After a summer of non-stop adventures, our life slowed down somewhat in October.
Weeks were taken to work, to nest in our new home, and to enjoy life in the small town we’d spent most of 2022 leaving.
Quickly slipping into the familiar routine of a life not lived on the road, there was however one thing missing - the British countryside, and the comfort that it provides to two people raised with views of fields.
The sounds and the scents of rural life, the feel of squelching mud beneath welly boots, bracing walks that leave you ruddy cheeked, and the wide-open, green spaces absent from urban design.
With several guides written and deadlines met, it was time for an escape.
Our destination? The excellently named hamlet of Burlingjobb, a shelter from the wind, and a wonderful little retreat known as ‘The Cabin’.
Located near the little town of Presteigne, it’s one of many beautiful properties available on Unique hideaways, a company that specialises in gorgeous retreats that are just that little bit out of the ordinary. Offering a curated collection of unique stays in hidden corners of the UK, they provide the opportunity to re-wild yourself without compromising on luxury.
Memorable places to relax, unwind, and disconnect.
Sat amongst traditional countryside dwellings, the unconventional curves of The Cabin should perhaps look out of place. And yet, this beautifully handcrafted, cedar wood construction blends naturally into the rolling landscape, its design drawn from the natural contours of Hanter Hill, which sits opposite the property and is a constant companion through the large windows.
Designed, constructed and owned by carpenter/stylist duo Paul and Rachael, The Cabin proved to be the perfect antidote to too many weeks spent in front of our screens.
The clever design in the exterior construction is continued inside, with bespoke modular units, a floating staircase and high ceilings, the lines between the walls and what sits above cleverly blurred to create a sense of space which defies the relatively modest dimensions of the cabin.
As lovers of mid-century furniture, we were particularly drawn to the interior design of the cabin, the Stouby Sofa and comfy Ercol chair taking pride of place in the centre of the main living space, accented by a colour palette of greys, blues and browns, warm lighting and natural materials.
The property is filled with vintage and antique finds (both family favourites and more recent acquisitions), original art, games and well-chosen books, accentuating the feel that this is not simply a out-of-the-box holiday let, but your home for a short while.
It is here, amongst the books, that we spent the majority of our time in The Cabin.
Walks were also walked, but when the late November weather necessitated an early return to the warm confines of our cedar wood hideaway, we could enjoy long, lazy afternoons snuggled beneath thick wool blankets, a never-ending supply of hot tea, and cosily pass the time seemingly separated from civilisation - the only sound the pitter-patter of the rain falling outside and the harmonica notes of a steaming kettle.
And then there was that bath.
The bedroom, a comforting symphony of natural linens, heavy blankets and antique treasures (we were particularly taken with the taxidermy birds above the bed) provided a cocoon from which we struggled to leave on a chilly morning. Its blackout blinds were so effective, that several alarms were slept though on our first morning.
However, far from being a place to simply sleep, the light-filled space is elevated by a the presence of a huge claw-foot bath sitting beneath a vast pane of glass with views out over the hills.
A decadent final flourish that you’d only find in a place this unique.
Things to Do Near the Cabin
It’s easy to feel cosily cocooned from the rest of the world here, with slow mornings and lazy afternoons spent unwinding within the confines of The Cabin, but if you find yourself wanting to explore, there's plenty to see and do a short walk or drive away from this Unique Hideaway stay.
Head out on a hike | Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer escape, you can’t visit The Cabin without packing your walking boots! You can access several excellent little walks directly from the property (including Hanter Hill for incredible views over the surrounding countryside and Worzel Woods for a more relaxed amble) but should you crave a longer hike, you’re only a short distance to the heart of the Brecon Beacons by car.
Outdoor Pursuits | If visiting in the summer, be sure to enjoy a refreshing dip in a Welsh river in one of several nearby wild swimming spots (speak with Rachael or Paul to find out their favourites) or for something a little more adventurous, you can book various canoe rentals from and paddle down the River Wye.
Discover pretty little towns & villages | There is no shortage of excellent little towns and villages to explore on both sides of the border. Don’t miss the nearby picturesque English village of Pembridge, full of black & white Tudor houses, or a little further afield the book-lovers home of Hay-on-Wye (if you’re there on a Thursday, consider visiting for market day).
If you love hunting for antiques, don’t miss the two small towns of Leominster and Ludlow which are both just a thirty minute drive away.
The Details
The Cabin is located just across the Welsh-English border, near the village of Presteigne.
In addition to the main bedroom, there’s also a small mezzanine sleeping space suitable for up to three children.
Prices start from £140 a night.
You can find the listing here.
Given its rural location there are no shops within walking distance so be sure to come prepared with all necessary groceries. The kitchen is well set up to cook basic meals, with a two-burner hob and all the required pots and pans.
The nearest town is Kington (around four minutes away by car). It has a co-op shop, a deli, coffee shops, and a greengrocers.
If you don’t feel like cooking however, there a e a handful of excellent food options nearby: The Harp (voted ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2020) is within walking distance, The Stagg at Titley, The Forest Inn, (one of Wales' oldest pubs) and The Workhouse Café in Presteigne.
-
We stayed at the cabin in partnership with Unique hideaways; all views are our own.
