Being made redundant as a children’s nanny in 2019 was the nudge Vicki Jones needed to launch an adults-only romantic cabin on the Mid Wales smallholding that she and her husband, Lyndon, own.
The couple were all ready to open Coety Bach at Penybont, near Llandrindod Wells, just as the Covid pandemic sent the UK into lockdown in March, 2020.
The pandemic gave Vicki and Lyndon, who’s assistant headteacher at Ysgol Calon Cymru, Builth Wells, time to perfect everything before the luxury cabin was launched to guests on July 30, 2020.
Since then, Coety Bach has been in demand as a bolt hole for couples to escape, de-stress and relax in picturesque setting overlooking the beautiful Ithon Valley with far-reaching views across unspoilt countryside
The cabin has a wood-fired hot tub, outdoor and indoor baths, cosy log burner, fully equipped kitchen and a unique king-size ‘nook bed’.
Everything is laid on for a luxurious stay with a perfect blend of comfort and nature – from central heating, robes and linen to a firepit and tripod grill for alfresco dining and a romantic evening under the stars.
Dogs are welcome at Coety Bach which has an enclosed garden for guests and their canine friends to relax and enjoy the countryside safely.
Lyndon and Vicki designed and built the cabin themselves using reclaimed materials, which adds to its character and individuality, which has not gone unnoticed – it won an award for Best Romantic Getaway 2025 and has been graded gold by Visit Wales.
With the spectacular Elan Valley and Cambrian Mountains on the doorstep, stargazing, bird watching, hiking and cycling are all popular with guests, most of whom are couples aged from 30 to 50 seeking a peaceful escape.
Vicki and Lyndon don’t provide Wi-Fi or a television deliberately, as they want to create a place where couples can properly switch off, slow down and reconnect. Their guests travel from across the UK and even as far away as New Zealand, Canada and Thailand.
The couple and their children, Martha, 12 and Emrys, 14, have just been joined on the smallholding by three new fluffy arrivals – alpacas Rocket, Theo and Nova, aged between seven and 12 months.
They are long-term project and Vicki hopes they will eventually become part of the guest experience once they are confident around people.
“We were looking for animals to put on the land and came up with the idea of alpaca experiences,” explained Vicki, who plans to share their progress on social media. “People love meeting animals because they have a calming influence.
“Our guests are often so stressed after a busy week that they don’t leave the cabin for the first couple of days after they arrive here. They love the peace and seclusion. Because there is only one cabin, it gives them complete privacy and allows us to focus all our attention on making each stay special.”
Lyndon is a Welsh speaker and is always happy to chat with guests who would like to practise phrases or learn more about the language, culture and local area.
Vicki, who makes baked and chocolate treats for guests, explained how the cabin idea was born. “My husband is from this area and we returned here from the Midlands 13 years ago and wanted to do something with the five acres of land we own,” she said.
“For the first couple of years, I was travelling back to Birmingham to work as a nanny but, when I was made redundant in 2019, we decided to build the cabin.
“During the pandemic we sometimes used the cabin as an escape from home, somewhere to take a break from homeschooling and enjoy a change of scenery – almost like having a mini holiday on our doorstep. It kept us sane during the lockdowns!”
To help promote Coety Bach, Vicki has joined Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru), the independent membership organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionydd.
“When I have a question or need help, I love that I can pick up the phone and speak to somebody friendly and helpful at Mid Wales Tourism without having to go through a switchboard,” she said.
