Meet Rachael and Paul, owners and creators of Hergest Lee, a bespoke designed, sustainably crafted cedar cabin for five boasting rolling views of Hergest Ridge, set in the sleepy Powys hamlet of Burlingjobb.
What first inspired you to create Hergest Lee as a retreat?
We bought the land in 2017 with a view to convert an old threshing barn on site into a residential dwelling. The view is spectacular overlooking Hergest Ridge and Hanter Hill, an impressive hill right opposite on top of the site, and we thought it would be great to create a cabin that would maximise the view.
Have you always been in hospitality? If not, what else did / do you do?
Paul trained as an oak framer then went in to property renovation. He is originally from Brighton and he converted a flat there then moved to the area about 14 years ago. I (Rachael) work in Interiors PR, running my own consultancy alongside looking after our two young children, Romy & Francis.
What’s the best thing about being the owner of Hergest Lee?
The reaction we have had to the cabin has been so positive, we really didn’t expect it! We really have poured our hearts and souls into the cabin and every inch of it has been considered. Maybe that shows to the customers. It’s exciting meeting new people from all over the country as well.
What’s your favourite feature of the cabin?
We love the contrast between the soft curve of the roof and the sharp lines that feature throughout. The staircase is a real statement, as well as the continuation of modular boxes that feature throughout the space.
What do you love about the local area?
The scenery is fantastic, and the area is overlooked by tourism so you can go for long walks and not see another soul. We love the wild swimming spots and the birds are amazing; in the summer we have swifts, swallows and you can see red kites and even peregrine falcons flying overhead. It’s also nice to be close to pretty market towns such as Hay on Wye and Presteigne.
What’s next for Hergest Lee?
We are developing cabins for sale so people can have different variations for their gardens, studies etc. These are built in the workshop and delivered complete to the customer – with more and more people working from home, this made sense to us. We are also looking for some woodland so we can build a tree house – we love the aesthetic of Californian modernist houses and were thinking about building an all glass fronted circular building….
If you couldn’t stay at your place, where would your ideal holiday be?
We love the south of France, particularly the Ardèche region.
Sum up Hergest Lee in three words.
Contemporary, considered and authentic.
If you were visiting, how would you spend a day at Hergest Lee?
Depending on the season, in the summer we like to visit the local swimming spots and spend all day at the river with a picnic. In the winter, long wintry walks on Hergest Ridge or the local hills, or sometimes it’s just nice to relax in the bath and watch the clouds roll by. Day trips to Hay on Wye and Ludlow and exploring the Elan Valley, Brecon Beacons and Radnor Valley. Find out more about Hergest Lee via their Host Unusual listing, and plan your designer cabin getaway today!
