Under Starry Skies
South Wales Carmarthenshire Llandovery
- From £75 a night
- 2 Cabins
Beautifully crafted, eco-friendly cabins in a wildflower meadow near the Brecon Beacons
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Just five miles from the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park, these two cleverly designed cabins feature all the essentials for living, with ample room to spare. They're ergonomic, economic and environmentally friendly, with a curved 'living roof' that offers insulation at the same time as harbouring wildflowers, and they include carefully thought-out details like a collapsable dining table and wall hook where the guitar hangs. Yet, despite all these details, the cabins are still simple, rustic and wild, perfect spots to make the most of the scenery beyond. There's also a converted haybarn that offers a wonderful, sustainable self-catering option for four.
Under Starry Skies takes its name from the clear, unpolluted skies this part of rural Wales affords. But you don't need to look up to appreciate the fabulousness of owners Adam and Louise Bourns' 60-acre smallholding. Small streams cross the meadow, alive with butterflies and moths during the late spring and summer months, while, regardless of the season, you're sure to spot the couple's small herd of Exmoor ponies, who play a vital role in the land management here.
Each cabin has been hand-built by the owners with sustainability in mind, crafted from locally sourced larch and each with a private compost toilet nearby. Inside, there's a comfy mezzanine double bed above a sofa area which can also double as another bed for two children. A wood-burner offers heating and there's a compact kitchen space with a gas hob and everything you need to prepare your meals. Alternatively, you can try cooking on the barbecue or campfire outside. After all, in a location famed for its stars, spending some time soaking up the night sky should certainly be on your to-do list.
The two cabins share a communal building called Ty Mawr (Welsh for Big House) – the hub of your stay. Inside, you'll find a large living area with a fully equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a cosy place to relax in front of a roaring wood burner after a day exploring. Much of the furniture was hand-made by the owners with timber from the land. There are two luxurious shower rooms with rainfall heads and plentiful piping hot water, plus a small honesty shop where you can buy Bydafau honey from Under Starry Skies’ hives, along with seasonal chutneys and jams when available. Outside, the deck is surrounded by nature – perfect for watching the sunset with a glass in hand. Or perhaps you'd rather head to the fire pit for evening star gazing and marshmallow toasting. All in all, Ty Mawr provides a wonderful place to relax, cook and maybe meet new friends.
Down a long track in the beautiful Tywi Valley, Under Starry Skies is located between the small towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. From your cabin, you can walk around the wildflower meadows over a stream and out on the footpath to the tiny village of Llansadwrn, where you'll find The Sextons Arms pub. Or, hop in your car for the 10-minute drive to the boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where popular walks abound, not least taking on the main peaks of the Black Mountain.
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Details
Facilities
Your cabin was lovingly handbuilt by the owners, with sustainability at heart. Built with locally sourced larch, it is off-grid; solar panels power your lighting, phone charger and bluetooth speaker (supplied). The cabins, unique in design, are tiny but mighty! You'll find everything you need for your holiday. The comfy mezzanine double bed is above a sofa area, which can double as a bed for up to two small children. In one corner is a wood burning stove and the small inside kitchen area has a gas hob and everything you need to prepare your meals. Alternatively, you might like to try cooking a hotpot or casserole on the woodstove, or cook outside on the BBQ or campfire. Don't forget your marshmallows, as an evening under the stars around the campfire is beautiful! All firewood is included.
Your cabin also has a large covered wooden deck for outside dining. The living roof is full of wildflowers during early summer and keeps the cabin insulated, so that it is cool in the summer and super snuggly in the winter. Each cabin has a private composting loo. The 2 cabins share a communal building called Ty Mawr (Welsh for Big House) which is the hub of your stay, with a large living area and fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a cosy place to relax in front of a cosy wood burner after a day of exploring! Much of the furniture has been hand made by the owners with timber from their land. The deck is surrounded by nature, perfect for watching the sunset with a glass in hand, or head to the fire pit for evening star gazing and marshmallow toasting. There are two luxurious shower rooms with rainfall heads and plentiful piping hot water. A small honesty shop offers Bydafau honey from Under Starry Skies' hives, along with seasonal chutneys and jams when available.Ty Mawr provides a wonderful place to relax, cook, use the wifi and maybe meet new friends in the other guests.
7KW ev car charging point available onsite, charged at providers rates. We can provide baby travel cot, high chair & baby bath, please ask at time of booking.
Suitable For
A romantic hideaway for couples, or the perfect place for families.
As we have livestock grazing the land we have a no pets rule. We are a quiet, family-run site and are not suited to large groups, thanks.
Nearby
From your cabin you can walk around wildflower meadows criss crossed with streams and woodlands, or venture out on the footpath down to the tiny village of Llansadwrn where you'll find The Sextons Arms pub. There are numerous other enjoyable walks around the village lanes, starting from the cabins.
If you fancy venturing further, 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.
Food & Drink
Cook on the gas hob or the woodstove in your cabin, or use the BBQ or firepit for campfire meals and of course, don't forget your marshmallows to toast. We can recommend the butcher in Llangadog and various places to buy delicious deli food in Llandeilo and Llandovery.
Nearby pretty market town Llandeilo is home to many great independent cafes and restaurants. Drive towards the National park for Llandovery for good food and welcoming pubs.
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.
Open
Open all year.Pricing
Prices start from £75 per night
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The Owner Says
Under Starry Skies offers peace and tranquility in large amounts. Hafan (Welsh for Haven) and Derwen (Welsh for Oak) cabins are each set in their own wildflower meadow with plenty of space to relax and no immediate neighbours to disturb you. It's the perfect hideaway. Set on a 60 acre smallholding, down a long track off a small lane, in the beautiful Tywi Valley. We are between the small towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery.
Under Starry Skies is looked after for nature. Small streams cross over meadow land alive with wildflowers, butterflies and moths during the late spring and summer months. According to the season, you may see wild orchids, bluebells or wood anenomes. We have a small herd of Exmoor ponies who help us with our land management. Wake up to birdsong, cook on a campfire and be amazed by the nightstars in this Dark Sky area. Snuggle by the woodstove or enjoy dinner and a drink on the deck.
Location
Contact Website 07968 355 509 Under Starry Skies, Llwynbwch, Llansadwrn SA198LPGetting There
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.
Take the train 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.
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Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 7 reviews
Absolutely amazing week
Perfect!
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Amazing place to escape from busy city life!
Really lovely stay
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