Under Starry Skies

UK Wales South Wales Carmarthenshire Llandovery

  • From £80 a night
  • 2 Cabins
  • Eco-Retreat
Beautifully crafted, eco-friendly cabins in a wildflower meadow near the Brecon Beacons

Just five miles from the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park, these two cleverly designed cabins feature all the essentials for living, with ample room to spare. They're ergonomic, economic and environmentally friendly, with a curved 'living roof' that offers insulation at the same time as harbouring wildflowers, and include carefully thought-out details like the collapsable dining table and the wall hook for hanging a guitar. Yet, despite all these details, the cabins are still simple, rustic and wild, perfect spots to make the most of the scenery beyond. There's also a converted haybarn that offers a wonderful, sustainable self-catering option for four.

Under Starry Skies takes its name from the clear, unpolluted skies this part of rural Wales affords. But you don't need to look up to appreciate the fabulousness of owners Adam and Louise Bourns' 60-acre smallholding. Small streams cross the meadow, alive with butterflies and moths during the late spring and summer months, while, regardless of the season, you're sure to spot the couple's small herd of Exmoor ponies, who play a vital role in the land management here.

Each cabin has been hand built with sustainability in mind, crafted from locally sourced larch and each with a private compost loo nearby (though, if you prefer, you can also head up to the farmhouse to use the bathroom and hot shower there). Inside, there's a comfy mezzanine double bed above a sofa area which can also double as another bed for two children. A wood-burner offers heating and there's a compact kitchen space with a gas hob and everything you need to prepare your meals. Alternatively, you can try cooking on the barbecue or campfire outside. After all, in a location famed for its stars, spending some time toasting marshmallows and soaking up the night sky should certainly be on your To-Do list.

Down a long track in the beautiful Tywi Valley, Under Starry Skies is located between the small towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. From your cabin you can walk around the wildflower meadows over a stream and out on the footpath to the tiny village of Llansadwrn, where you'll find The Sextons Arms pub, or hop in your car for the 10-minute drive to the boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where popular walks abound, not least taking on the main peaks of the Black Mountain.

Details

Facilities

Your cabin was lovingly handbuilt with sustainability at heart. Built with locally sourced larch, it is off-grid; solar panels power your lighting, phone charger and bluetooth speaker (supplied). The cabins, unique in design, are tiny but mighty! You'll find everything you need for your holiday. The comfy mezzanine double bed is above a sofa area, which can double as a bed for up to two small children. In one corner is a wood burning stove and the small inside kitchen area has a gas hob and everything you need to prepare your meals. Alternatively, you might like to try cooking a hotpot or casserole on the woodstove, or cook outside on the BBQ or campfire. Don't forget your marshmallows, as an evening under the stars around the campfire is beautiful! All firewood is included.

Your cabin also has a large covered wooden deck for outside dining. The living roof is full of wildflowers during early summer and keeps the cabin insulated, so that it is cool in the summer and super snuggly in the winter. Each cabin has a private composting loo or, if you prefer, head up to the farmhouse to use the bathroom with hot shower.

At the farmhouse you'll find loads of info & ideas for exploring the local area & also wifi. We have an EV electric car charging point (and there is an increasing number of charge points locally). We are also happy to collect guests from the local station if you come by train. We are happy to provide baby travel cot, high chair, crockery & cutlery, baby bath (for use in the shower) and fireguard, please ask at time of booking.

Suitable For

A romantic hideaway for couples, or the perfect place for families.

As we have livestock grazing the land we have a no pets rule. We are a quiet, family-run site and are not suited to large groups, thanks.

Nearby

From your cabin you can walk around wildflower meadows criss crossed with streams and woodlands, or venture out on the footpath down to the tiny village of Llansadwrn where you'll find The Sextons Arms pub. There are numerous other enjoyable walks around the village lanes, starting from the cabins.

If you fancy venturing further, Carmarthenshire has so much to offer. Our guests often comment that the area is peaceful and friendly, with stunning scenery. Steeped in history and full of character, you're never far from hills and interesting villages and towns. Enjoy the Brecon Beacons National Park for some great walking or bring your mountain bikes for a spin at nearby Brechfa Forest.

The town of Llandeilo is well known for its independent shops and cafes. National Trust Dinefwr & Newton House are well worth a visit and just outside Llandeilo you'll find Carreg Cennen Castle with its natural cave, one of South Wales' gems. Aberglasney Gardens is a beautiful place to explore at any time of the year, as is the National Botanic Garden of Wales with the British Bird of Prey Centre. Both gardens are a short drive away and offer a full day out with cafes on site.

Llandovery, once a drover's town, is a lovely place to visit, with castle ruins and lots of history. Nearby is the village of Myddfai, home of the Myddfai Physicians. Pop into the visitors centre for tea and cake or try a bowl of delicious traditional cawl. Carry on from Myddfai to visit the Red Kite Feeding Centre at Llandeusant, or for a longer walk, explore Llyn y Fan Fach, a lake steeped in Welsh legends and folklore.

Carmarthen, home to Myrddin (Welsh for Merlin) has lots of independent shops and cafes, a castle and lots of atmosphere.

If you fancy exploring the stunning West Wales coast, there are numerous beautiful beaches, coves and bays, each around an hour's drive. Try Ceredigion's Cardigan Bay for a spot of dolphin watching, or explore the Western tip of Pembrokeshire. 

Food & Drink

Cook on the gas hob or the woodstove in your cabin, or use the BBQ or firepit for campfire meals and of course, don't forget your marshmallows to toast. We can recommend the butcher in Llangadog and The Ginhaus in Llandeilo for delicious deli food.

Llandeilo is also home to friendly locals' favourite The Hangout and The Cawdor is a lovely treat. Of course, head to the Ginhaus for a huge choice of gins and to enjoy a meal or coffee and cake. No trip to Llandeilo is complete without an ice cream or chocolates from Heavenly Exquisite Desserts.

Visit The Castle in Llandovery for great food, The Kings Head for traditional pub grub, or The Printing Office for delicious lunchtime treats in their lovely garden. There is also The Red Lion or The Goose & Cuckoo with beer garden, both in Llangadog.

For foodies, try Wright's Food Emporium in Llanarthne, or Y Polyn, Capel Dewi. If you're in Carmarthen, The Warren has a great choice, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Prices start from £75 per night

The Owner Says

Under Starry Skies offers peace and tranquility in large amounts. Hafan and Derwen cabins are each set in their own wildflower meadow with plenty of space to relax and no immediate neighbours to disturb you. It's the perfect hideaway. Set on a 60 acre smallholding, down a long track off a small lane, in the beautiful Tywi Valley. We are between the small towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery.

Under Starry Skies is looked after for nature. Small streams cross over meadow land alive with wildflowers, butterflies and moths during the late spring and summer months. According to the season, you may see wild orchids, bluebells or wood anenomes. We have a small herd of Exmoor ponies who help us with our land management. Wake up to birdsong, cook on a campfire and be amazed by the nightstars. Snuggle by the woodstove or enjoy dinner and a drink on the deck.

Location

Contact Website  07968 355 509  Under Starry Skies, Llwynbwch, Llansadwrn SA198LP

Show Map

Getting There

From the M4: Take the M4 to its final junction, 49. Join the A48 towards Carmarthen. At the Cross Hands roundabout take the fourth exit onto A476 towards Llandeilo. In Ffairfach turn left, taking the A483 through Llandeilo. At the roundabout take the second exit, joining the A40 towards Llandovery. Follow this road through Manordeilo. At the roundabout go straight  ahead. Take the turning to Llansadwrn on your left, about a mile after the Abermarlais campsite.

Via Llandovery: Come through Llandovery and continue on for roughly 7 miles.  After Llanwrda look for the sign to Llansadwrn on your right. Take this turn.

After turning off the A40 towards the village of Llansadwrn take the first turning left (this is unsignposted). This road descends, crosses a small river and then climbs. At the top of this hill on a bend you'll see a signpost for Under Starry Skies on your right. Take this unmade track, past our two neighbours houses 'Penrhiw' and 'Rhandir'. Come all the way down to the bottom and the parking area for the cabins is on your left.

Take the train to Carmarthen and change onto the Heart of Wales line to Llangadog station. Please arrange with us in advance for pickup from Llangadog station, about a five minute drive.

Facilities

  • Campfires Allowed
  • Campfires allowed
  • Short walk to the pub
  • Walking

Related Guides

See Glamping in Llandovery

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