectacular backdrop.

Open-plan living spaces and an elevated courtyard are set with an impressive double-height glass-walled spur, suspended with dramatic effect above the water’s edge. Full-height glass walls draw in a spectacular light across the cantilevered living room, capturing a leafy snapshot of the treetops and views directly down to the river.

Areas for eating and relaxing are loosely delineated to provide versatility and an easy flow, with a suspended fireplace forming a natural focal point in cooler months. The kitchen is defined by clean lines of bespoke cabinetry, with appliances neatly integrated and solid timber flooring runs throughout, adding a tactile materiality underfoot.

The second wing, housing the sleeping areas and study (or additional bedroom) is articulated across the westerly side. Partially buried into sloping ground, the sleeping areas feel enveloped within the surroundings, bringing a feeling of quiet and calm. A particularly large bedroom, a peaceful retreat from the rest of the house, is positioned at the furthest end, with an en suite bathroom and bathtub.

The additional bedrooms and a study lead off an arterial corridor, each with plenty of storage and closet space. Beautifully crafted timber-framed windows optimise light and thermal solar gain, with the flourishing sedum roof extending the green outlook. There is direct access from here to the upper decked terrace, framed with natural Welsh slate walls that merge with the natural landscape; a fantastic position to enjoy the views.

There is also planning permission in place to construct a garage/outbuilding on the street boundary, details of which can be found here.

Outdoor Space

The outdoor areas have been incredibly well considered and form an integral part of the overall experience of the house, forming a harmonious equilibrium between the architecture and its surroundings. Decked terraces are strategically placed to enjoy an immersive experience of the river and its natural environment; a celebration of local wildlife, rich in biodiversity and teeming with flora and fauna.

The broader surrounding gardens have been designed to feel naturalistic in their setting, comprising of lawned areas bordered by mature specimen trees. A series of raised beds lie to one side of the house, providing plenty of opportunity for self-sufficient gardening, and a generous parking area at the foot of the private driveway ensures ample space for several vehicles.

The house also has 60 m of enchanting river frontage running in front of it.

Environmental Performance

The house was conceived with passive environmental design at the forefront. Windows and rooflights are carefully placed to maximise thermal gain and views while minimising overheating. The thermal mass of heavyweight elements (including the ground) is used to aid warming and cooling at different times of the year. Each wing has its own continuous running MEV unit that senses humidity and adjusts itself automatically which, combined with ample opening windows, gives excellent internal air quality. The green roof on the lower wing is biodiverse and provides an attractive backdrop from the upper levels.

The Area

Uniquely positioned in the Brecon Beacons, five miles north of Brecon, the small village of Pontfaen is surrounded by rolling Welsh countryside. Best known for hillwalking, the location of the house provides the ideal starting point for many of the best-known routes. Pen-y-Fan is the highest peak and can be tackled from the north (the side closest to the house) to avoid the crowds. A host of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking or white-water rafting - for which the area is well-renowned - are easily accessible; it is even possible to kayak down the river directly from the house.

The charming market town of Brecon can be reached in around 15 minutes by car. It is characterised by its narrow streets and canal paths, has a good selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a leisure centre with a swimming pool, a theatre, a hospital, a library and a museum and art gallery.

Hay-on-Wye lies just over 20 miles east; a lively town on the River Wye famed for its many bookshops and the revered literary event the Hay Festival or, as it’s been coined, ‘the Woodstock of the mind’. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants to nearby including The Griffin, The Hardwick and The Walnut Tree, which specialises in locally sourced beef and game, and is around 40 minutes. Chapters is also a popular spot in Hay.

There are excellent school nearby including the highly regarded Ysgol Gynradd Iolo Morganwg for children three-11. For secondary schooling, options include Gwernfed High School or Brecon High School, which is 18 minutes away by car). The private Christ College is also nearby.

The nearest train station is in Abergavenny (approximately 55 minutes away by car) with services north to Manchester and south to Cardiff and Newport, with connections to London and the South West. Newport offers services to London in less than two hours.

Council Tax Band: G