A heavenly yurt in Wales

Absolutely Mama has a whale of a time with the family at Otter’s Holt Yurt, Brecon, Wales

Words Pendle Harte

Otter’s Holt is a lovingly fitted Mongolian yurt, set in its own secluded field. But don’t confuse this with camping, because there’s no danger of being cold, wet or uncomfortable here. The beautiful yurt, with its cosy, hand-painted interior, sleeps four in comfortable beds, equipped with a wood burner plus a separate kitchen in an outhouse that also incudes a fully functioning bathroom (with hot water on demand, of course).

There are lots of blankets and everything you could possibly need is supplied, thanks to owner Alan and his wife, who have created this beautiful spot as a labour of love. Roughing it this is not. There’s full privacy thanks to the secluded location: essentially, you have an entire field and a bit of forest to yourself, plus your own stream (bring wellies). There’s a large dining area, a barbecue and a firepit.

The area

Just outside Brecon, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this is a great location. Head into Brecon for the market and drive out to explore the area’s beautiful countryside. It’s a short drive to Hay-on-Wye to browse bookshops and antiques stores. We spent a wonderful day canoeing down the Wye from Glasbury to Hay (www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk).

What to do

There’s ample entertainment for children on site. Paddle in the stream and go pond-dipping – nets are provided, along with a large glass tank and a magnifying glass for inspecting your haul.

With any luck, you’ll spot an otter. Climb to the top of the hill and you’ll find a wooden deck that’s perfectly positioned to watch the sunset. Look closely and you’ll find otters carved into treetrunks and countless other charming details. In the evening, make a fire and toast marshmallows on it.

Sugar & Loaf offers Otter’s Holt Yurt from £386 for three nights (April – October)