HAVE you ever dreamed of chucking in the 9-5 and having a complete change of course by becoming a small holder maybe with a pony for the children, some sheep, goats, a few chickens and ducks and a field of vegetables?

Or perhaps you’d prefer to ditch the stressful commute and staring at the PC screen and trade it all in to establish a home-based on line craft or baking business you’ve thought about for so many years or alternatively you want to set up the ultimate a cosy bed and breakfast or possibly you have grander ideas?

January is traditionally a time for resolutions and 2017 may well be the year you realise one you’ve been making every year since you can’t remember when.

Here's a selection of properties in the area where you could go some way to realising those dreams and make them come true.

Here is an opportunity to buy a truly gorgeous, rustic, oak-beamed detached barn conversion, ideally situated between Monmouth and Abergavenny, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms and set in the centre of approximately 9.5 acres with stunning views, outbuildings, woodland and courtyard for parking ten-plus vehicles with four car ports. It’s on the market for £950,000.

Russell Baldwin & Bright, Hereford

Not for you? Then the idyllically situated private and secluded Mill Farm Cottage, Heathfield, Tredegar, may be more to your taste. Requiring some TLC, this detached four bedroom farmhouse also comes with a very useful detached, three-bedroom cottage and three acres of land with driveways to the properties. A rare opportunity it is offered with no chain at £650,000.

EasyProperty.com, National

Dating from the 1750s when the area was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution coal and iron ore boom Clydach Dingle, Brynmawr, not only offers a modernised two bedroom farmhouse but also what is described as an ‘abandoned’ terrace of three cottages and no less than 30 acres of land on the hillside location. If this isn’t enough to get the creative juices flowing there is a further dilapidated stone cottage on the property along with ‘other ruins’ and all priced at £450,000.

Clee Tompkinson & Francis, Brecon

Is a large workshop vital for your future plans? If so this five bedroom property at Church Lane, Coedkernew, Newport, could well be ideal. Priced at £820,000, the four reception home is packed with many original features, has a 4,000 sq ft workshop storage shed as well as a summer house and all located within its own spacious grounds and was previously part of the Tredegar Estate. Access to a paddock to the side of the shed is through large double, timber gates.

Newland Rennie, Newport

A property which has opportunity written all over it is Cwrt-y-Gaer in the hamlet of Wolvesnewton, Devauden, near Chepstow. Superbly located, priced at £1,195,000, the detached four bedroom period house with ancillary accommodation offering three further bedrooms it also has outbuildings and land which includes well maintained gardens, level pasture land and woodland and all in a magical and peaceful.

Grant & Co, Ledbury

Ty Llwyd Farm, Mamhilad, near Pontypool, is a period farmhouse in an attractive position with views towards the Usk Valley. The house is slightly elevated from the farm buildings which are conveniently arranged close to the homestead. Approached over a private driveway Ty Llwyd farmhouse, which has accommodation over three floors comprises four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen/diner, utility, laundry and tack rooms, as well as a large lounge. This extremely accessible small farm is suitable for livestock grazing or equestrian uses. There is a stable block comprising six individual stables, dog kennels, which include individual dog breeding and boarding pens with part under floor heating and washing facilities. Adjacent to the house are two traditional stone and mixed construction single storey ranges, formerly stables and stores. The equestrian use of the holding is further enhanced with the outdoor arena approximately 18.3m x 36m in size. The property is served by an extensive expanse of adjacent farmland. Offers in excess of £1,000,000.

Brightwells, Hereford

Another property will most certainly appeal to those with an equestrian interest. This four bedroom detached house at Cwmcarvan near Monmouth, priced at £950,000, is a former livery and riding school set in 39 sumptuous acres. The property occupies a delightful rural position appreciating magnificent panoramic views towards the Welsh mountains and surrounding countryside. Adjacent forestry provides miles of bridle paths to enjoy. The courtyard area offers extensive stabling providing 15 loose boxes with an undercover horse washing area with an most unusual and attractive clock tower above. There is a useful stores and tack area and outbuilding previously used as an indoor arena with viewing gallery. Further attached shelter and large garage, well used all weather manege with floodlighting.

Fine & Country, Monmouth

Packed with potential this six-bedroom detached house at Graig Road, Upper Cwmbran, Cwmbran with some 26 acres of land is for sale with no chain at £550,000. The property has a swimming pool, games and gym room a private drive way to the substantial family home and stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The property is accessed via a long woodland drive leading to ample parking and driveway to a separate detached coach house which could be converted to further accommodation (subject to planning).

Peter Alan, Cwmbran

This four bedroom Welsh longhouse, set in a rural area, is rather a lot cheaper than some of the houses we have mentioned, but it is no less charming. Ty Graig, Argoed, is nothing short of traditional, with tile flooring, an open wood burning fire and exposed support beams, you will definitely feel like you are living in a house in the country. And with panoramic views of the surrounding area, you will be able to sit in your nice conservatory and just look out over said beautiful countryside. Despite the fact that this house is slightly out of the way of any big towns, you will still have access to fast internet so you will not have to sacrifice your contact with the outside world to live here. Contact with the outside world is, of course, optional however. Offers for this property will be in the region of £420,000.

Richard Tuck Estate & Letting Agent, Blackwood

A possible B&B to be is for sale here, in the form of this six bedroom detached house out in the Welsh countryside at St Brides Netherwent, Monmouthshire. However, it is also not too far away from the main road (other than the motorway) between Chepstow and Newport, so your guests won’t have to travel too far for things to do and see. The house itself will attract some attention too due to its interior and exterior style. Guests will not be let down by the authenticity of the country house feel. Alternatively, you could just buy this house for yourself or your family and it would serve you just as well as a cosy, traditional house that’s just off the beaten track. The guide price for this property is £620,000.

Newland Rennie, Chepstow