Cool holiday cottages in Powys, mid-Wales

Ty Hedfan, near Brecon
Its name means "the hovering house" and it's not hard to see why. The cantilevered living room at this award-winning rental just outside the Brecon Beacons national park perches over a river... Photograph: PR

Ty Hedfan, near Brecon
Sleeping eight, the slate, stone, wood and glass property was designed by its architect owners Featherstone Young. Interiors are simple, but with stylish touches such as Ercol furniture, Tom Dixon lights and a Donna Wilson ottoman.
• No phone, ty-hedfan.co.uk, from £950 a week Photograph: PR

Danyfan Carriage, Brecon
A converted early-20th-century railway carriage for two, tiny Danyfan is an off-grid hideaway with a well-designed hot shower, washing-up area and compost loo outside, and a woodburning stove inside... Photograph: PR

Danyfan Carriage, Brecon
But it's more elegant than these green credentials might suggest, with antique furniture in the bedroom and living area, and killer views of the Powys countryside.
• 01172 047830, canopyandstars.co.uk/danyfan, from £450 a week Photograph: PR

Pipistrelle,  near Builth Wells
This hi-tech former coach house takes its name from the UK's smallest bat, the soprano pipistrelle (there's a colony nearby). Inside it's clean, bright and light, with spotlights, metro tiles, bentwood dining chairs and fabulous views... Photograph: Matt Davies/PR

Pipistrelle,  near Builth Wells
Pipistrelle is perfect for two but babies are catered for, with a cot, high chair and stair gates provided.
• 01873 890190, cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk, from £420 a week Photograph: PR

Beudy Banc Barn,  near Machynlleth.
Eco-friendly holidays are rarely as comfortable as at this renovated stone barn which sleeps eight... Photograph: PR

Beudy Banc Barn,  near Machynlleth.
It's sustainable (firewood from the surrounding farm, solar and wind power) but stylish, with colourful Welsh blankets, oak flooring and retro armchairs. The bathroom (there's also a wet room) has a bathside window for gazing over to Cadair Idris.
• 01650 511495, beudybanc.co.uk, from £525 a week for two plus £10 per extra guest Photograph: PR

Poultry Cottage,  near Welshpool
Built for the poultry-keeper on the Leighton Estate, this cottage for four has a hint of the fairytale to it, with its barley-twist chimneys and gingerbread-style dormer windows... Photograph: PR

Poultry Cottage,  near Welshpool
Don't miss a trip to nearby Powis Castle.
• 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk, from £483 a week Photograph: PR