When Carmarthenshire farmer Kevin Evans told us he had two
‘arks’ on his organic farm the first thing that came to mind was a biblical,
boat-like structure. After all, there are plenty of animals around to march on
two by two – wild fowl and butterflies, the herd of 35 suckler cows and a
growing number of red kites and birds of prey. His organic methods and
nature-friendly agriculture has made it a little haven for wildlife. Flood or
no flood.
The arks, however, are just for human folk and can certainly stand
up to a good storm if needs be! From outside they’re essentially a smart,
weather proof wooden shed with a colourful canvas roof, while inside the draped
fabric lining gives it an almost safari tent feel. The overall effect is
fabulous. Comfortable, spacious and warm, they feel wonderfully soft and
feature a large double bed, three single futons and a log burner. A
stepping-stone pathway leads out to a separate block that contains a well
equipped kitchen – with a fridge, cooker and hobs for each ark – while toilet
and shower facilities are in another spate wooden cabin.
Outside you’re free to explore the farm. Try bird spotting down
at one of the two ponds or follow the tiny stream. The site is a rural spot, so
for most attractions you do really need a car to get around. It’s a mere four
miles to the seaside village of Llansteffan, overlooking the Towey Estuary,
where a ruined 12th-century castle is worth poking your nose into
en-route to the nearest beaches. The whole bay is full of long sandy stretches
and great for a waterside stroll.
Or head inland to the historic county village
of Carmarthen, five miles from the campsite. At one point it was the largest
town in the entire country and is allegedly the birthplace of the wizard
Merlin. The most picturesque part of town today is around Nott Square, where
the grand 18th-century Guildhall sits at the base of a castle built
in honour of Edward I. On the way you can also stop in at Carmarthenshire
County Museum, housed inside the 16th-century Bishop’s Palace in
Abergwili. It’s a convenient option for a rainy day. Not that rainy days bother
you when you have your very own ark.