A recent British Household Panel Survey studied a random selection of British citizens to locate the happiest place in the land. The result? Powys, Wales. All that good, clean country living scored highly over cities, whose overcrowded streets and pack-em-in residential blocks were no contest for a county full of sheep and fields. When you meet the proprietor of Strawberry Skys (sic), Eric, the survey rings true; he comes across as someone who jumps into his wellies each morning eager to add the finishing touches to his new glamping paradise which opened in 2008.
The site is a steep, narrow field facing hills in all directions. Sloping down to a valley floor, the only visible building is a hilltop farmhouse on the horizon. You've just the sheep for company and their job is to graze. Eric's only bone of contention since moving to happy Powys is how fast the grass grows; the sheep help keep the blades short. Situated at the top, middle and bottom of the slope are three Mongolian yurts (two 16-foot two-person, one 19-foot four-person). Also at the foot of the hill is a fabulous all-mod-cons kitchen outbuilding with a veranda, compost loo hut and hot-shower unit. All of them pretty, clean and new!
Each yurt has been brightly painted in greens and oranges, while solar-powered fairy lights and natural coconut matting join rugs and cushion from India. Woodburners keep guests toasty during winter months; Eric brings wood around each evening. Fire pits are flanked by gorgeous chunky wooden tables and benches, and each yurt has its own BBQ. Sitting out all night chewing the fat and chomping on hot dogs under paraffin lamps doesn't get much more stylish than this.
Geographically the location is a winner. Despite being just miles inland from the English border, the site is burrowed deep enough into Wales' bosom to hear the country's provincial, traditional heartbeat. Yet because it's within reach of motorways, escaping from most major cities is a breeze. In high season, Eric runs bookings Friday to Monday and Monday to Friday (or both) so no excuse to avoid grabbing a long weekend after a harrowing week in the office.
Convenient, cool and waterproof, Strawberry Skys' yurts will be a big hit and bookings are sure to come flooding in. Take it from us; guests could not fail to leave this camp feeling rested, revived and, yes, perfectly happy with life, too
