If you need to unwind, then come to Squirrel’s Nest in Mid Wales, where it’s pretty much impossible to stay wound up. There are comfy chairs in the lounge, a huge hammock strung between the stilts and, of course, the hot tubs on the deck. That’s assuming that you ever make it out of the incredibly comfortable beds, set next to giant windows that frame your completely private slice of Powys countryside. Just outside, there is more seating, the perfect spot to crack open the welcome wine or toast a few marshmallows as the sun goes down.
Inside the spaces you’ll find an open plan space designed with care and creativity. Modern kitchen areas and lounge spaces are accented with characterful touches of bright fabrics and inventive woodwork that show the love and craft of designers, builders and owners John and Laura. Beautiful views flow in through the windows and wide glass doors, bringing nature into every room, including the shower and copper bath which sits in the living space.
If you decide to leave your fabulous nest, you could take a picnic up to the top of the hill for stunning views of the surrounding countryside or head further out for more dramatic adventures. There are OS maps to guide you through the 900 acres of hillside and beyond, while the Elan valley offers great biking and hiking along woodland trails and over the dramatic Elan dam. With the nearest shop six miles off in Llanbadarn and the nearest pub four miles away in Llanbister, Squirrel's Nest encourages seclusion. Steep steps and a seven-minute walk from the treehouse down a solar-lit path argue for sensible shoes, but any tension you manage to work up can easily be solved by arranging a visit from the local masseuse, yoga instructor or just sitting back and listening to the wildlife around you. The Site of Special Scientific Interest is home to Red Kites, cuckoos and the farms own flock of sheep, which you can even arrange a tour to meet, during lambing season.
