All about Nant yr Onnen

Terrace Garden at The Cabin

After a few years of city living, Tim and Fiona hankered for a more rural, sustainable lifestyle. They found Nant yr Onnen in 2000 after two years of looking at more than 200 places. They knew the moment they turned up the lane - even in the late October drizzle! - that it was the place they had been searching for. They made an offer the next morning without even seeing inside the buildings. The 200 year old stone cottage with its stream and little waterfalls, ancient oak, ash, birch and willow trees, and apple trees planted by families long ago was enough to convince them it would become their home and also eventually the home of The Cabin. Nearby, they also have their self-catering barn, if you need a bit more space.

Design

The Cabin was one of their first projects. Fiona worked out the design, inspired in part by the Roundhouse on the cliffs at Druidstone in Pembrokeshire, and supervised local carpenters to construct it. Fiona and her daughters decorated it, and it became a favourite place for visitors who wanted a bit of privacy and silence. The design with its large windows makes the most of the stunning views, while the interior is inspired by Fiona's love of India.

Environmental policy

Fiona and Tim have always tried to be careful about their environmental footprint. They explored several options for generating their own electricity and happily discovered that they were in an ideal location for a micro hydro generator, which generates a steady 3kW for about half the year. They've shunned central heating with its noisy pumps in favour of wood burning stoves in all their buildings, and are very fortunate to have a constant supply of wood from the management of trees within their own land. Their water comes from a spring in the hill above the cottage and is stored in an old milk tanker. The compost loo was inspired by one which was built by some friends. Their most recent project has been the construction of a dozen raised beds for growing vegetables, the produce of which is available for guests to buy.

Wildlife

Nant yr Onnen is a wonderful place for wildlife. From the Cabin itself it's possible to see redkites, cuckoos, woodpeckers, nuthatches, buzzards, henharriers, goshawks and sparrowhawks, while finches, tits and wrens are plentiful. The land surrounding Nant yr Onnen is a nature reserve with ancient oak forests as well as mountain streams and waterfalls all close by.

Getting there

The Cabin, Nant yr Onnen, nr Llandovery, Dyfed SA20 0PE

By car

Follow the A40 west through Llandovery, squeeze past the Castle Hotel and wind sharply to the right past Llandovery College on your right. Take the next turning to the right, just before the railway crossing, signposted 'A483 Builth Wells'. Follow that road for about 200 metres, then take the first road left, signposted for 'Rhandirmwyn'.

Follow that road for approximately 7 miles, to Rhandir-mwyn village. Continue past the Royal Oak pub and after a mile or so you’ll see SLOW/ARAF written on the road - take the left fork signposted 'Cilycwm, Cwrt-y-Cadno and Pumpsaint'.

Continue down the slope and across the bridge. Turn left past the Towy Bridge Inn, drive about 250 metres and you'll see the dotted lines across the entrance to the drive on the right. Go all the way up to the end of the drive, through the gate. The Cabin has its own car parking space where you can park after unloading.

By train

There is a regular direct service to Llandovery from Carmarthen. Pick-ups can be arranged.

By bus

There are bus services from Swansea to Llandovery. Pick-ups can be arranged.

If you are getting to the Cabin by train, bus or any other non-car means you can think of be sure to take a photo and enter our Go Greenly competition to win a 4 night stay at The Wagon or The Ark.

Things to do

Outdoor & active

The Upper Towy Valley, surrounded by the Cambrian mountains and only 40 mins drive from the Brecon Beacons, has many opportunities for walkers, mountain bikers and those of an outdoors disposition. It all starts as soon as you step outside the Cabin, with some great walking possibilities. You can even canoe, kayak or fish on the river at the end of the drive.

Here are just a few of the many options, outdoors...

There are stunning walks in every direction from the Cabin - or drive to the Llyn Brianne reservoir and start from there.

There is a bike trail at Cwm Rhaeadr and also a pushchair and wheelchair friendly walk.

It's possible to go horse riding along the many bridle paths that are nearby.

The Dinas Nature Reserve has a lovely circular walk among the waterfalls of the upper Towy valley. Run by the RSPB, it's a fantastic place for bird watchers and it seems also Welsh fugitives. Legend has it that Twm Sion Cati, the Welsh outlaw, hid in the caves here. Also, just past Pwllpriddog Farm notice the heavily pollarded hollow oak tree on the side of the road. Reputed to have been planted in the 12th century, when much of the valley was owned by the Abbey Strata of Florida. If true, it would make this tree and two others like it on the Dinas reserve, over 700 years old.

Places to visit

Castles

The region has several castles that are open to the public.

The spectacular Carreg Cennen sits high on a rocky crag with magnificent views of the Black Mountain and Towy Valley. The dark cave beneath the castle is worth exploring too.

Dinefwr Castle, a 20 minute drive away, dates from the 9th century and is considered one of the most important castles in Wales. It's in the grounds of Dinefwr Park, also home to Newton House. The Park is a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll. Watch out for the many deer. There are events held within the park from March to November.

In the surrounding area there are many old lead and gold mines, drovers trails and ancient shelters waiting to be discovered on long walks.

Parks, gardens & nature reserves

There are a number of parks, gardens and nature reserves within easy reach of Nant yr Onnen.

The ancient gardens of Aberglasney are delightful. In a few hours you can discover its

Photo by Tom Roberts

pools, cloister walk and ancient Yew tunnels as well as many rare plants.

The National Botanic Gardens of Wales boast numerous attractions including the world's largest single span greenhouse, a Mediterranean garden, and the Wallace garden honouring famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russell Wallace.

Dinefwr Park is an 18th century landscaped park with nature reserve, bog wood and deer park surrounding the carefully restored Newton House. Home to the ancient herd of Dinefwr White Park cattle.

An RSPB nature reserve borders Nant yr Onnen and there's a Red Kite feeding station nearby.

Although it might feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, there are beautiful beaches 1 hour away, both to the West and South.

Local towns & villages

Llandovery is a good place to while away an afternoon. The town is bordered by the River Towy and the River Bran. In the Heritage Centre next to Llandovery Castle you can learn about Twm Sion Cati and William Williams, famous for being an outlaw and writing Welsh hymns respectively. You can also learn about the history and myths surrounding the Physicians of Myddfai. Other things to see in the town include Llanfair church, the site of the old drovers bank, Bank of the Black Ox, Llandovery College and the old printing works.

Llandeilo has a number of excellent pubs, cafes, restaurants and art galleries.

Rhandirmwyn and Cilycwm Village Shows in August are definitely worth a visit for a heady mix of eating, drinking and old-fashioned fun. The sheep dog trials are a highlight.

Eating & drinking

Eating & drinking at Nant yr Onnen

Fiona provides the basics for The Cabin and can point you in the direction of some great local shops.

Pubs & restaurants

Towy Bridge Inn, Rhandirmwyn (5 minute walk). Full of friendly locals, it's a great place for a pint or two, especially on a Friday night.

Neuadd Fawr Arms

Ty Te Twm, Rhandirmwyn (5 minute walk). Ask for Sian’s special Chocachino, cream teas or famous curries (although probably best not eaten together in one sitting).

Neuadd Fawr Arms, Cilycwm (3 miles). The local gastropub - excellent Sunday lunch and evening meals.

West End Café, Llandovery (9 miles). The massive Sunday roasts are legendary and bring in bikers on the weekend from far and wide.

All about Nant yr Onnen

Terrace Garden at The Cabin

After a few years of city living, Tim and Fiona hankered for a more rural, sustainable lifestyle. They found Nant yr Onnen in 2000 after two years of looking at more than 200 places. They knew the moment they turned up the lane - even in the late October drizzle! - that it was the place they had been searching for. They made an offer the next morning without even seeing inside the buildings. The 200 year old stone cottage with its stream and little waterfalls, ancient oak, ash, birch and willow trees, and apple trees planted by families long ago was enough to convince them it would become their home and also eventually the home of The Cabin. Nearby, they also have their self-catering barn, if you need a bit more space.

Design

The Cabin was one of their first projects. Fiona worked out the design, inspired in part by the Roundhouse on the cliffs at Druidstone in Pembrokeshire, and supervised local carpenters to construct it. Fiona and her daughters decorated it, and it became a favourite place for visitors who wanted a bit of privacy and silence. The design with its large windows makes the most of the stunning views, while the interior is inspired by Fiona's love of India.

Environmental policy

Fiona and Tim have always tried to be careful about their environmental footprint. They explored several options for generating their own electricity and happily discovered that they were in an ideal location for a micro hydro generator, which generates a steady 3kW for about half the year. They've shunned central heating with its noisy pumps in favour of wood burning stoves in all their buildings, and are very fortunate to have a constant supply of wood from the management of trees within their own land. Their water comes from a spring in the hill above the cottage and is stored in an old milk tanker. The compost loo was inspired by one which was built by some friends. Their most recent project has been the construction of a dozen raised beds for growing vegetables, the produce of which is available for guests to buy.

Wildlife

Nant yr Onnen is a wonderful place for wildlife. From the Cabin itself it's possible to see redkites, cuckoos, woodpeckers, nuthatches, buzzards, henharriers, goshawks and sparrowhawks, while finches, tits and wrens are plentiful. The land surrounding Nant yr Onnen is a nature reserve with ancient oak forests as well as mountain streams and waterfalls all close by.