Under the Thatch

Mongolian yurts make fantastic places to stay.

Yurts are snug, have proper floors, are insulated and give you a wonderful sense of living in the landscape.

I've looked at all the available UK holiday yurts, and I think this one is the best. Click here to see extra images.

Everything about this place is of a good quality - the yurt is a genuine Mongolian original, the furnishings are hand painted in traditional designs, the bed is a real one, and you get your own converted shepherd's waggon with power shower and gas combi-boiler.

Here, on the slopes of the Black Mountain on the Western fringe of the Brecon Beacons National Park you can enjoy a private and secluded location.

Click here to see the location. It is also a very easy location to reach for a short break if travelling from southern/ central England. See some real visitor holiday snaps here.

You don't have to share a field or catering or shower facilities - you have your own shower, toilet and kitchen.

This yurt enjoys a private and secluded location with its own independent facilities that are of a great standard and spotlessly clean. Overall I consider this a unique and wonderful self-catering experience that doesn't involve 'roughing it'.

Stay here to experience a bit of 'luxury camping' under canvas, but also to explore the famous Towy valley, visit (or walk) to the local castles, and potter around Llandeilo (1 mile) which must be one of the most charming towns in West Wales. It must also be the only small town out West with a choice of three excellent delicatessens. Life is good here - so good in fact that it has been named the most chic place in Wales.

The yurt is peacefully located in its own field at the end of a short private lane about 100 yards from the converted stables where the property manager lives, and Bwthyn Sam - a cute cottage for 2.

Park up and walk about a further fifty yards through the trees to find your 'secret' location which is tucked away well out of sight of the other buildings, or in fact any building.

You look out on a wonderful open landscape with far-reaching views over the Towy Valley. Horses (and sometimes foals) graze in the field you overlook, and occasionally deer.

The yurt is easily accessible by public transport. Come by train to Ffairfach station on the Heart of Wales line, which connects Swansea and Shrewsbury, and walk the half mile to the yurt or the property manager may be able to give you a lift.

In detail:

Traditional Mongolian Yurt with a powerful wood-burning stove (first basket of logs supplied) with authentic folk-art decoration.

The yurt is 5m in diameter, is insulated by a thick felt lining and has an efficient wood-burning stove that easily keeps the yurt warm, even in sub-zero temperatures.

The yurt provides a cosy, clean and comfortable sleeping and living area with a wonderful atmosphere: fully equipped for 2 people with Wood burning stove, sofa, dining table & 2 chairs, with double / twin beds (2x single or linked) and furnished in keeping with the beautifully decorated interior.

There is electric lighting in the yurt, and power points in the shepherd's hut.

Shepherd's Hut (adjacent) has a small but fully equipped kitchen with fridge, microwave, full sized gas cooker with oven & grill and a shower room with shower, washbasin and proper flushing loo.

Outside there is a barbeque brazier and seating area, and a good sized patch of meadow for your exclusive use. Parking for one vehicle. Note there are several low steps from the parking up through the trees to the field where the yurt is.

There are lovely views all around.

What is there to do locally?

The yurt is on the slope of the Black Mountain on the far West of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Note to be confused with the Black Mountains on the East of the National Park.

Sea Trout and Salmon Fishing on the renowned River Towy and Golden Grove Fisheries.

Carreg Cennen Castle (3 miles = 6 minutes in car) is our favourite of all the Welsh castles and makes a pleasant country walk from the yurt!

Dinefwr Park and Castle (National Trust) is also under 2 miles away and can be reached by a riverside walk of about 25 minutes.

Pop into 'posh' Llandeilo town for lunch (choice of great cafes, delicatessens etc). Great antiques warehouse and generally one of the prettiest towns in Wales.

Dylan Thomas' Boathouse is a great day out in a beautiful location. See his writing 'hut' and enjoy the amazing estuary views or stop off for a pint in his favourite pub.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is one of Europe's best gardens. Forget the Eden project - our dome is bigger and better! Just 8 miles/ 15 minutes in the car.

Or even nearer at 5 miles (10 mins in car) is Aberglasney - another of the best gardens in Wales/UK. Take a walk through the ancient yew tunnel and then stop for home-made tea and cakes down by the lake.

In fact there are so many great gardens in the area that is has been called The Garden of Wales.

And there is SO much great food produced locally that they've made a directory of the finest producers.We particularly love dry-cured Carmarthen Ham - apparently the Queen has it on special order!

You have a choice of some of the best beaches in Wales in under an hour's drive - eg. 40 mins drive to Llansteffan.

If you get bored nip up the National Trust gold mines where you can pan for rare Welsh gold (yes really)! Kids of all ages will enjoy this day out, take wellies for the caverns.

There are some great local walks - and this website will guide you through the best of them.

This is the county website which has loads of info about where to go, best local organic foods, best days out etc.

Like all our accommodation the yurt is entirely non-smoking inside.

Sorry, no pets or children (babes in arms ok). If your party is more than 2 consider taking Bwthyn Sam at the same location (sleeps a further 2).