Tucked away near the breathtaking Elan Valley in Wales lies Coety Bach—a lovingly crafted wooden cabin built as a dream getaway. Created by Birmingham nanny Vicki Jones and her husband Lyndon, this cozy cabin sprung to life through their own hands, using reclaimed materials and passion.
Initially, Vicki commuted between the family’s home and her nanny job in Birmingham. However, after being made redundant in 2019, she embraced a fresh start, choosing to reimagine her family’s lifestyle completely. The outcome was Coety Bach, a serene retreat that has since become a celebrated holiday lodge, earning the prestigious award for Best Romantic Getaway 2025 and a gold grading from Visit Wales.
“My husband is originally from this area, and when we moved back from the Midlands 13 years ago, we wanted to make something special with the five acres of land we own,” Vicki shares. “While I kept up my nanny work with trips back to Birmingham, redundancy gave us the push to finally build the cabin.”
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During the pandemic, the cabin also served as a safe haven from the challenges of lockdown and homeschooling—a private sanctuary close to home that offered comfort and a change of scenery when it was most needed.
Located in Penybont, near Llandrindod Wells, the cabin overlooks the tranquil Ithon Valley and offers sweeping views of unspoiled countryside. The nearby Elan Valley and Cambrian Mountains are playgrounds for guests who enjoy activities like stargazing, birdwatching, hiking, and cycling.
Coety Bach is equipped with luxurious touches including a wood-fired hot tub, both outdoor and indoor baths, a snug log burner, and a fully fitted kitchen. Its standout feature—a unique king-size ‘nook bed’—provides a restful night framed by nature’s quiet beauty. Central heating, plush robes, fine linens, and a firepit with a tripod grill further enhance the blend of comfort and rustic charm, inviting unforgettable alfresco dinners and romantic evenings under the stars.
The cabin is surrounded by family warmth, with Vicki and Lyndon’s children, Martha (12) and Emrys (14), along with new fluffy additions: three alpacas named Rocket, Theo, and Nova. These gentle animals, still getting comfortable with company, are part of a long-term vision to enrich visitor experiences and add a calming presence to the land.
“We wanted to introduce animals that guests could bond with,” explains Vicki. “Alpacas have a special calming effect, and we hope to offer alpaca experiences in the future.”
Guests, many traveling from across the UK and far-flung countries like New Zealand, Canada, and Thailand, appreciate the cabin’s privacy and tranquility. With only one cabin on the property, visitors enjoy a peaceful retreat without distractions. Indeed, Vicki and Lyndon purposely avoid offering Wi-Fi or television, encouraging couples to fully disconnect and slow down.
Dog lovers will appreciate that pets are welcome, with a securely enclosed garden for furry companions. Meanwhile, Lyndon, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Calon Cymru in Builth Wells and a fluent Welsh speaker, delights in sharing local culture and teaching Welsh phrases to interested guests.
Coety Bach stands as a testament to resilience and creativity—a sanctuary born from change and crafted with love, inviting guests to unwind, reconnect, and soak up the magic of Mid Wales.