The people behind Ruthlin.
James and Sarah have owned Ruthlin long enough to have brought their children up here. Long enough to know every sound the valley makes.
Ruthlin Farm was originally part of the Hilston Park Estate. Its main value seems to have been in the fishing, which was eventually sold in the 1940s. A developer in the 1990s 'accidentally' knocked over the original farmhouse, which still remains, and converted the barn instead.
The barn is home to the Buchanans and has given us an oasis of peace throughout increasingly 'interesting' times. Part of the charm of Ruthlin has been its secrecy.
However, as the girls are braced to leave school we eventually reached the conclusion that we wanted to share Ruthlin. We have been spoiled over the years, and we want to let others experience the luxuries that we have had.
The woodland grounds and banquet table are yours to use throughout your stay.
Nature arrived and decided to stay.
Ruthlin sits on the England–Wales border where two counties share one valley. James and Sarah are actively encouraging wildlife back to the estate: dormouse boxes in the woodland, nest boxes for birds, and habitats left to grow on their own schedule.
The beavers arrived without an invitation and appear to have decided to stay. The pheasants walk straight past the house without a second glance. Otters move along the Monnow most mornings, if you're patient enough to wait.
This part of Wales belongs to itself.
The Monnow Valley has been farmed and lived in for centuries. Skenfrith Castle has stood half a mile away since the twelfth century. This part of the border has been quietly extraordinary for a very long time.
Ruthlin is unique. It feels like it has been placed outside time. If you want to relax and unwind, you could do a lot worse than stay here.
Sarah will reply personally.
Questions about dates, the cottage, or the valley. Sarah handles every enquiry herself. No platform. No middleman.