'Unusual Accommodation in Wales'

Here is a recent review of the caravan from 'Wales on Sunday'

Why not exchange the straightforward bed, board and four walls this autumn for a quirkier type of accommodation? With ample countryside and a creative tourism industry, Wales offers alternative accommodation of all sorts, including teepees, bunkhouses, lighthouses and canalboats.

But for a cosy, rustic and romantic break this autumn, how about escaping with your partner to a Romany Caravan in West Wales? Set in an acre of lush riverside near the seaside village of Llangrannog, the caravan is a perfectly quirky place to unwind. Just imagine relaxing with a good book and a glass of red wine near the traditional pot-belly stove, as autumn leaves dance outside.

The caravan or 'bow top wagon' was originally built in 1924 by Wood Bros - the best 'vardo' or gypsy wagon builders of the time. It was then lovingly restored in 2004 with a traditional Romany interior and a vibrantly painted green exterior. Small, but perfectly formed, it houses a six foot long double bed, together with seating, cupboards and a pot belly stove.

Snuggling into freshly-laundered linen and with no neighbours close by, your dreams will be peppered with the harmonious calls of wild birds and the comforting babbling of the river. You may even hear the otters 'whistling' to each other as they hunt for fat brown trout in the river!

And where the caravan serves as the exquisitely rustic sleeping area, a newly built cabin provides the modern facilities. Built to a traditional design, with genuine sash windows and timber lining, the cabin is fully insulated with electric wall heaters, and has a shower room with electric shower, hand basin and toilet, a kitchen with Belfast sink, full-size fridge, compact oven, microwave, hotplates, toaster and kettle and a living space with sofa/sofa bed and CD player/radio. The look is rustic cabin on the exterior, but minimalist chic on the interiors.

Although perhaps not as useful as in summer, the cabin's undercover outside veranda provides the perfect place to savour that crisp air characteristic of autumn. So why not take a mug of steaming coffee or hot chocolate outside, where you can admire the view overlooking the caravan and riverbank. Be sure to wrap up warm in autumnal garments though! If you're not brave enough to eat outside under the moon, then a delicious hot meal sat cosily around the cabin or caravan's tables is the very idea of romance!

And in the morning, be sure to stand on the caravan steps to take in the beautiful views of the Ceri Valley enveloped morning mists. Why not then continue your appreciation of nature with a wildlife-themed stroll around the area, spotting otters, red kites and even the birth of baby seals on the coast in late autumn!.

For breathtaking winter walks on clean sands, the secluded beaches of Llangrannog, Tresaith and Penbryn are all within a short drive's distance. Having said that though, you might just want to wander around your very own River Ceri on the caravan site - the clean, shallow river is a Site of Special Scientific Interest - protected because of the otters, brown trout, and wild flowers that grow on the banks.

Other practicalities include a gravelled parking area a short walk from the caravan, a shop and post office in Llangrannog, and local pubs serving excellent food - especially seafood! The cabin also holds a wealth of local tourist information.

To stay in this caravan click here.