Mandinam Shepherd’s Hut

There’s an old saying at Mandinam: ‘If you’re not bothered, then I don’t give a damn.’ You could be forgiven for thinking that Marcus, the owner, is somewhat apathetic, however, his Mandinam motto simply means as long as his guests don’t have a worry, then neither does he. And so the fun begins, as you’re given free reign to do whatever you want within these 450 acres of indefectibly idyllic Welsh farmland, in the middle of nowhere.

Marcus went to Chelsea Arts College in the 1960s and trained under David Hockney and Bridget Riley, but the art world wasn’t his only calling. He ditched this swinging city scene and shifted his focus to raising a family and running a farm in Llanadog with the unfailing support of his wife Daniella. With an artist's attention to aesthetics,you’ll soon notice that he has put just as much care and attention into his shepherd’s hut and gypsy caravan as he has the entire farm. 

If it’s privacy you’re after, then either of these wooden huts offers it in droves, as well as a view destined to hurt your eyes if you stare at it too much: gaping-wide, echoingly open rolling hills – hills for days on end. It really is the place to lose one’s inhibitions and get stuck into some unadulterated chilling. Once you snap out of your scenic trance, step inside your chosen abode and prepare to coo at how dainty and cosy it is. Beautifully furnished, every inch of both huts exudes the love that has been put into them, from the mini kitchenette with butler sink to the traditional wood-burning stove. Equipped with everything that the camper’s heart could desire, they even come complete with fresh lavender to aid a peaceful night’s slumber. 

The only things you’ll need to concern yourself with is when to light the BBQ and what time to climb into the hot tub, which sits adjacent to the gypsy caravan. Yes, a hot tub – on a hill – with an impressive sea of stunning farmland for a view, and the jealous stars as an audience. 

 Welsh legend has it that ‘Mandinam’ means ‘a place without blemish’ or ‘untouched holy place’, and after one night’s stay here, you’ll see how fitting these descriptions are for this glamping destination. As certain as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you will be booking your next stay at this isolated rural retreat before you even start packing up to go home.