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Melin Mabes

95%
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· Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales
1 acre hosted by Martin And Carol Anne J.
3 glamping pitches
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Martin and CarolAnne is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Otherworldly glamping, including a jaunty treehouse and a family-friendly UFO, all a short drive from Saundersfoot Beach

Can it really be that an intergalactic visitor has crash-landed in the heart of the West Wales countryside? Struck by this gleaming white landing module pod with its three spider-like legs, visitors to these parts could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled upon Pembrokeshire’s very own Roswell. Well, the little green men could do a lot worse than Spodnic – the extraterrestrial-themed glamping pod at Melin Mabes.

The brainchild of master craftsman Martian… sorry, Martin Johnson, space-age Spodnic is truly out of this world. This ingenious creation has illustrious origins – not only did it start life as prop from the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, its staggering transformation into a cosmic glamping pod was documented on the small screen by Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. And it’s easy to see why. Spodnic is brimming with amazing astro-themed features, like a Star Trek-style automatic sliding door, ‘gravity-defying’ rotating double bed, space-blanket-lined walls and steps up to a Perspex ‘cockpit’ in the roof, purpose-built for stargazing. Interplanetary paraphernalia abounds, with colour-changing alien lights, ray guns and the obligatory lightsaber. There are even astronaut’s helmets for your budding Buzz Aldrins and nipper Neil Armstrongs. Needless to say, kids will love it.

While the UFO understandably steals the headlines, the site itself is an incredible spot in its own right. Melin Mabes lies within four stunning acres on the site of a 16th century mill that Martin and wife Carol-Anne acquired from nearby Picton Castle. This tranquil stream-side setting is open to a handful of tent campers, with a trio of hard-standings for caravans. And if you’re more period romance than science-fiction, there’s a gorgeous antique (150 years old!) gypsy caravan (named Mabel) for couples, complete with ornate décor and an authentic Queenie wood burning stove.

The newest addition to Martin's glamping wonderland is the Templar Treehouse. This incredible sylvan shack rivals Spodnic in the ingenuity stakes. Set in a private pocket of the mill garden overlooking the river, the treehouse strikes a pleasing balance of rustic luxury with underfloor heating, hot tub, fully equipped antique kitchen and a modern bathroom to boot. There's even a slide to get back down to ground level (or a handcrafted staircase for the less adventurous). When not admiring the sunrise from the spacious veranda, spend your evenings swinging in the suspended loungers while stargazing beside the stone circle firepit. 

Glampers are each given their own kitchens for exclusive use (Mabel’s boasts a fabulous newly-built pizza oven), while for campers, the rustic kitchen shack (complete with attendant Dalek, of course) serves as a well-equipped central hub. Thoroughly outdoorsy perks, like picking veg from the patch and feeding the chickens, offer a pleasingly surreal start to the day after emerging from your very own spaceship. And when the eminently reachable footpaths beckon, the idyllic harbour village of Saundersfoot is just five miles away – or you could always warp speed it there in Spodnic.

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95%
21 Ratings · 23 reviews
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Jeff M.recommends
October 10, 2022
Templar Treehouse Knights hideaway
Glamping fun
Martin and Carol-Anne have a very cool and unique holiday location. The tree house is very well laid out and very well equipped. Everywhere you look the details are amazing. Cooking and eating meals outside (in October) in the outside kitchen area is brilliant fun. The hot tub is excellent and once you light the area up in the evening it’s totally relaxing. We only booked two nights but could easily have stayed longer.
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Jeremy R.recommends
August 6, 2022
Spaceship Spodnic UFO 🛸 Alien 👽 pod
Out of this world glamping.
I stayed in the Spodnic with my 12 year old son. Fantastic. A lovely private setting with so much space and sci-fi paraphernalia I was still spotting things as we left. A lovely peaceful spot surrounded by nature: loads of birds and insects and the sounds of cows, roosters and owls. We even spotted a bird of prey in the woods off the access road.
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Dawn I.
April 15, 2022
We stayed in the Templar Treehouse with 2 children. Beautiful, unique treehouse, cozy and warm. Surrounded by a lovely wooded area with a small lake - rowing boat provided! Outdoor kitchen area and hot tub deck. Peaceful and the kids loved it.. very highly recommended.
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Thomas V.recommends
December 13, 2021
❤️Mabels gypsy wagon 🛁 with hot tub
We booked two nights in the Mabes Gypsy Caravan for birthday celebrations and the entire trip was perfect. The hosts were very caring & welcoming. We asked for some pizza dough for our 2nd night which was fresh and tasty. We couldn't fault the appliances & facilities & the hot tub was lovely to relax in. If you want a cozy stay in a great part of Wales, this definitely should be booked! We will be visiting again and will be recommending Melin Mabes to family & friends! Thanks for having us.
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Helen G.recommends
December 10, 2020
Templar Treehouse Knights hideaway
The most amazing Treehouse with even more amazing hosts! We loved every minute of staying here, (myself, boyfriend and dog) The Treehouse is surrounded by a wooded area that is so calming and peaceful. Martin and Carol Anne have literally thought of everything! The detailing and effort that has gone into this Treehouse is incredible. For those who love walking, with or without a dog, there are walks literally on your doorstep where you don’t see a soul for miles! Great to burn off energy and then back to the Treehouse to relax in the hot tub. Don’t let the weather put you off, we had rain and it did not spoil it for us! The hot tub is well undercover too! The beach is a 10 minute drive, and there is a pub maybe 5 minutes in the car from your stay, with a local shop which is again, within a minutes drive. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and will definitely be returning!
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Gabriel V.recommends
August 9, 2020
Templar Treehouse Knights hideaway
The tree house is full of lovely details and fantastic surroundings with ample space to enjoy with the family. Within 15 minutes of charming towns and beautiful beaches. Carol Anne and Martin are the perfect hosts.
Location
Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Martin And Carol Anne J.Joined in February 2018
From the host
Melin Mabes is on a quiet country lane in the heart of Pembrokeshire with beautiful peaceful surroundings. Relax in one of our amazing spaces. Wonderfully secluded each amazing space is situated in its own glorious garden. Relax this is a fantastic area for nature walks. We have lots of walking paths and cycling routes from the campsite itself (Please Bring your wellies!) . We have a gypsy caravan with private hot tub and our quirky Spodnic UFO (As seen on channel four's amazing spaces) and Templar treehouse both with own private hot tubs.
Nearby attractions

There are several pretty walking routes to enjoy, easily accessible from the site, including the disused airfield at Templeton, Landsker Borderlands Trail and the Knights Way. The latter runs to the cathedral at Britain’s smallest city, St Davids (28 miles away), home to medieval wonders like the bishops palace and close to the Preseli Hills and some stunning, surf-friendly beaches such as Whitesands Bay. Pembrokeshire’s best beaches are within easy reach including Amroth, Freshwater West and Barafundle Bay. It’s also Wales’ coasteering-capital – seek out TYF Adventures(01437 721611) for your adrenaline fix, or take a boat excursion out to Grassholm, Ramsey and Skomer Islands courtesy of Thousand Islands Expeditions (01437 721721). For the kids, Folly Farm petting zoo (01834 812731) is pretty much next door, while the ever-popular Oakwood Theme Park(01834 815170) features rollercoasters and amusement rides for all ages. Heatherton World of Activities (01646 652000), Treetops Adventure Trail (01646 652000), Dinosaur Park Tenby (01834 845272), Manor Wildlife Park (0164 665 1201) are all worth a family away-day from camp.

Food and drink

 Hampers can also be arranged and delivered for your arrival from Bethesda Farm Shop (01437 563124), Caws Cenarth Cheese (01239 710432), and either of the butchers Andrew Rees (01834 861892) or Heywoods of Saundersfoot (01834 811168). Tesco also deliver groceries direct. Narberth has a fabulous assortment of eclectic places to eat – Plum Vanilla (01834 862762) comes highly recommended, offering superb healthy options for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters. Ultracomida (01834 861491) delicatessen offers the finest Andalucian food outside of Spain. Fast becoming a new favourite is Tooj (07410 148900) an atmospheric Middle Eastern café serving delicious Kurdish cuisine – with traditional music, dancing, décor and a small outdoor courtyard for summer BBQs. The nearest local pub is within walking distance (uphill to get there but an easy downhill back) – The Boar's Head (01834 860286) has a great ambience, friendly staff and hearty pub fayre (bookings recommended for Sunday lunch). For your hidden culinary treasure, the renowned surf beach at Freshwater West (site of the famous shell house from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) plays host to Cafe Môr (01646 278101) a street-food beach hut resident for summer selling the most sumptuous seafood (the lobster rolls are phenomenal!)

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