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Under Starry Skies Llwynbwch Barn

UK Wales South Wales Carmarthenshire Llandeilo

07968 355 509 Llwynbwch, Llansadwrn SA198LP

Sleeps 4
Eco-Retreat

A lovingly converted eco-friendly haybarn, in a sublimely rural Camarthenshire location

Taking its name from from the deep, unpolluted skies this part of rural Wales affords, Under Starry Skies is a 60-acre smallholding in Camarthenshire, a delightful spot at the end of a long track in the beautiful Tywi Valley, between the small market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. Run by Adam and Louise Bourns, it could equally be named 'blissful wildflower meadow' or 'beautiful orchids and wood anemones', so idyllic is the location: streams cross the meadow, alive with butterflies and moths during the late spring and summer months, while, regardless of the season, you'll also spot the couple's small herd of Exmoor ponies, who play a vital role in the land management, helping build the biodiversity of what is effectively the couple's personal rewilding project.

Bang in centre of all this are two glamping cabins and their Llwynbwch Barn, a converted haybarn that's now a homely holiday let for four people. It's won several awards for sustainable tourism in the past couple of years and is home to a super-comfy vaulted living and dining room, complete with large wood-burning stove, Smart TV DAB radio, Bluetooth speaker. There's wifi throughout the property, and the living space opens out onto a pretty garden with small wildlife pond, patio with table and outdoor seating and of course a barbecue for al fresco cook-ups.

Back inside, the kitchen is equipped with every device – including hob and oven, microwave and washing machine; they also provide an 'honesty basket' full of local produce – jams, chutney, honey and fresh eggs when available. The main double bedroom has a charming wood burner & DAB radio, while the barn's mezzanine floor has a twin-bedded room (which can be made into a double if preferred) and another TV with DVD player (and a selection of DVDs). There's also a family bathroom with a shower and and an additional loo. Everywhere except the mezzanine room is wheelchair accessible, and they can provide everything you need for a baby or toddler, including toys. Also, the barn is as eco-friendly as it gets – insulated with sheeps' wool, with a roof that is partially insulated by planting, and electricity provided by solar panels and Ecotricity, plus there is an electric car-charging point for guests' use.

Finally the location is truly idyllic – 'Llwyn' is Welsh for bush or grove. You can explore the smallholding, strolling around the wildflower meadows and taking the footpath to the tiny village of Llansadwrn, where there's a good local pub. You're also a 10-minute drive from the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains and not far from Brechfa Forest – a popular spot for mountain biking. Or just spend your time walking nearby footpaths or browsing the shops and cafés of charming towns like Llandeilo or Llandovery, both of which are close by.

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Details

Facilities

‘Llwyn’ is the Welsh for a bush or grove. A ‘bwch’ is a buck or a ‘stook’, which is how people used to stack in the hay in years gone by. Llwynbwch Barn was originally the farm’s hay barn. These days we often see wild roe deer around the farm and local area – we like to think of these as the ‘bwch’.

Suitable For

Llwynbwch Barn is a quiet, family run site & we ask you to help us respect this, thank you. We do not accept bookings with pets as we often have stock grazing. Access to Llywnbwch Barn is down an unmade farm track, which may not be suitable for low cars.

Nearby

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.

If you enjoy a walk, you can walk from the barn around wildflower meadows criss-crossed with streams and woodlands, or venture down the footpath to the tiny village of Llansadwrn where you'll find The Sextons Arms pub. There are numerous other enjoyable walks around the village lanes.

Food & Drink

Llandeilo is also home to friendly locals' favourite The Hangout and The Cawdor is a lovely treat. 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.

If you're looking to buy food to cook in the barn we can recommend the butcher in Llangadog and The Ginhaus in Llandeilo for delicious deli food.

Open

Available all year.

Pricing

From £875 per week.

The Owner Says

Light & airy, award winning Llwynbwch Barn has been lovingly converted. Once a hay barn, it's now a homely space which sleeps 4, making it perfect for family or friends. Set in 60 acres of land run as a rewilding project, nestled in Wales' Tywi Valley, Llwynbwch Barn is a lovely place to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature. Spend time exploring beautiful and peaceful Carmarthenshire, hike in the Brecon Beacons, discover castles, beaches, waterfalls & pretty towns or MTBike in Brechfa Forest.

Location

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

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Getting There

By car:

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.

Arriving by train: Come 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. Be advised that we are very rural and the public transport options are fairly limited once you are here, although doable!