Eco cabin in a serene nature reserve with wild-swimming pond and nearby beaches; perfect for free-range families or a couples' retreat (sleeps 2-5)
Space & setting.
Laze in bed watching the resident heron on the nature pond, slither into the cool waters of the swimming pond, or pull a book from the shelf and curl into a hammock in the shade of the swaying birch tree; there’s plenty to entertain you here, no matter what the season. Hand crafted by owners Jessie and Lyndon, the cabin stands in the wilds of a tumbledown old farm, which they’ve been steadily restoring since moving home to Wales to give their children a free-range childhood. It’s designed to merge indoor and outdoor living, so the bedroom is indoors (and coddled in insulation, renewably powered heating and cosy blankets) and the kitchen-dining space is canopied, fairy-lit and bathed in fresh breezes. The bathroom is a short walk away (as is the freshwater tap), with a hot shower and flushing toilet, but chances are you’ll want to book a slot in the wood-fired outdoor bath instead, to steep under the stars with a glass of something cold, as this is a Dark Skies Reserve.
Campfires are positively encouraged, and best enjoyed at dusk when the bats flutter out into the embers of sunlight. Cook up a smoky stew after a glorious day exploring the neighbouring woodland and hills, or bodyboarding at the beach, a few miles away. Calming and soul-filled, it’s easy to lose track of time here; surely the biggest gift in today’s frenetic world.
Getting here: it’s best to drive, otherwise train to Aberystwyth or Carmarthen then taxi (30 mins/1 hr)
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Sustainability.
Jessie’s dad worked for Greenpeace for 40 years; she is an eco warrior at heart and sustainability is a priority. The cabin (mostly built from wood, a carbon-neutral material) is a semi-permanent structure which can be removed with minimal trace at the end of its life. The turf roof makes up for any ground ‘lost’ and provides an alternative habitat for wildlife to enjoy. Highly insulated with double glazing throughout. Carbon footprint is just 3.3kg CO2e per night (UK national average is 10.4kg).Sewage system aerates the waste water produced on site and makes it safe to filter back in to the environment. Electricity us sourced from a renewable energy provider. The owners work closely with and support local independent businesses. They never use any chemicals on their land, and use environmentally friendly and natural cleaning products throughout. Most of the products are bought in bulk to refill and avoid the use of single-use plastics, and toiletries are eco friendly.
Surrounds.
- Roam through the woodlands that surround the farm and paddle in the pool below the secret waterfall.
- Body board in the surf at Aberaeron, or ask Jessie and Lyndon for recommendations for their favourite beaches; there’s a whole selection of beautiful little sandy coves within 30 mins’ drive. Cornwall without the crowds.
- Fill a hamper at Watson & Pratts grocery store and picnic in the village’s charming walled garden.
- Take a boat trip from New Quay with a marine researcher to spot dolphins, seals and porpoises.
- Have a kayaking, SUP, sailing or surfing lesson in New Quay.
- Walk into Aberaeron for fish and chips or ice cream on the quayside (the New Celtic is the local favourite chippie). Or treat yourself to a Cardigan Bay shellfish dinner at the Harbourmaster.
- Hike into the blissfully deserted Cambrian Mountains to enjoy lakes, waterfalls and rich wildlife in solitude.
- Book a relaxing Japanese Shiatsu massage with Susan, who lives next door to the farm.
- Day trip to centuries-old Melin Tregwynt Mill to browse the collection of traditional Welsh woollen blankets (just like the one on the bed).
Specifics.
- Hand-built eco cabin on a 3-acre woodland nature reserve
- Well-insulated with double glazing and electric heating
- Open-plan sleeping space with double bed
- Corner sofa can be converted into 2 full-size single beds + a 3rd pullout single bed
- Blackout curtains
- Bathroom with flushing WC and hot shower a 1-minute walk away; Faith in Nature toiletries provided
- Well-equipped covered outdoor kitchen including gas hob, small fridge with freezer compartment, toaster and food storage box; basic supplies provided
- Note, no running water in the kitchen; you get a large storage container, and can refill it if necessary
- Cots and highchairs available on request
- Books, board games and OS maps provided
- Outdoor area with firepit, campfire, picnic table, BBQ & hammock
- BBQ and outdoor cooking equipment provided
- No WiFi; limited mobile reception
- Parking space for 1 car (1-min walk from cabin; luggage wheelbarrows provided); EV charger
- Sorry, no pets
- The main reception area with small shop is a short walk away
- Swimming pond and nature pond
- Communal rope swing, badminton/football area, pond dipping and boat rowing for kids
- Wood-fired outdoor bath area; book a slot in advance (see FAQs)
- The owners are available by WhatsApp should you need anything
- Drive to a food shop, pub, bakery, restaurants and the beach (5-10 mins)
- Booking conditions: 2-night and 3 night minimum stays. Price shown is for 2 adults; additional children are £7 each/night (max 3)
- Remember to pack: beach towels, flip-flops for bathroom trips, waterproof clothes and shoes
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Your private bathroom is a 1-minute walk from the cabin. There’s also a baby change area with changing table, change mat, biodegradable nappy bags and bin. A baby bath is available upon request.
In: between 5-8pm / out: 10.30am. The owners can sometimes offer a 4pm check in.
Yes, the cabin has electric lighting and sockets throughout, provided by a 100% renewable energy supplier. An electric heater means you will always be cosy indoors.
You can swim in the natural swimming pond, which is the one with the jetty. We’d suggest foot protection – the pool is clay lined with the occasional sharp rock. Swimming is done at your own risk. The ponds are fenced off for children’s safety. There is also a rowing boat which you can use as well as some pond dipping equipment. Guests are asked not to swim in the nature pond so as to avoid disturbing the wildlife in there.
The 2 wood-fired baths are set away in their own private space and are available to pre-book for one evening during your stay, subject to availability. The baths are filled with fresh water for each use, and the owners light the fire to heat them a couple of hours in advance, so it’s lovely and warm when you jump in at the agreed time. Due to their popularity you can only book for one night of your stay, unless there are gaps. Each session costs £55 for 2 baths.
We’d suggest getting a supermarket order delivered or you can drive / catch the bus to Aberaeron where there is a small supermarket, a really good deli/ bakery and a whole food shop; you’re encouraged to shop locally.
Yes, in the carpark (chargeable). Note, it is not a fast charger and you will need to bring the car’s adaptor for a 3-pin plug with you. There are also several chargers in Aberaeron town which is a 5 minute drive away.
Generally Mondays/ Wednesdays/ Fridays (plus Sundays in term time). During school holidays and over bank holidays our arrival and departure days are Mondays and Fridays only.
No – to really have a proper experience here you need at least 2 nights.
We’re afraid not — to maintain the peace and privacy of the owners and the neighbouring properties.
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