A Low impact hobbit Home in Wales

 

How charming is this little hobbitesque house? It was built by Simon Dale for his family for only £3000. The frame of the house is made from locally sourced Oak trimmings and the walls of the property are made from Straw bales, stone and mud which have been finished off on the interior with a lime plaster.

"The house was built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation gave us a unique opportunity to live close to nature. It housed our family whilst we worked in the woodland surrounding the house doing ecological woodland management and setting up a forest garden, things that would have been impossible had we had to pay a regular rent or mortgage. The main tools used were a chainsaw, hammer and 1 inch chisel, little else really. I was not a builder or carpenter, my experience was only having had a go at one similar house 2yrs before and a bit of mucking around inbetween. This kind of building is accessible to anyone. My main relevant skills were being able bodied, having self belief and perseverance and a mate or two to give a lift now and again."

`Simon Dale 

To see more photos of this beautiful little home visit Simon Dale's website

Under the Oak :A converted Wagon in Wales

Under the Oak : Convertion in wales . Photo by Iris Thorsteinsdottir

As Wagon conversions go this one is pretty epic! Not only that but it is near my parents in Powis. The best news is the stunning conversion is available for short rentals via Canopy and Stars (this is not a paid post , just throught it would be of interest), the perfect place to retreat in all this current madness..... wht do you think?

 The railway wagon was used for many years for nothing more than storage. Fittingly, it now houses a collection of weird and wonderful objects that Jim has collected on his travels round the world as a cameraman. Now that both the wagon and the owners have settled a little, the transformation from railway carriage to living space has been completed.

A full length glazed wall gives lovely views out to the commons and a 6ft 6” square bed invites you to spread out. The wagon’s original ironwork has been used to make some of the fittings and the dark wood, also remaining from the original construction, gives a lovely rich feel. The wagon has gas hobs, a camping toaster and a Weber BBQ, plus a firepit and log seats outdoors. The washing up sink, prep area, fridge and other another gas ring are outside, undercover at the end of the wagon.
Under the Oak is tucked between two barns and screened by trees from Jim and Jude’s other project, Under the Ash, a converted showman’s wagon. Each have their own private compost loo and share a hot gas-powered shower, which are about 10 yards from both spaces. Although they are quite close together and near the cottage, every effort has been taken to give them their own areas and Jim & Jude’s friends have been enjoying staying there for years.

Under the Oak : Convertion in wales . Photo by Iris Thorsteinsdottir

Under the Oak: Conversion in Wales

Under the Oak: Photos via canopy and Stars

Renovated Farmhouse, Wales

Farmhouse Kitchen: Kilim Cushions and odd chairs

Farmhouse sitting room

FarmHouse in Wales renovated by Hackett Holland

How beautiful is this Welsh farmhouse. Dating from 1805 and left abandoned in 1948 it has been reclaimed and renovated by the guys at Hackett Holland, beautifully.

The home still has no electricity but the stove urns locally sourced timber, supported by an Aga which heats the water. Sounds like a perfect romantic getaway.

To read more about this beautiful cottage and see other renovations visit Hackett Holland here