A bespoke, hand crafted cedar cabin, rich in creative contemporary style and captivatingly nestled in the scenic heart of rural Wales.
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 2/3 nights (depending on season)

Cosily nestled in a magical Powys hamlet opposite Hanter Hill, Hergest Lee is an idyllic retreat for those in need of some serious ‘switch-off’ time.

Named after Hergest Ridge (‘lee’ is a word that means “the sheltered side away from the wind”), and sleeping up to five guests, the contemporary cabin was designed, constructed and sustainably crafted by its owner, designer/creator Paul Gent.

Taking grand inspiration from the curves of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Spain, Paul’s unique cabin design mirrors the contours of Hanter Hill, blending beautifully into the rolling landscape beyond.

Featured in The Times, and described by inews as “a self-contained pod of luxury”, there is a comforting feeling of space throughout, from the relaxed open plan kitchen and living area, to the ‘floating’ staircase, leading to a snug mezzanine sleeping spot (with restricted head room) for up to three guests.

The style throughout is simple, muted, and elegant, with a mid-century feel in the form of Ercol chairs, and a soft leather Souby sofa to relax on. There’s also plenty of quirky décor, carefully sourced from local artists and antique fairs, and a well-chosen selection of books to get lost in.

The kitchen is a joy to spend time in, equipped with everything you’ll need to rustle up tasty breakfasts and hearty evening meals, with a manual espresso maker to charge your mornings.  You’ll love the well thought out detail here too, including a breakfast bar that can be ingeniously folded away.

You’ll find the downy double master bedroom next door to the lounge… though be warned, once you’ve walked in, you’ll find it extremely difficult to walk out again. A huge picture window showcases Hergest Ridge and Offa’s Dyke path, and what better way to take it all in, than with a soak in the indulgent free-standing bathtub just underneath?

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At a glance

  • Bespoke designed, sustainably crafted cedar cabin for up to five guests, nestled in the sleepy Powys hamlet of Burlingjobb, overlooking Hergest Ridge.
  • The cabin is fully self-contained with kitchen and shower facilities. There is a snug mezzanine sleeping space for 3 guests (on a double and single mattress) and a double master bedroom on the ground floor.
  • Enjoy rolling views of the hills beyond with a soak in the master bedroom’s freestanding bath, positioned right under the huge picture window!
  • There is a furnished garden with an al fresco dining deck, barbecue and firepit.
  • There is a wealth of scenic walks in the local area, and an award-winning pub in walking distance.

Features

  • Family Friendly

Facilities

Bespoke crafted cedar cabin, sleeps 5 guests.  Open plan lounge and kitchen space: seating, music system, TV, DVD player, selection of books and games, kitchen with toaster, manual espresso maker, cooker, fridge, welcome hamper.  Master bedroom with double bed, freestanding bath.  Shower room with WC, hairdryer, bath towels.  Stairs to mezzanine sleeping space for 3 guests, on full-sized double and single mattress.  Outside: furnished garden with dining deck, barbecue and firepit.  Free off-road parking.

Local Activities

Walking, cycling, hiking, nature watching, country pubs, gardens, swimming

More information

On sunny afternoons, head outside to the garden area and breathe in all that pure Welsh air. You could dine on the decking with a chilled bottle of wine, fire up the barbecue for a sizzling sunset supper, or stay outside as the stars make their appearance in the night sky, telling stories and toasting marshmallows on the firepit.

You’ll feel cosily cocooned from civilisation in this remote-feeling part of the world, but if you’re in the mood to explore, there’s plenty to see and do.

Test your hiking boots to destruction on the many walking routes – simply borrow the OS map to navigate your way (try Stanner Rocks or Wurzel Wood for some of the best views around.)  

There’s also a wealth of friendly local options for eating and drinking out, just in case you don’t feel like cooking… and when you’re feeling this relaxed, why would you?

Things to note

The cabin is family friendly, with a stairgate, cot and highchair available on request. Pets are not permitted. Please note that the mezzanine sleeping space features low ceilings that mean only small children can stand at full height – others may need to mind their heads! £10 cleaning fee, extra £10 pp/n after the first two adults (children are free). 2 night minimum stay Nov – Easter, 3 nights rest of year.

Where you'll be staying

Presteigne, Powys

What the guests of Hergest Lee say

“We were honoured to be Paul and Rachael’s first official guests – and based on our experience, we very much suspect we’ll be the first of many happy campers! The property itself is truly unique, set in a stunning and remote spot (which was exactly what we were looking for post lockdown) overlooking the picturesque Hanter Hill/Hergest Ridge. You can really tell that Paul and Rachael have poured their hearts and souls into this place, with Paul himself having designed and built it with his own hands. The result is pure charm, with immaculate attention to detail and lovely little touches throughout. Paul and Rachael were fantastic, very responsive, and provided us with great tips and advice on the local area, and even offered some fresh salad from their garden, which went down a treat with our dinner. And of course…. THAT bath! Thanks Paul and Rachael, a real gem of a stay.”

“Our stay at Paul and Rachel’s was perfect – so many lovely touches and detail has gone into making this cabin the perfect bolt hole and escape from London. There’s a lot of nature to take in in this beautiful corner of the world, and the cabin is the perfect base for exploring. Thanks so much!”

“We had a wonderful stay in Hergest Lee Cabin. There was 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 children. The boys loved the mezzanine cabin bed, which could comfortable sleep 3 in one single and 1 double. We took a steep walk up the hill and visited the Water Break Its Neck Waterfall, followed by a soak in the bath (don’t forget your bath salts and bath oils to make the most of it!) with a glass of wine and views of the hill. It was very relaxing! We cooked every day and there was plenty of kitchen utensils, pots & pans etc and we even enjoyed a film with cake and popcorn when the rain decided to pour.”

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