The Agent’s House

A Characterful Edwardian Bed and Breakfast near Hay-on-Wye

The Agent’s House is a handsome Edwardian bed and breakfast in the village of Whitney-on-Wye, just a few miles along the River Wye from the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye. Built around 1905 as the residence for the land agent to nearby Whitney Court, it has been lovingly restored to keep its period character — original features and all — while adding the comforts you want today. With traditional B&B rooms, self-catering options and a wonderful garden with a wood-fired pizza oven, it makes a warm and characterful base for exploring the Wye Valley, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.

The House

Step inside and the sense of history is immediate, from the elegant bay windows to the high ceilings and period detail throughout. Breakfast is served in the dining room and prepared using the finest ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible — the perfect start before a day out in the hills or the bookshops. The house is fully licensed too, with a selection of draught and bottled beers and wines, so you can settle in with a drink and watch the sun go down over the garden.

Rooms and Self-Catering

There is a genuine choice of accommodation to suit couples, families and groups. The traditional bed and breakfast rooms are all en-suite and include The Agent’s Office, a spacious, romantic room beneath a high vaulted ceiling, along with deluxe and standard doubles enjoying countryside or garden views. For more independence, there are self-catering apartments and Montgomery’s Coach House — a lovely conversion sleeping up to four, with two large bedrooms, its own living room and kitchen, a secluded deck with a barbecue, a private garden and a gated driveway. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout, and dogs are welcome by arrangement in some of the rooms and annexes.

Kitchen Garden, Firepit and Pizza Oven

The garden is a real highlight. A new kitchen garden and firepit area comes complete with a barbecue and a wood-fired pizza oven, where the hosts serve up superb homemade burgers and pizzas — a lovely way to spend a summer evening with a drink as the light fades over the Wye Valley. There is plenty of outdoor space to relax, and the River Wye itself is close at hand for riverside walks and canoeing.

At a Glance

• Characterful Edwardian bed and breakfast in Whitney-on-Wye, near Hay-on-Wye
• En-suite B&B rooms plus self-catering apartments and a coach house
• Montgomery’s Coach House sleeps up to four — ideal for families and dog owners
• Locally sourced breakfast served in the dining room
• Fully licensed bar; kitchen garden with a firepit, barbecue and wood-fired pizza oven
• Free Wi-Fi throughout; private parking
• Dogs welcome by arrangement in some rooms and annexes
• A few miles from Hay-on-Wye and the River Wye

Exploring Hay-on-Wye and the Wye Valley

Whitney-on-Wye sits right on the A438 between Hereford and Brecon, making The Agent’s House an excellent touring base. The world-famous book town of Hay-on-Wye is a short drive away, with its dozens of second-hand bookshops, independent shops and delis, the medieval Hay Castle and the celebrated Hay Festival each spring. To the south, the Black Mountains and the wider Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) offer superb walking, while the cathedral city of Hereford lies about fifteen miles to the east. The River Wye, one of Britain’s loveliest rivers, is on the doorstep for canoeing, fishing and gentle walks.

Good to Know

Check-in is from 4pm to 8pm and check-out by 10.30am, with early check-in and late check-out available on request. The house is no-smoking throughout, and a car is recommended as there are no regular buses to the village. For more places to stay in the area, see our full guide to Hay-on-Wye accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Agent’s House? In the village of Whitney-on-Wye, Herefordshire, on the A438 a few miles from Hay-on-Wye and about fifteen miles from Hereford.

Is it bed and breakfast or self-catering? Both — there are traditional en-suite B&B rooms, self-catering apartments, and Montgomery’s Coach House, which sleeps up to four.

Are dogs welcome? Yes, by arrangement in some of the rooms and annexes — please check when you book, as a small charge applies.

Is there somewhere to eat? Breakfast is served daily, the house is fully licensed, and in season the garden pizza oven serves homemade pizzas and burgers.

Is it a good base for Hay Festival? Yes — it is only a short drive from Hay-on-Wye, making it a peaceful place to stay during the festival and all year round.

Book Your Stay near Hay-on-Wye

For a characterful Edwardian bed and breakfast with en-suite rooms, self-catering options and a garden pizza oven, a few miles from book-town Hay-on-Wye, The Agent’s House is a welcoming Wye Valley base. Check availability and book your stay using the booking options on this page.