Powys

As the largest county in Wales, Powys occupies a staggering 25 per cent of the country yet has a small population of around 132,000, making it the most sparsely populated county in all of England and Wales.  Given this, it is perhaps unsurprising that the county is characterized by a mountainous landscape dotted with small villages and towns.  The largest of these include Newtown, Ystradgynlais, Brecon and Welshpool. In the unique countryside, dominated by the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are cave systems, lakes, reservoirs and waterfalls, and no fewer than six historic castles, and standing stones dating back 4,000 years old.  The most impressive of these is Maen Llia at 3.7m tall.  However, the county is probably most famous for hosting the annual Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts.  Speakers at this world-renowned event have included Bill Clinton, Stephen Fry and Desmond Tutu.

Barchester homes in Powys: