Until next year...

This weekend we made the decision to take down our bell tent for the year. This was not an easy decision to make but after our main tarp, which provided shelter over our base camp during the spring and summer, ripped a couple of weeks ago in sudden wind, we didn't want to take any chances!

We have a very busy month ahead and saw a window of opportunity this weekend where we had time and the weather on our side. If we hadn't of taken it down now we may have missed the chance leaving us at the mercy of the weather. Canvas is not very forgiving, especially in West Wales!

Two years ago we lost our first bell tent by not getting it down in time. The weather changed suddenly and we ended up having weeks of rain with no gap to be able to get the tent down dry and put away. Even with trying to keep it dry with the log burner, mould took hold and it wasn't long before it had gone beyond saving and I had to admit defeat. It was heart-breaking not only for the money invested but also for the dream that felt lost to be able to provide somewhere for people to stay free from technology.

We talked a lot about whether replacing the tent was the right thing to do given the climate. I was determined to be able to offer people respite from all of the noise and distractions of the modern world. We dream of one day having a wooden geodome on the land, a permanent structure that can be up year round where people can come in the middle of winter to be cosy and warm and experience a space to just be. I feel really strongly about being able to offer that as it's in the colder, darker nights that the pull of technology can be stronger. However, until we're in a position to offer that we decided to reinvest in a bell tent - and I'm so glad we did!

It's such a wonderful feeling, for example, to see a family sharing time together, completely connected with each other and the only distractions being the birds coming to visit or the wind in the trees.

It's such a heart-warming experience having people come and take a chance on us for their holiday and I'd like to share a few comments we've had from people who have shared time on our little patch, in case anyone reading may be interested in coming to stay in the future:

What an absolute delight it has been to stay here in this beautiful bell tent in these stunning surroundings. Not only was it really spacious, with a very comfortable bed but all our needs were also catered for. Kristy and Steve have pulled out all the stops to make this place a beautiful and safe haven.

Kristy and Steve have created a magical haven where it's possible to reconnect with one self, the planet and her inhabitants. A place where your soul can breathe and it's possible to experience nature in the way we did as children.

Atmospheric, calm, spacious, thoughtful and gentle attention to detail.

The bell tent is a dream and once I settled in I started to sleep deeply again and rise with the sun. I've not been able to get up so early in a very long time feeling so refreshed.

What a wonderful bell tent! So calm and cosy, and Kristy provided everything needed and lots of really thoughtful details. Absolutely luxurious! A proper bed too, very comfortable.

So, while we're in full swing of getting ready for the autumn and winter, I'm also looking forward to the opportunity of welcoming people back in the spring and summer of 2026. And, if we can work out how to make it possible, then perhaps we'll have permanent accommodation for people to be able to come and share time with us whatever time of year takes their fancy and when in need of a digital detox.