“Our 2nd visit to Vanilla and we were not disappointed! The weather was not kind to us this week ( reminds us of our home in Scotland) and our intended walks were dashed.The Farmers Market in Usk was great and kept us well fed for a couple of days. The Red Kite centre is a must and there is a lovely walk to enjoy afterwards. We had meals at the Kings Head Usk ( good honest pub food), the Foxhunter good but a bit overpriced,at the Hardwick a really excellent meal and we long to go aagain. Finally the Black Bear a fantastic meal and good chat.Our two dogs enjoyed the walks and are gong home fitter. Liffey got 2nd at the Welsh Kennel Club Show this week and beat her great rival. Thanks for everything Julie and Fraser McCullum, Ayr Scotland and two irish water spaniels. PS we wish the next guests an excellent time too!” Julie and Fraser McCullum - March 2014
“Our guests at Vanilla left us this rhyme this week – in their 80s and clearly still having fun! Vanilla Cottage ,an unusual name Through the internet it has now found fame The cottage is quaint a blend old and new The garden is pretty with roses to view Theres everything to use- its just like home The only thing missed was the telephone After drinking the wine – thats gone to your head You swing on the rope as you go up to bed You sink in the bath with bubbles galore You emerge in the gown from the bedroom door Sipping blackcurrant vodka you get into bed And toast to a lovely week ahead. ” Cottage Guests -
“Just a 3 night stay, but long enough to appreciate the effort that has gone into making Vanilla Cottage so perfect. All the little extras were much appreciated. Raglan Castle worth a visit also The Skirrid Inn (oldest pub in Wales) Locally The Black Bear is excellent and the golf club next door is handy for a Sunday carvery lunch. Tony and Elizabeth Lavender Bristol August/September 2013” Tony and Elizabeth Lavender -
“Beautiful cottage in wonderful location. Warm and comfortable. Great to explore the whole area. Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Malcolm and Jean Millington April 2013” Malcolm and Jean Millington -
“The weather Gods were reasonably friendly though it was bitterly cold throughout the week. Highlights were seeing Peregrines at Symonds Yat , walking above Llanthony Priory and going beyond over Chapel Pass . Two cars still abandoned in the snow. Above all , apart from being a lovely area in itself Vanilla Cottage makes a perfect base to go either to Wye Valley or Brecon Beacons. Only regret that not staying for longer. Many thanks also for the comfortable and well equipped cottage and additional touches. Simon, Liz, Edward and the tired but grateful Spaniel Hambledon Hampshire Easter Week 2013 ” Simon, Liz, Edward and the tired but grateful Spaniel -
“A lovely car ride to Tintern Abbey , over the smallest of roads to Redbrook, the Boat Inn, a beautiful spot along on the old railway footbridge over the river Wye, where we had lunch in the sun and saw three kingfishers ! Yesterday four Kingfishers just around the corner from the cottage at the Chainbridge. A wonderful small walk at Goytre Wharf. Canal boats, woodland, meadows and a pub with it. We had our lunch on a bench near the water with lovely views, pleasant for a stroll and we enjoed that sun after we had a lot of rain during our week in Vanilla Cottage. Luckily we are fond of reading and visited Hay -on-Wye, had a perfect walk to Hay Bluff ( Black Mountains) and have been to Tintern Abbey in beautiful sunshine. The Black Bear , very near Vanilla is a lovely pub for a drink and a good meal, but they are slow, but worthwhile waiting for (ask for a waiting snack like garlic bread to kill the time; lovely people. And despite the weather we enjoyed our stay and from the house and garden lots of birds to spot and beautiful colours and smells. Usk Castle: a perfect place to visit, flowers and birds everywhere, no fee but friendly donation asked. For the next visitors -enjoy staying in Vanilla Cottage. Wim and Marianne Huijser Valburg The Netherlands ” Win and Marianne Huijser -
