We stayed at Kymin Round House for a W/E as the National Trust have decided that the long term protection of this wonderful folly is best served as a holiday let and it will be shortly joined by a conversion of the old Stables close by. We were extremely fortunate to have dry weather and though Saturday was a dull day Sunday was amazing with a spectacular sunset and then equally stunning sunrise on Monday morning. The views from this property are wonderful from any window. Downstairs it has the ambience of a cosy little cottage in a wood but upstairs the bedroom and bathroom have been furnished in a boudoir style to celebrate the Regency period when it was built although it's original purpose was purely for dining. I found it frustrating to block any of the four bedroom windows with drapes as you could lie in a high brass bedstead and see the extensive views all around you as soon as the blinds were raised. It was a lovely room to wake up in however and hard to drag yourself away from watching the bird life as well as the marvellous views. We walked down some very steep public footpaths into Monmouth on the Saturday and enjoyed visiting the old court house with the spooky manikins in the cells deep below the building. The walk and climb back up was challenging to say the least but it was more a case of being unfit on my part. Having had two hip replacements every test always seems a personal achievement and a tribute to orthopaedic medicine. We drove into Monmouth on the Sunday !! The Beaulieu Woodland Trust land adjacent is also delightful with mossy boulders and contorted trees giving views through either side being an escarpment. We have stayed in several folly conversions with the Landmark Trust which have all been a total joy to experience. Kymin Round House has lent itself to this more easily than many as it has all facilities inside so no trips outside to a separately housed bathroom as with some quirky conversions. This one is less private than many however and necessitates keeping doors locked and using nets on the ground floor to maintain privacy in daylight hours. As it is a recent change of use some visitors do not realise it is now private holiday accommodation and try the doors. The National Trust are going to try to do more to address this problem I believe. It is a romantic and exceptional place to stay in and I think will become very popular so we feel very lucky to have stayed there. We came home Monday way less stressed than when we left on the Friday so thank the National Trust who have kept it so quaint but also so comfortable. When The Stables open shortly grandparents could book Kymin Round House for two whilst family book The Stables which takes four and has a private enclosed garden.

Access here is up a steep hill and through lanes, so it is a difficult climb, however it is worth the trouble. There are three points of interest up here: the Naval Temple, the Roundhouse and the former bowling green and stables. The Naval Temple is an interesting and unique monument, one which is very calm and peaceful. The Roundhouse has an interesting history and is interesting architecturally. While it is now holiday accommodation and inaccessible, the views from here are magnificent, even on the misty day we went. Monmouth is clearly visible, as is the surrounding countryside. The former bowling green and stables are of more interest if prior reading has been done, but they are still an intriguing feature. It would have been of greater interest if the roundhouse was a public attraction, however what is here provides a fun trip for anyone who appreciates history and good views.

An interesting site with a former "picnicking house" and Naval Temple. A good area for a short walk and picnic. Care: the access road is steep and narrow - with limited parking spaces