Hidden Valley Yurts – exactly what it
says on the tin. Invisible to, and inaccessible from, the outside world, these
homely canvas abodes freckle the green face of a picturesque Monmouthshire
valley overlooking a gurgling stream and shielded by trees. Secluded on the sprawling Lower Glyn Farm, the five yurts (three for seven people and
two for five people) stretch along the top of a beautiful, south-facing meadow alongside the stream.
Step through one of the brightly coloured doors of these innovative homes and you’ll find they are light, cosy and warm. Lovingly decked out with beds, chairs, lights, rugs and wall-hangings each yurt is equipped with a wood-burning stove with kindling and wood for fuel. Inside the muffled confines of eight inches of sheep’s wool and felt, the yurts feel intensely private, entreating you to curl up and unwind, having spent the day wandering around the
magical woodland, wildflower-peppered meadows and fields belonging to the
farm’s 80 acres.
Facilities-wise, a large communal kitchen and bathroom area boasts the kind of veranda straight out of Gone With The Wind – it's just the spot for whiling away evenings admiring the sunset or playing a board game. Below the veranda there’s a boules pitch, campfire area, wood-burning pizza oven, safari style dining tent and chicken run where you may collect fresh eggs each day.
Within easy reach of Monmouth (Trefynwy), Tintern and other visitable spots along the picturesque River Wye, Hidden Valley is a well-located base for taking in the region's historic and cultural sites. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this corner of Wales has also truly been blessed by Mother Nature – wildlife
abounds here. Hidden Valley is home to many species of butterfly, including the
uber-rare ‘Dingy Skipper’ (its name doing this little critter’s pretty,
patterned wings a disservice) as well as bees, spiders and bats, so be sure to
pack your bug boxes and spotters’ guides for a Spring or Summer Watch special. But once
ensconced in this beauteous valley, secluded from the outside world, it’s
hard to tear yourself away.