I’ll never forget the drive to our holiday spot in the Brecon Beacons – or rather, the comedy of errors that got us there. It was mid-autumn, that golden time when the Welsh hills explode into fiery reds and golds, and we’d piled into the car from Cardiff with the kids buzzing about the hot tub waiting for us. But halfway up the A40, just past Abergavenny, the satnav decided to throw a wobbly and sent us down a narrow lane that turned into a mud-slicked track. Cue Dad (me) white-knuckling the wheel as leaves swirled around like confetti in a storm, and the youngest declaring it “the best adventure ever” while I muttered about trusting technology less. We arrived a bit later than planned, hearts racing, but oh, what a payoff.

Pulling up to this impressive six-bedroom former farmhouse retreat, sleeping all 12 of us lot, I felt that proper tingle of anticipation melt into sheer delight. It’s the kind of place that screams luxury indulgence for a big family gathering or mates’ get-together – games room, sauna, cinema room, and that steaming hot tub under the stars. Just over two miles from Llanfihangel Tal-y-llyn and a breezy 1.5 miles from the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog, it felt like we’d stumbled into our own private slice of heaven. First impressions? Spot on. The crisp autumn air hit us as we unloaded, carrying that earthy scent of damp leaves and woodsmoke, and the surrounding fields were carpeted in a patchwork of rust and amber that made everything look like a painting.

Autumn shaped every minute of our stay, turning what could’ve been a standard getaway into something magical. Mornings started with mist rolling off the hills like a gentle Welsh blanket, perfect for cosy breakfasts in the massive kitchen before we layered up for hikes. We tackled the easy paths around Llangors Lake, just a short drive away, where the water mirrored the turning trees in shades of bronze – crunching leaves underfoot and the odd startled pheasant for a laugh. The cooler temps meant the hot tub was pure bliss; nothing beats sinking into bubbling warmth as the sun dips low, painting the Beacons in that soft, slanted light. Evenings, we’d fire up the sauna to chase away the chill, then pile into the cinema room for films, kids giggling over popcorn while the wind whispered outside.

One afternoon, we wandered the trails near Llanfihangel, foraging for blackberries that were at their juiciest – though I managed to snag more thorns than fruit, earning gentle ribbing from the wife about my “city boy” ways. It sparked a quiet moment of reflection for me, standing there with a stained hand and the hills stretching out: life’s too short not to chase these simple joys, especially with the family. No rushing, just us, wrapped in autumn’s embrace.

The season even flavoured our feasts – slow-cooked stews with local Powys produce, washed down with mulled cider by the fire. Sure, the odd rainy squall kept us indoors for games room tournaments (I’m rubbish at table football, fact), but that just amplified the hygge. Leaving felt bittersweet, but those Brecon Beacons autumn days? They’ve etched themselves into our memories. If you’re after a proper recharge, go now – before winter claims the colours.