Written by Victoria Hittner / Photography by © Unique Homestays / www.uniquehomestays.com
The Welsh word cwtch roughly translates to a cozy hug, a place that feels warm and comforting. It fits this historic property in the heart of Wales—the kind of place you'd yearn for, no matter how many times you return. With foundations from the 1800s and earlier settlement likely, the farmhouse nestled in the Cambrian Mountains is ripe with history. Owners James Fooks-Bale and Raffaella De Tommasi honor its past and the National Trust land that surrounds it with a thoughtfulness that borders on sanctity.
"We searched everywhere for a remote, unspoiled location where the wilderness was both the frame and an ever-evolving view," say the owners. That search led them to Llednant, Wales and the farmhouse they now rent out under the name Tincture. The off-grid property uses spring water, solar panels, and a heating system inspired by racing yachts to provide modern comfort in seclusion. "Sustainability is embedded in the ethos of the place, and it's something we've become deeply passionate about," say Fooks-Bale and De Tommasi. "We've considered every detail throughout the renovation, and these principles now guide our everyday choices."
Upstairs, merged rooms created a spacious en suite bedroom. The stone wall is original, as are many of the wood floors throughout, which were hand-sanded to retain character. Reclaimed wood cabinetry feels lived-in and natural. Some of Fooks-Bale and De Tommasi's favorite elements—the stove and windows overlooking the garden—are historical, as well.
"Upcycling was a major part of our process," say the owners. "Disposing of unwanted items in such a remote location can be extremely challenging and often feels counterintuitive. . . . This pushed us to make the most of what we already had on-site." The kitchen table was uncovered in the stable, while the garden room cabinet was constructed from the dividing wall of the old pigsty (and still features the name of a previous tenant). An old trough has new life as a washroom basin and a butcher block still gets good use in the kitchen.
Personal touches like local fossils, stone trivets, and artwork by the owners ground the airy, light interior. Hints of Fooks-Bale's work as a typographer can be seen in original typeface drawings, calligraphy, and screen prints. Earthy textures and neutrals frame the surrounding landscape as a masterpiece all its own.
"There is a constant dialogue between indoors and outdoors," say the owners. "We hope there is a sense of being grounded and balanced—a relaxed atmosphere that stems from this connection to the surrounding landscape."
Plan Your Stay
Rent a car and take the 185-mile Cambrian Way for the Welsh road trip of a lifetime, or opt for an adventuresome trek on foot, bike, or horseback. Start your journey in the capital city of Cardiff. Don't leave without a visit to the centuries-old Cardiff Castle or St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly Brecon Beacons) National Park offers plenty of fresh-air adventures to keep you busy. Don't miss the National Showcaves Centre for Wales for a bit of spelunking. Later, visit Y Gelli Gandryll/Hay-on-Wye, famed for its collection of bookshops highlighting secondhand and antiquarian finds.
Explore the unspoiled beauty of the Cambrian Mountains (and hop off for a stay at Tincture). The Elan Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park with 45,000 acres free of light pollution and perfect for stargazing. When you get to Eryri (formerly Snowdonia) National Park, hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to catch views atop the highest point in Wales and England.
Book your own stay at Tincture through Unique Homestays: www.uniquehomestays.com | +44(0) 1637 881183
