Tincture
Llanwrtyd Wells, Cambrian Mountains, Powys, Wales, UK
Within the secluded peaks of Wales’ Cambrian Mountains, not a neighbour in sight, Tincture is a true escape into the wild. This fairytale home rides on the tides of nature; a self-catering cottage crafted by hand using ingenious sympathy towards the land in which it resides. Far from the stereotype so often associated with off-grid dwellings, luxury and comfort are as abundant here as the breathtaking valley views.
Introduction
Mixing the spoils of the surrounding mountains with creative flair and an eye for beautiful, ancient objects, Tincture is a sweet-scented cauldron of old meets new, nature meets mankind; and solar panels and spring water lend an eco touch to its modern credentials. Intentionally simple, designed to frame the hills which dip in and out of sight between the elements outside, this luxury self-catering cottage holds folkish magic within its 17th century stone foundations. In this remote part of Wales, earth’s song freely flows for those who stop long enough to hear; the purest remedy to busy, modern lives.
Inside
There is something very grounding about running fingers over a handmade piece of furniture, pieced together with wood from centuries ago, scars so worn-in and smooth that their undulation acts as a message from another life. Such portals exist throughout this former farmhouse; in the dining table recovered from the stable, the garden room cabinet reinvented from the pigsty and the original stone wall in the shower room. All of this twinned with industrial accents, unique word art (the owner is a typographer) and framed botanicals seemingly brings the whole world together in one cosy space.
Outside
An acre of land hugged by mountains warmly welcomes wildlife to its colourful blooms, gentle brook and tangled shrubs, while a natural pond doubles up as a plunge pool after long hikes in the nearby Brecon Beacons. If lazy days are on the agenda, recline on the sun loungers with a cool gin and tonic dressed with freshly picked herbs from the biodiverse garden. Come nightfall there isn’t a synthetic light in all the land to disturb the stars, so grab a blanket and lay it amongst the wildflowers as they stud the sky with impossibly bright twinkles. Eco retreats have never felt so otherworldly.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests
From £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe cottage has two bedrooms on the first floor: one with a king-size bed and one with a double bed which benefits from a private en suite shower room. The family bathroom, with WC, bath and overhead shower, can also be found on the first floor.
View bedrooms - PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesDue to its secluded nature, access direct to the front of the cottage is by 4x4 only. Alternatively, there is parking at the entrance to the access track, which is a walk of 10-15 minutes up a steep bridleway; there is a wheelbarrow available for luggage. The kitchen has a Rayburn, gas oven and hob, and fridge with freezer compartment, and there is a washing machine in the pantry. Please note that the garden is not fully enclosed and the pond is unfenced, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children and dogs. There are CCTV cameras on the grounds to monitor livestock.
- Homestay includesLuxury hamper of local produce, Smart TV with AppleTV, Disney+ and Netflix, lawn games, Starlink internet, firewood, coal and kindling...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Eco-friendlySolar panels, slaked lime, limewash and linseed paints, spring water and biodiverse garden surrounded by protected National Trust land
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Please note, availability for this property is to be confirmed by Unique Homestays on receipt of your enquiry
The Cambrian Mountains
One of the last true areas of wilderness, Wales’ Cambrian Mountains have been mostly left to their own devices over the millennia. Rolling moorlands, glassy lakes and snow-capped mountains interlaced with winding roads await the keen adventurer.
Getting there
- On the Map Tincture is located in the heart of mid-Wales within the Cambrian Mountain range, seven miles from the spa town of Llanwrtyd Wells.
- By Car This luxury self-catering cottage is less than two hours from Cardiff, two hours 40 minutes from Birmingham and four and a half hours from central London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Llanwrtyd Wells, just seven miles away, with several daily connecting trains to Swansea, Shrewsbury and the rest of the country.
- By Air Cardiff Airport is around two hours away and Bristol Airport around two and a half hours away.
From the owner
“Our remote Welsh cottage sits within the Cambrian Mountains, with endless open skies, outstanding biodiversity and spectacular hills and valleys; their sense of immense space and peace is unique and rarely trodden.”
The farmhouse was originally built somewhere in the 17th century, at an altitude that provides stock farming above and fertile, arable land below. The house runs entirely off-grid via a solid fuel Rayburn, solar panels and spring water, with every decision taken putting the environment as our priority.
Tincture's best features lie within its surroundings. Nestled in a quiet valley within National Trust land, the possibilities are endless for exploring, whether adventuring off the beaten path or within our biodiverse garden. Facing south, the sunrise comes in over the top of Cribyn and will stay late, particularly in the spring or summer. The brook runs down through the grounds providing an abundance of wildlife and constant movement.
Our favourite thing to do? Sitting around the firepit looking across the expansive views over the valley from the top of the garden.
The Fooks-Bale Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in The Cambrian Mountains with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Ride the Devil´s Staircase, Abergwesyn
A steep ascent of hairpin bends, famous for its near-25% gradient, topping out to wide vistas of Welsh mountains and heather; whether by bike, motorcycle or car, this iconic driving route is not to be missed.
To Eat
Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod
No music, no jukebox, no fruit machines and no TV - just good beer and cider in a small cosy pub that was mid-Wales´s first micropub when it opened in 2014.
To Eat
The Triangle Inn, Cwmdauddwr
Situated at the gateway to the Elan Valley, this welcoming inn is the perfect pit-stop for walkers and cyclists all through the year. A sunny garden, roaring fire and menu made up of hearty food make this unmissable for hungry adventurers.
To See
Elan Valley
The dams, reservoirs and aqueduct of the Elan Valley were built over a hundred years ago, supplying clean water to Birmingham. Now, its epic feat of engineering is a sight to behold. Walking and cycling here is unrivalled, as is enjoying a coffee with a view.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We had THE BEST time at Tincture. The house was absolutely stunning and the location could not have been more incredible. We loved all the small touches from the written owner´s note to the homemade jam, it made us feel so welcome and we felt honoured they would share their beautiful home with us. The interior decor was so perfect and cosy, the outdoor surroundings were out of this world beautiful. It´s rare to find something so remote. We can not wait to book again. Thank you for having us.
Wonderful! We had a fantastic time, and our stay was everything we hoped it would be. Amazing location, beautiful garden, stunning house. We feel so lucky to have spent a week here.
This truly is a secret hideaway in the woods! Thank you for sharing this gorgeous and lovingly restored gem with us. We can feel the love that has gone into the place. Bravo on a job well done and thanks again!
The perfect place for our honeymoon! After an exhausting wedding week, this was the ideal haven for us to escape to. Glorious views, wonderful walks and Bailey was transfixed by the pheasants and sheep... We´d love to come back one day to this very beautiful and special place. Thank you for sharing it with us.
We loved the style of the property - sympathetic to the history of the farmhouse but with modern luxuries. We could tell that the owners use the property as everything that is needed is there.
Everything was absolutely superb. The location however was even better than we thought it would be. Tincture is truly a fantastic property. Thank you for such a welcoming stay- we´ve had the best time!
We could not have found a more tranquil and beautiful environment in which to feel at peace with the world. Thank you for allowing us into your beautiful home, we´re leaving feeling so content.
We had a wonderful time at your beautiful home and have made some gorgeous memories and hope to return. The location and surroundings have been truly revitalising, thank you.
We could not have found a more tranquil and beautiful environment in which to feel at peace with the world. Thank you for such a lovely stay, we are leaving feeling totally relaxed!
Tincture is in an amazing location. The owners have done an outstanding job of restoring and preserving this beautiful cottage and giving it all modern facilities in an off-grid setting.
We had a fantastic break at Tincture. We appreciated the thoughtfulness of the cottage’s design and facilities. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your wonderful home.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Tincture and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Cool cottages for spring
The Times
March 2023New off-grid cottages
The Times
August 2022Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Wales > Cambrian Mountains > Tincture
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
