Ynys Affalon
Powys, United Kingdom
Chillderness Escapes
- Our low price promise from £135 €154 p/n
-
Treehouse
Sleeps 2
- One double bed
Suitable for children aged 10 and over
Not suitable for pets
Overview
Ynys Affalon feels like a scout’s dream. The bedroom, kitchen and shower deck sit up in the trees, separated by a suspended wooden walkway, with a raised seating area, firepit and barrel hot tub down below on the banks of the river.
With the fire lit, the river babbling past and the stars emerging above you as you toast a marshmallow or two, the camp is perfect for getting off-grid and living wild. There’s a gas hob and a whistling kettle for making simple meals or morning tea, but adventurous chefs might fancy testing their skills over an open fire.
The pod itself, your cosy bedroom at the heart of the camp, is lined with lambswool and has a wood burner to keep it toasty. The double bed folds back into a sofa, giving you another nap spot option alongside the two-person hammock and the riverside deck. The tree tent brings you close to nature, with solar lighting and a place in the treetops amongst the birdsong. The paths between the bedroom pod, the kitchen deck and toilet just up the hill are open ground, so you’ll need to watch your step and bring torches for getting around at night.
Read more
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 4 PM
- Check out: 10:30 AM
- This is an off-grid space with solar powered electricity, no wifi and the outdoor shower may not function in sub-zero temperatures
- Please bring a torch, walking boots, and swimwear
- The car park is a short walk down a steep gravelled path from the space
- Initial supply of firewood is provided with more available to purchase for £10 per bag or you can forage for wood around the site
- There's no electric refrigeration or cool boxes at this space - but you can cool sealed drinks in the river
- Phone signal available depending on the network
- Please bring a portable charger to charge your electronic device
Sleeping arrangements
- One double bed
Cooking
- Over the bridge from Ynys Affalon there is a private outdoor kitchen with a double burner gas hob, and sink
- Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
- Firepit BBQ
Washing
- Private compost loo a short walk from the pod
- Basic outdoor hot shower (may not function in very cold weather)
- Please bring toiletries
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Bed linen and towels provided
- The main source of heat comes from the wood-burner inside the pod
- Solar lighting
Entertainment
- Barrel hot tub
- Wild swimming
- Firepit area
Read more
Getting there
Chillderness Escapes, Newbridge-on-Wye, Builth Wells, LD2 3SG
What3Words: ///ventures.rewriting.river - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to the estate entrance so we recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
Public transport
The nearest train station is Llandrindod (8.5 miles), from here guests can book a 20-minute taxi to the space.
By car
To reach Chillderness Escapes, follow the W3W or your Sat Nav until you get onto road B4358. Follow the road until you come across a church and turn right at a carved wooden sign for Red Kite Barn. Follow the single-track road straight, ignoring any right turns.
When you reach a 5-bar wooden gate, continue straight. You will pass another Red Kite Barn sign and the road will soon turn into a track. After a de-forested area on your right, you’ll spot a curved red sign reading Wy y ddraig / Dragon’s Egg. Continue past it for about 50 meters, and you’ll see another 5-bar gate on the right with a sign for Red Kite Estate. Go through this gate and follow the track for about 100m, just before reaching a small vehicle bridge. Look for another wooden sign and a small parking area on your right.
From the parking area, it is a short walk to the space which involves crossing a narrow log bridge and navigating uneven ground, so flat, waterproof shoes or walking boots are recommended.
Read more
Food & Drink
At Chillderness Escapes
A few welcome treats are provided, such as milk, marshmallows and Welsh cakes
Local shop
The Post Office (4 miles) - doubles as the local village store and is the closest shop to the estate. A decent selection of choice for a small space, including local produce.
Tesco (8.5 miles) Llandrindod Wells.
Pubs & restaurants
The New Inn (4 miles) - a good, local ale pub with the owner's award-winning sausages featuring on the menu and in their ‘rare breeds’ butcher shop next door too.
White Hart Inn (9 miles) - an old high street pub with landlord playing guitar and singing the old hits late on a Saturday evening.
The Llanelwedd Arms Hotel (8 miles) - a traditional hotel, pub and restaurant that also serves excellent and authentic Thai food.
Triangle Inn (11 miles) - a cosy old drovers inn at the gateway to the Elan Valley.
The Felin Fach Griffin (24 miles) - a historic inn with menus that changes daily and seasonally. In the winter you might have venison from the nearby Welsh Venison Centre, or in summer Welsh lamb with peas sourced that morning from the neighbouring Alfie Dan's Market Garden.
Read more
Activities
At Chillderness Escapes
Explore the 80 acres of woodland
Bring your binoculars and spot the local wildlife
Visit the 2,000 year old yew tree in the Llanafan Fawr churchyard which is approx. a 1-hour walk each way
Places to visit
Willow Globe (8 miles) - a wonderfully quirky mini-Globe made from planter willow trees, and beautifully intimate. It has a varied programme of Shakespeare plays and events.
Hay-on-Wye (27 miles) - a market town world renowned for books, bookshops and the Hay Festival which brings readers and writers together.
Strata Florida Abbey (34 miles) - explore they Abbey's magnificent arches and ruins, which is all that remains of a grand monastery from medieval times, dissolved by Henry VIII.
Outdoor & Active
Nearby wild swimming
Wolf’s Leap - offers a series of deep pools, about 10m across and 3m deep, at the outflow of a narrow slot gorge.
Elan Valley (17 miles) - a beautiful area of lakes, dams and reservoirs that provides a great opportunity for walking and cycling. It is home to the Red Kite Feeding Centre and is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Elan Wye Junction Pool (27 miles) - an idyllic spot that your hosts love and highly recommend. Pack a picnic and your swimming gear and embrace the refreshing water.
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre (30 miles) - offers a range of outdoor activities such as aerial zip lines, challenge courses and indoor activities like rock climbing and abseiling.
Brecon Beacons National Park (37 miles) - a stunning area of mountains, forests, and waterfalls that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Henryhd Waterfall (48 miles) - visit the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Read more
Meet your hosts
Meet Anjana and David
Anjana has been described as a "force of nature" and David (who is proudly Welsh) is a barrister-turned-builder and back again; they met in Paris 40 years ago and bonded over a shared love of architecture and all things Francophile, particularly lunch.
20 years ago, they cut their construction teeth on the Curved House, which featured on Grand Designs. Their children are now grown and full members of the Chillderness team – it's a family affair!
Over the years, they have built a selection of uniquely designed range of isolated places to stay in Wales and France, rooted in those passions, as well as their strong values around upcycling and sustainability.
Wildlife & Environment
Anjana and David use geothermal heat pumps, a borehole, solar power and compostable toilets onsite. Their land is undergoing a rewilding project, with Carneddau ponies introduced to graze freely, and continue to protect the biodiversity that lives on their 81 acres, including the red kites, countless other bird species, hares, foxes, badgers and more!
Read more
-
Overview
Ynys Affalon feels like a scout’s dream. The bedroom, kitchen and shower deck sit up in the trees, separated by a suspended wooden walkway, with a raised seating area, firepit and barrel hot tub down below on the banks of the river.
With the fire lit, the river babbling past and the stars emerging above you as you toast a marshmallow or two, the camp is perfect for getting off-grid and living wild. There’s a gas hob and a whistling kettle for making simple meals or morning tea, but adventurous chefs might fancy testing their skills over an open fire.
The pod itself, your cosy bedroom at the heart of the camp, is lined with lambswool and has a wood burner to keep it toasty. The double bed folds back into a sofa, giving you another nap spot option alongside the two-person hammock and the riverside deck. The tree tent brings you close to nature, with solar lighting and a place in the treetops amongst the birdsong. The paths between the bedroom pod, the kitchen deck and toilet just up the hill are open ground, so you’ll need to watch your step and bring torches for getting around at night.
Read more
-
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 4 PM
- Check out: 10:30 AM
- This is an off-grid space with solar powered electricity, no wifi and the outdoor shower may not function in sub-zero temperatures
- Please bring a torch, walking boots, and swimwear
- The car park is a short walk down a steep gravelled path from the space
- Initial supply of firewood is provided with more available to purchase for £10 per bag or you can forage for wood around the site
- There's no electric refrigeration or cool boxes at this space - but you can cool sealed drinks in the river
- Phone signal available depending on the network
- Please bring a portable charger to charge your electronic device
Sleeping arrangements
- One double bed
Cooking
- Over the bridge from Ynys Affalon there is a private outdoor kitchen with a double burner gas hob, and sink
- Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
- Firepit BBQ
Washing
- Private compost loo a short walk from the pod
- Basic outdoor hot shower (may not function in very cold weather)
- Please bring toiletries
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Bed linen and towels provided
- The main source of heat comes from the wood-burner inside the pod
- Solar lighting
Entertainment
- Barrel hot tub
- Wild swimming
- Firepit area
-
Location
Getting there
Chillderness Escapes, Newbridge-on-Wye, Builth Wells, LD2 3SG
What3Words: ///ventures.rewriting.river - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to the estate entrance so we recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
Public transport
The nearest train station is Llandrindod (8.5 miles), from here guests can book a 20-minute taxi to the space.
By car
To reach Chillderness Escapes, follow the W3W or your Sat Nav until you get onto road B4358. Follow the road until you come across a church and turn right at a carved wooden sign for Red Kite Barn. Follow the single-track road straight, ignoring any right turns.
When you reach a 5-bar wooden gate, continue straight. You will pass another Red Kite Barn sign and the road will soon turn into a track. After a de-forested area on your right, you’ll spot a curved red sign reading Wy y ddraig / Dragon’s Egg. Continue past it for about 50 meters, and you’ll see another 5-bar gate on the right with a sign for Red Kite Estate. Go through this gate and follow the track for about 100m, just before reaching a small vehicle bridge. Look for another wooden sign and a small parking area on your right.
From the parking area, it is a short walk to the space which involves crossing a narrow log bridge and navigating uneven ground, so flat, waterproof shoes or walking boots are recommended.
-
Food & Drink
At Chillderness Escapes
A few welcome treats are provided, such as milk, marshmallows and Welsh cakes
Local shop
The Post Office (4 miles) - doubles as the local village store and is the closest shop to the estate. A decent selection of choice for a small space, including local produce.
Tesco (8.5 miles) Llandrindod Wells.
Pubs & restaurants
The New Inn (4 miles) - a good, local ale pub with the owner's award-winning sausages featuring on the menu and in their ‘rare breeds’ butcher shop next door too.
White Hart Inn (9 miles) - an old high street pub with landlord playing guitar and singing the old hits late on a Saturday evening.
The Llanelwedd Arms Hotel (8 miles) - a traditional hotel, pub and restaurant that also serves excellent and authentic Thai food.
Triangle Inn (11 miles) - a cosy old drovers inn at the gateway to the Elan Valley.
The Felin Fach Griffin (24 miles) - a historic inn with menus that changes daily and seasonally. In the winter you might have venison from the nearby Welsh Venison Centre, or in summer Welsh lamb with peas sourced that morning from the neighbouring Alfie Dan's Market Garden.
-
Experiences
At Chillderness Escapes
Explore the 80 acres of woodland
Bring your binoculars and spot the local wildlife
Visit the 2,000 year old yew tree in the Llanafan Fawr churchyard which is approx. a 1-hour walk each way
Places to visit
Willow Globe (8 miles) - a wonderfully quirky mini-Globe made from planter willow trees, and beautifully intimate. It has a varied programme of Shakespeare plays and events.
Hay-on-Wye (27 miles) - a market town world renowned for books, bookshops and the Hay Festival which brings readers and writers together.
Strata Florida Abbey (34 miles) - explore they Abbey's magnificent arches and ruins, which is all that remains of a grand monastery from medieval times, dissolved by Henry VIII.
Outdoor & Active
Nearby wild swimming
Wolf’s Leap - offers a series of deep pools, about 10m across and 3m deep, at the outflow of a narrow slot gorge.
Elan Valley (17 miles) - a beautiful area of lakes, dams and reservoirs that provides a great opportunity for walking and cycling. It is home to the Red Kite Feeding Centre and is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Elan Wye Junction Pool (27 miles) - an idyllic spot that your hosts love and highly recommend. Pack a picnic and your swimming gear and embrace the refreshing water.
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre (30 miles) - offers a range of outdoor activities such as aerial zip lines, challenge courses and indoor activities like rock climbing and abseiling.
Brecon Beacons National Park (37 miles) - a stunning area of mountains, forests, and waterfalls that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Henryhd Waterfall (48 miles) - visit the highest waterfall in South Wales.
-
Your Hosts
Meet Anjana and David
Anjana has been described as a "force of nature" and David (who is proudly Welsh) is a barrister-turned-builder and back again; they met in Paris 40 years ago and bonded over a shared love of architecture and all things Francophile, particularly lunch.
20 years ago, they cut their construction teeth on the Curved House, which featured on Grand Designs. Their children are now grown and full members of the Chillderness team – it's a family affair!
Over the years, they have built a selection of uniquely designed range of isolated places to stay in Wales and France, rooted in those passions, as well as their strong values around upcycling and sustainability.
Wildlife & Environment
Anjana and David use geothermal heat pumps, a borehole, solar power and compostable toilets onsite. Their land is undergoing a rewilding project, with Carneddau ponies introduced to graze freely, and continue to protect the biodiversity that lives on their 81 acres, including the red kites, countless other bird species, hares, foxes, badgers and more!
-
Reviews
Our guests say...
Gail
One word: AMAZING! Hubby and I wanted an exciting, but local, babymoon vacation, and soon came across the suspended tree tents. We had a fantastic time - it was really quirky, quiet with beautiful surroundings. We were surprised to have hot water and the outdoor shower was a real treat. We enjoyed a BBQ by the brook and roasted the complementary marshmallows. We had no involvement with the hosts, as expected, apart from an email on our second day answering a query I had - this added to the feeling of being off the beaten track.
09/06/2023Carolyn
Had an amazing time. The site is located far away from any main roads so it is really peaceful and truly away from it all. Despite this the directions were very clear and it was easy to access. The tree tent itself was unique and comfortable though a bit wobbly (which made it all the more fun and causes lots of giggles). Everything we needed was provided and we loved the extra special touch of having a birthday card when we arrived. Another highlight was all the wildlife, star grazing and sitting around the fire in the evening. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay there again.
04/06/2023Rebecca
Amazing stay had the best time
25/04/2023Toby
Overall the trip was absolutely amazing, very relaxing.
21/04/2023Callis
It was like something out of a fairytale. Every little thing had been thought about to ensure the comfort of the guests as well as providing everything we needed! Tranquility and perfection at its absolute best.
08/10/2022Kelly
Was absolutely amazing, the most refreshing stay we have been too. Being without phones and signal was a true detox for us, being away from city life.
24/09/2021Becky
We had a fantastic stay at Ynys Affalon. Right from the beginning it more than exceeded our expectations. The location was perfect, and it was so well planned out, from the firepit next to the brook - to the tent and the cooking platform up higher. And such an added bonus that their was proper hot water for the shower!
03/09/2021Alison
I originally booked this little trip to get away for my partner and I to get away from everyone and everything especially social media. We were expecting identical twins who were due to arrive in July, but unfortunately we lost them in February whilst they were still inside my tummy. It has left us absolutely heartbroken! This trip was to help us reconnect with each other with no other distractions, and it did just that! It was absolutely amazing from start to end! We loved the fact we felt like we were floating in the tree tent! Taking showers outdoors, cooking on the firepit! And mostly spending quality time together with no mobile phones or internet, taking and reconnecting! I have already recommended this place to so many people! We will definitely return in the future!!
05/05/2021Tiffany
We stayed here for two nights and could have happily stayed for two years! The location is so remote and peaceful yet the owners have really thought of everything to keep you comfortable - without losing that wild nature feel. The tent was surprisingly spacious and so warm and cosy. I was convinced we'd be chilly when the sun went down but not at all. As we were there during lambing season, we didn't go more than 20 minutes without seeing a little baby and its mmamaenjoying the area, which was lovely. Add to that a babbling brook, roasted marshmallows in the firepit, a sky-high hammock for gazing at the trees and a total digital detox (no signal or electricity), we could not have been happier or more content.
19/04/2021Jade
We had an extremely memorable experience. It was part of a longer holiday in which we stayed in different places across Wales, however this was the highlight. It was incredibly relaxing, peaceful, calm and private. Living amongst nature was so refreshing and invigorating. It was back to basics and we felt connected with each other and our surroundings.
20/09/2020Beth
We had the most relaxed, enjoyable 2 days. The venue is exquisite and the tree tent surpassed all expectations
14/10/2019Laura
Very special couple of days in very special place.
11/10/2019Alan
Our stay was just perfect. So lovely to totally relax and just forget about our hectic lives.
23/09/2019Katrina
It was perfect. Juat as described
15/07/2019Kirsty
Wonderfully peaceful and feeling embedded in nature
19/06/2019Sue
It was right up our street,we are into the camping life and amazed at how well thought out the layout was. We didn’t want for anything after taking in all of your advice before we arrived. Top marks
17/05/2019Nicki
A truly magical experience we will never forget. Loved everything about it; the unique and cosy tent, home from home outdoor kitchen facilities, the different levels and complete relaxation with nothing but the sound of the river, birds and occasional sheep!
26/09/2018Lynn
Really lovely spot, very quiet and peaceful.
03/08/2018Jessica
Fantastic !!! A lovely location. Unique experience. Only problem is didn't want to leave.
16/07/2018Vicky
Myself and my wife were in Anglesey for a wedding and wanted to find somewhere different to stay on our journey back down to England- and couldnt believe our luck when we found Ynys Affalon! Ingenious and cosy, we spent an afternoon, night and morning up in the trees- able to cook what we wanted as well as having a fire pit and deck chairs down by the river. Truly a memorable experience! You jave to try it.
25/06/2018Dan
What a fun, revitalising experience! Staying in the Tree Tent felt like a real adventure, and was the perfect place to connect with nature. I slept like a log and was lulled to sleep by the gentle swaying of the tent and the sound of the babbling stream. There's plenty to explore nearby too - I spent a wonderful afternoon cycling round the Elan Valley and spotting birds of prey!
29/04/2018Florence for Canopy & Stars
Reviews
A lovely couple of nights immersed in nature, with no stressors or expectations from daily life.we had everything that we needed, but mostly peace and relaxation.
16/06/2023Gail
One word: AMAZING! Hubby and I wanted an exciting, but local, babymoon vacation, and soon came across the suspended tree tents. We had a fantastic time - it was really quirky, quiet with beautiful surroundings. We were surprised to have hot water and the outdoor shower was a real treat. We enjoyed a BBQ by the brook and roasted the complementary marshmallows. We had no involvement with the hosts, as expected, apart from an email on our second day answering a query I had - this added to the feeling of being off the beaten track.
09/06/2023Carolyn
Had an amazing time. The site is located far away from any main roads so it is really peaceful and truly away from it all. Despite this the directions were very clear and it was easy to access. The tree tent itself was unique and comfortable though a bit wobbly (which made it all the more fun and causes lots of giggles). Everything we needed was provided and we loved the extra special touch of having a birthday card when we arrived. Another highlight was all the wildlife, star grazing and sitting around the fire in the evening. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay there again.
04/06/2023Rebecca
Amazing stay had the best time
25/04/2023Toby
Overall the trip was absolutely amazing, very relaxing.
21/04/2023Callis
It was like something out of a fairytale. Every little thing had been thought about to ensure the comfort of the guests as well as providing everything we needed! Tranquility and perfection at its absolute best.
08/10/2022Kelly
Was absolutely amazing, the most refreshing stay we have been too. Being without phones and signal was a true detox for us, being away from city life.
24/09/2021Becky
We had a fantastic stay at Ynys Affalon. Right from the beginning it more than exceeded our expectations. The location was perfect, and it was so well planned out, from the firepit next to the brook - to the tent and the cooking platform up higher. And such an added bonus that their was proper hot water for the shower!
03/09/2021Alison
I originally booked this little trip to get away for my partner and I to get away from everyone and everything especially social media. We were expecting identical twins who were due to arrive in July, but unfortunately we lost them in February whilst they were still inside my tummy. It has left us absolutely heartbroken! This trip was to help us reconnect with each other with no other distractions, and it did just that! It was absolutely amazing from start to end! We loved the fact we felt like we were floating in the tree tent! Taking showers outdoors, cooking on the firepit! And mostly spending quality time together with no mobile phones or internet, taking and reconnecting! I have already recommended this place to so many people! We will definitely return in the future!!
05/05/2021Tiffany
We stayed here for two nights and could have happily stayed for two years! The location is so remote and peaceful yet the owners have really thought of everything to keep you comfortable - without losing that wild nature feel. The tent was surprisingly spacious and so warm and cosy. I was convinced we'd be chilly when the sun went down but not at all. As we were there during lambing season, we didn't go more than 20 minutes without seeing a little baby and its mmamaenjoying the area, which was lovely. Add to that a babbling brook, roasted marshmallows in the firepit, a sky-high hammock for gazing at the trees and a total digital detox (no signal or electricity), we could not have been happier or more content.
19/04/2021Jade
We had an extremely memorable experience. It was part of a longer holiday in which we stayed in different places across Wales, however this was the highlight. It was incredibly relaxing, peaceful, calm and private. Living amongst nature was so refreshing and invigorating. It was back to basics and we felt connected with each other and our surroundings.
20/09/2020Beth
We had the most relaxed, enjoyable 2 days. The venue is exquisite and the tree tent surpassed all expectations
14/10/2019Laura
Very special couple of days in very special place.
11/10/2019Alan
Our stay was just perfect. So lovely to totally relax and just forget about our hectic lives.
23/09/2019Katrina
It was perfect. Juat as described
15/07/2019Kirsty
Wonderfully peaceful and feeling embedded in nature
19/06/2019Sue
It was right up our street,we are into the camping life and amazed at how well thought out the layout was. We didn’t want for anything after taking in all of your advice before we arrived. Top marks
17/05/2019Nicki
A truly magical experience we will never forget. Loved everything about it; the unique and cosy tent, home from home outdoor kitchen facilities, the different levels and complete relaxation with nothing but the sound of the river, birds and occasional sheep!
26/09/2018Lynn
Really lovely spot, very quiet and peaceful.
03/08/2018Jessica
Fantastic !!! A lovely location. Unique experience. Only problem is didn't want to leave.
16/07/2018Vicky
Myself and my wife were in Anglesey for a wedding and wanted to find somewhere different to stay on our journey back down to England- and couldnt believe our luck when we found Ynys Affalon! Ingenious and cosy, we spent an afternoon, night and morning up in the trees- able to cook what we wanted as well as having a fire pit and deck chairs down by the river. Truly a memorable experience! You jave to try it.
25/06/2018Dan
What a fun, revitalising experience! Staying in the Tree Tent felt like a real adventure, and was the perfect place to connect with nature. I slept like a log and was lulled to sleep by the gentle swaying of the tent and the sound of the babbling stream. There's plenty to explore nearby too - I spent a wonderful afternoon cycling round the Elan Valley and spotting birds of prey!
29/04/2018Florence for Canopy & Stars
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A lovely couple of nights immersed in nature, with no stressors or expectations from daily life.we had everything that we needed, but mostly peace and relaxation.
16/06/2023