By The Green Parent
23rd February 2017
Evidence shows that more and more children are losing touch with nature. A recent study found that one in nine children has not visited a natural environment in the past year. “It is a sad fact of life that many children don’t have the great outdoors as their playground,” said Margot Porter who with her husband Anthony farms in the rolling countryside of Mid Wales in the old county of Radnorshire. The couple already had a conventional self-catering holiday cottage but Anthony had always wanted to build a cottage of a different construction and Margot’s idea was to offer holidays where children could be free to explore and use their imagination whilst away from the modern technology that normally surrounds them. “I had Swallows and Amazons in mind, “said Margot. “As children both Anthony and I grew up in the countryside, outside all day, on ponies, building dens and having cookouts in the early morning. I wanted children to come and have that same freedom and fun and for their parents not to be worried about them.”
In 2012, after considering various types of construction, the couple started to build a straw cottage. Anthony had always been interested in the material for its environmental and insulation properties and considered it ideal for the building he wanted to create. Bales of straw, sourced locally were used for the walls which were then coated in lime mortar inside and out. Sheep’s wool was used to insulate the cedar shingle roof. Inside the window embrasures are curved to give a feeling of age and softness.
“We knew exactly where the best place was to build the cottage,” said Margot, “a perfect site of about two of a half acres on the farm, where there is some woodland and a piece of meadow that borders the stream. It is a magical spot, completely on its own with lovely views. After some market research, we decided to put a stone driveable track across the field to a spot just above the cottage, so that our guests could drive to within a short distance of the cottage but not actually see the car from the cottage. A short walk through the woodland brings you to the Straw Cottage. I love telling children to go ahead and shout when they see the cottage. The reactions are great, “ Wow,” “brilliant,” “are we really staying here” “it’s like a fairy tale house”, and pretty well always the swing gets a mention as they rush over to have a go. Once inside the cottage, they fly around looking at the lanterns, the hobby horse, the trunk of games and the kite before they rush outside to explore, the stream usually being the first place they dash off to.”
The cottage is a short distance off a very quiet gated farm lane, so kids can explore safely. High on the list of favourites is building a den and stream dipping, nets and buckets are provided as are items to help build a den. There is a treasure hunt to follow and a list of twenty things to do at the Straw Cottage including seeing the stars, creating wild art, making a trail and at night the family can sit around a bonfire and toast marshmallows. “I now know about Smores,” said Margot, “apparently it’s toasted marshmallows and chocolate digestives sandwiched together. One small guest kindly left us the recipe!” Much thought has gone into the furnishing, simple yet comfortable with large sofas, a wood burner, gas stove, hot shower and flushing loo and comfortable beds with hot water bottles and extra blankets.
“I would like to think that in our own small way we can introduce children to the countryside and help them learn about the animals and plants around them, we have books to help identify animals, plants, trees and insects they might see” explained Margot. “We hope they will find out that some of the real simple pleasures of life are more exciting and interesting than the virtual world on their mobile ‘phone or tablet.”
Note to editor.
A 3 day break in the Straw Cottage is being offered as a competition prize in the Green Parent.
The Straw Cottage sleeps 4.
The Straw Cottage lets for weekly breaks (£580 - £790) and 3 night weekend and 4 night mid-week breaks (£380 - £500)
The Straw Cottage was one of three tourism businesses shortlisted for the Powys Business Awards in 2014.
Wi-fi and phone charging is available at the farm office.
Ty Gwyn Farm is 2.5 miles from Llandrindod Wells, a Victorian spa town in Powys.
Contact details: www.tygwynfarm.co.uk. [email protected], 01597 829298, daytime contact. 01597 822665 evenings and weekends.
