In the Observer's 'Top Ten Winter Escapes' and in the top 'Unusual Hotels UK' (book). Get close to nature in a secluded spot with modern conveniences and the luxury of a proper bed and wood-burning stove - 'posh camping'! Built in the 1940s, the waggon would have been the 'living van' home of a travelling showman from a circus - like a grand form of early caravan with its own kitchen, living room and bedroom. Click here to see a photo album from real guests, summer views here, winter here. Set in 1.5 acres of private meadow with wildlife close-by, and the opportunity to see wild badgers which are fed nightly while you watch from a fab treehouse above. See also our other Showmans Waggon.

The waggon itself comprises of:

Compact kitchen with a small electric oven with two cooking plates, fridge and sink. Fitted units and great views while you wash up!

Lounge with two leather tub armchairs, fitted cupboards and original woodburning stove etc - first basket of fuel provided. There is also electric heater backup if required. Beautiful cut-glass mirrors and fitted bureau and bookshelves and great views down the valley. Radio.

Double bedroom – bedlinen provided. The double bed is fitted, and higher off the ground than modern beds. It is 6'4" long (standard) and 4'1" wide - so comfortable for two but technically narrower than a modern standard double. There is a cute fitted dressing table and a small wardrobe. Views down the valley to make getting out of bed seem worthwhile.

There is also a large haybarn for your exclusive use so that you can sit outside/barbeque in any weather. Inside the barn there is a small heated shower room and toilet for your exclusive use (towels provided). On-site recycling facilities.

The accommodation is great but what makes this place a winner is the genuine sense of being close to nature and wildlife that you get from staying here. You have immediate access onto beautiful open mountain moorland which is intersected by great walking and cycle routes.

Or walk down the field to the badger treehouse, or down again to the river which has a boardwalk along it - you have access to 1.5 miles of private river frontage. Click here to see the location.

Located a long field away from the main farmhouse ( with a genuine sense of privacy and seclusion) you'll find a games room by the main farmhouse where you can play table-tennis, table-football and pool.

There is also a laundry room and freezer you can use.

There is no TV (you're welcome to bring DVDs and a laptop) but you can hire bikes and there are some great trails, and footpaths that start at the door.

This area is known as 'The Welsh Lake District' - it easily equals the beauty of the English lake district.

The waggon is located in a beautiful, rugged part of mid-Wales that makes it great for outdoor activities.

Rhayader - 15 min drive - there is plenty to do locally.

Famous Red Kite feeding centre (just 15 mins away).

Elan Valley - visit the lakes and reservoirs which are spectacular at any time of year.

River Wye with its good fishing, clear pools for swimming and secluded beaches.

The waggon is just a field away from the Sustrans Cycle Route 8, Lôn Las, for long distance cyclists, and backs onto the Elan Valley, which is crossed with spectacular and challenging bridleways, such as the Monks Trod.

The new 9 mile Elan Valley cycle trail connects Rhayader and the Pen Garreg area, following the old railway line.

21 speed Saracen bikes, in a variety of frame sizes, are available to hire on a weekly, daily, or half daily basis. They are well maintained and cleaned regularly. Safety helmets are issued with each bike, as well as a pump, puncture repair kit and water bottle. Maps are also available.

If you want to venture further then you can be at the West Wales beaches in an hour, or at Hay-on-Wye the famous book town on the border.

'The showman's waggon is absolutely amazing! The best view outside of Nepal! We bathed in the cystal-clear waters of the river, enjoyed watching the badgers, and the spectacular hunting displays of red kites and buzzards overhead...we enjoyed ourselves so much that we'd wished we'd booked for the whole week!' ~ Jan and Gaynor Punter

'What an absolutely idyllic 'old-world' retreat from the modern hustle and bustle of everyday life - the place is amazing. We really needed a few days to ourselves and to get back to a 'natural' life and that's exactly what we got - relaxation, beautiful scenery and lovely animals. Couldn't have asked for more' ~ Ally & Alex

'The place is just magical. Where do I begin to extol the virtues of the place? We loved the delicious welcoming cakes, super comfy bed, stunning local walks, abundance of varied wildlife, toasty wood burner, beautiful interior, stunning views, friendly locals, amazing tree house and resident badgers, and the crystal clear river. A special mention for time spent hawking with Layla, Whisper the barn owl and Hope the harrier hawk from Hawksdrift. The experience of walking around Nannerth Farm with Hope the hawk as the mist rolled in over the hills made our trip. A must!" ~ Sophie & David Henzell