Fairytale off-grid cabin in the Cambrian Mountains with a wood-fired hot tub and incredible walks all around (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
This place could be top contender for our most off-the-beaten track hideaway. It has no postcode — the owners send you a ‘what 3 words’ to pinpoint its exact location — but you’ll roughly find it nestled under the branches of an old oak tree, at the edge of a grassy glen by a stream, in the middle of nowhere! Be prepared to roll your stuff down to the front door in a wheelbarrow, then check out of real life for a while. There are tumbling waterfalls idyllic gorges, caverns, follies and secret gardens to explore amongst the 38 acres of land, and you can expect to see an abundance of wildlife, including birds of prey, roe deer and masses of butterflies.
The cabin is a real stunner, handbuilt and fully off grid, a nature lover’s haven. The shower is hot but it’s outdoors, and there’s no WiFi, just actual time to relax for a change. Stoke the log fire, stargaze from the steaming hot tub (the Milky Way arches right overhead, displaying a galaxy that feels almost within reach) and breathe in the peace and quiet. For those who dream of running away for a few days, this is it.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
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Sustainability.
The cabin was built as sustainably as possible and by hand, using sympathetic traditional methods (even digging the 3ft deep, 16 holes for the base posts). It is completely off grid, and lit by solar lighting, with a compost loo. All toiletries and supplies are sourced from local, Welsh or British suppliers who are environmentally conscious; cleaning products are natural and eco friendly/not tested on animals. Full recycling is in place and the owners planted 5700 trees to create a new woodland around the cabin, which will connect important areas of existing broadleaf woodland habitat and help sequester carbon for the future. Guests can purchase a tree from the owners to be planted on their behalf.
Surrounds.
- The scenery here is incredible. Whether you’re up for challenging hikes, or leisurely rambles, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, hidden gardens and breathtaking views, whichever direction you take from the cabin. It’s truly magical, whatever the weather.
- The estate was chosen for a pine marten reintroduction project 5 years ago, so if you’re super lucky you may see one. You’ll likely to spot owls, dippers, peregrine falcon, red kite and wild hares.
- Y Farmers is a lovely little place, located in the sleepy village of Llanfinhangel-y-Creuddyn, 25 mins from the cabin. It has a great selection of real ale, ciders and craft gins, and a truly delicious, locally sourced seasonal menu.
- While each waterfall is beautiful in its own right, Devil’s Bridge Falls is one to really write home about. In the heart of the surrounding Cambrian Mountains, it’s been attracting visitors since the 18thC. Look out for the fairy doors along the Punchbowl trail, and finish off with lunch at the Hafod Hotel.
- The great pottery throwdown is happening, and it’s happening in mid-Wales. Book a lesson with David and Anouska at Penrhiw Pottery, about 25 minutes from the cabin and take home a momento.
- Visit Grigin Farm, where feeding of wild red kites happens every afternoon around 2-3pm. With hundreds of birds circling overhead, it’s a pretty awesome sight to behold, and a great frame for any budding wildlife photographers.
- The coastline of West Wales is stunning, and made for surfing or sea kayaking, especially on a good summer’s day. Hire boards and book lessons with Aber Adventures, get your wetsuits on, and brave it.
Specifics.
- Remote, off-grid cabin on a 38-acre estate
- Open-plan interior
- Double bed
- Kitchenette with sink, 2 gas hobs, ice box and utensils; basic supplies
- Dining table
- Gourmet food hampers on request
- Books, art materials, board games, guitar, Anker sound bar, binoculars and walking maps
- Portable USB power bank
- Decking with hammock and suspended firegazing net
- Luxury outdoor hot shower (bathrobes to hire, plus Bramley toiletries)
- Compost toilet in separate cabin
- Wood-fired hot tub
- BBQ and firepit to cook over
- Sorry, no kids or pets allowed
- Please note, parking is 70m away and there’s a wheelbarrow to carry your belongings down the track
- Local caretaker, available by phone
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants
- Booking conditions: stays must be Fri-Mon (3 nights) or Mon-Fri (4 nights). Closed mid Dec-end March
- Remember to pack: an extra torch, suitable clothing and footwear for outdoors, slippers for indoors, additional BBQ coals if you plan to BBQ more than once
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30% deposit, with the balance due 4 weeks prior to stay.
All payments are non-refundable.
Additional (refundable) security deposit of £200 payable directly to owner within 7 days of booking.
FAQs.
The cabin is located down a track which can get slippy and guests are required to carry/use wheelbarrow to get their belongings down to the cabin.
The access track to the cabin is a hard, maintained foresty track, but easily passable for most vehicles. We would not recommend guests coming in a sports car however!
These are located outside the cabin. They are next to the cabin in their own structures.
Only from the log burner. We supply a very generous amount of logs, kindling and firelighters but if you need more, there is an onsite honesty store where you can purchase extra.
Yes, there is solar lighting which we advise using sparingly and only when inside the cabin. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! Generally guests haven’t run out though.
Not a fridge but we provide a very large cool box with ice blocks. This is capable of keeping food cold for up to 5 days. Should guests wish to stay longer than 4 nights, we are able to bring more ice blocks and a solar bank for lighting.
No – we recommend you bring all supplies with you unless you plan on venturing away from Hafod (most people really don’t want to once they are here!). We also have a range of items available to buy on a honesty basis.
We are so sorry but dogs cannot stay at the cabin. Being off grid and located where it is already makes changeovers challenging so the extra cleaning required after furry friends would make it impossible to complete a changeover in time. There is also neighbouring livestock and sensitive flora & fauna around the cabin.
We are so sorry but this isn’t possible. The hot-tub requires regular stirring and attending and usually there is only one person completing a changeover. However – if guests are coming for a super special reason like a proposal or honeymoon, we may be able to arrange this for an additional fee.
Yes & no, it really depends on your network provider. There is phone signal up by the car parking bay and some guests have enough signal to send/receive messages at the cabin but not usually.
There are no immediate neighbours and whilst there is a footpath back up the hill, it is little used and you are very unlikely to see anyone.