Welcome to Life House – an idyllic retreat nestled in the picturesque Welsh hills, offering a dog-friendly haven for up to six guests seeking the perfect holiday escape. Surrounded by lush landscapes, this superbly crafted residence embodies simplicity in design, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience.
The spacious open-plan interiors seamlessly blend with extensive gardens, providing a serene setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Each bedroom and bathroom suite is thoughtfully designed, allowing guests to bathe while taking in the breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside.
Life House welcomes well-behaved dogs, making it an ideal destination for pet-friendly vacations. Adjacent fields host sheep, creating a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings. Whether you're seeking solitude or outdoor adventures, Life House caters to a variety of preferences.
Architected with a "less is more" philosophy, this single-level residence is partially nestled into the hillside, forming expansive and intricate spaces within. A meticulously designed timber-lined kitchen, dining area, and sitting room with large picture windows offer panoramic views. The terrazzo floors and white-brick walls create an open and soothing atmosphere, complemented by a freestanding wood burner for cozy evenings.
The three distinct bedrooms cater to different forms of contemplation, featuring a library bedroom with therapeutic literature, a music bedroom equipped with an audio system, and a bathing bedroom offering a serene bathing platform overlooking a Welsh valley.
Life House goes beyond conventional accommodations, providing contemplation areas like a cavernous chamber with a retractable glazed roof, buried into the hillside. Outdoors, guests can unwind with the Welsh mountains as a stunning backdrop. The location also intersects with the artistic walks of Hamish Fulton.
In essence, Life House captures the essence of pure architectural aesthetics, offering a life-affirming experience where design, comfort, and relaxation converge seamlessly.
THE ARCHITECTURE:
Life House, the result of five years of collaboration between architect John Pawson and founder Alain de Botton, is constructed with Danish handmade bricks—black for the exterior and white for the interior. Influenced by Japanese design and Benedictine monks' architecture, the house reflects Pawson's focus on fundamental spatial elements rather than stylistic mannerisms.
Using a limited palette of materials such as brick, wood, and terrazzo, Life House exudes warmth and intimacy. The predominantly white brick interior walls contrast with the only black brick-lined corridor, creating surprise and intrigue. This deviation prepares guests for the discovery of a hidden room designed for contemplation without distractions.
Life House offers a serene and reflective environment, meticulously attended to in every detail. John Pawson's design extends to the furniture, crockery, cutlery, and hanging pendant lights, providing a fully crafted and immersive experience.
ABOUT THE HOUSE:
- Three double bedrooms (one of which can be made up as a twin).
All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom with WC, plus either a shower or a bath.
- One well-behaved dog (who respects sheep and loves modern architecture) is accepted at Life House.
- Wi Fi internet available - due to the location, the internet and mobile telephone reception can be intermittent. Please note that we cannot guarantee a constant Internet connection/ fast speed at all times- therefore we cannot be responsible for bookings that rely on this service.
- Arrival is after 3 pm, with departure by 10am - you will be sent access codes prior to your stay.
- Please bring your own high chair, travel cot, etc. if travelling with infants.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please reach out ahead of booking.
- Car charger
IN THE HOUSE:
- Internet enabled television.
CD player and smart speaker.
- A library of books to keep the most avid reader happy, from local travel guides, to books on architecture and philosophy
- Body products provided - shampoo, shower and bath gel, hand soap.
- Luxury Egyptian cotton bed linen.
- Hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets - suitable for guests who may suffer from allergies.
- Hand and bath towels -please bring your own outdoor towels, if required.
- Hairdryers, Iron, ironing board and clothes airer.
- Fan oven, combination microwave oven, induction hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer.
- Kitchen equipment provided by David Mellor and When Objects Work- including DM kitchen knives, chopping boards, sieves and colanders, graters, whisks, tongs, cooking utensils, a range of saucepans (suitable for the induction hob), food blender, scales, mixing bowls, a rolling pin and pastry brush, glassware (tumblers, wine glasses, champagne flutes),
- John Pawson designed cutlery, a tea pot and mugs.
- Arrival pack - tea bags, filter coffee, biscuits, semi-skimmed milk, bread, butter, olive oil, bin bags, washing up liquid, kitchen roll, hand-wash, dishwasher tablets, foil, toilet paper -
Two cafetières for filter coffee & Nespresso machine - please bring coffee pods to your liking.
- Wood burner – some logs to get you started - additional logs can be purchased locally.
SHOPPING & EATING OUT
Bakers:
-
Talerddig Bakeries, 42 Longbridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EF
- Andy's Bread, Unit 6a, Parc Derwen Fawr, Llanidloes SY18 6FE
- Butchers
Bob the Butcher, Gwalia Shop, West Street, Rhayader LD6 5AB
- J Williams & Sons, Pengarth House, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL
Local shops:
-
Great Oak Foods, 14 Great Oak Street, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6BU
- Community Shop Llanbadarn Fynydd (heading towards Newtown), Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 6YA
Supermarkets:
-
Tesco, Waterloo Road, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6BG
- Morrisons, Pool Road, Newtown SY16 3AH
Pubs & restaurants:
-
The Lion Hotel, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6TN
- Happy Union, Abbeycwmhir LD1 6PH
- Llanerch Inn, Llanerch Lane, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6BZ
- Arvon Ale House, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DP
- The Horse and Jockey Inn, Wylcwm Place, Knighton LD7 1AE
- The Radnorshire Arms, Beguildy, Knighton, Powys LD7 1YE
- Checkers Pantry, Broad Street, Montgomery, Powys SY15 6PN
- Llangoed Hall, Llyswen, Brecon, LD3 0YP
- Mellington Hall, Mellington, Churchstoke, Montgomery, Welshpool SY15 6HX
THINGS TO DO:
- Walking - Offa's Dyke Path - Glyndwr's Way and Elan Valley
- Cycling - bikes can be hired from Cycling Breaks Wales and Clive Powell bikes
- Horse riding - Underhill Riding Stables and Heart of Wales Riding School
- Fishing - Spring Rock Fishery and Wye and Usk Foundation
- Golf - Llandrindod Wells Golf Club and Builth Wells Golf Club
- National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells
- Powis Castle and Garden
- Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall and Garden
- Red Kite Feeding Station
- Gigrin Farm and Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre
GETTING THERE:
Life House is centrally located in mid Wales, around ten miles north of Llandrindod Wells. It is surrounded by hills and moorland, with a number of public paths and bridleways close by which enable you to more fully experience this wild and beautiful landscape.
Transportation:
- The nearest railway stations are Llanbister Road, Dolau and Pen-y-Bont (10 minute drive to the Life House)
Llandrindod Wells and Newtown stations are a 30 minute drive away
- The nearest airport is Liverpool (2 hour 10 minute drive to Life House)
Cardiff, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester Airports are all within a 2 hour 30 minute drive to Life House
