Camping can be a wildly romantic experience. Picture the scene: two people sheltering from the elements, cooking on a simple fire, enjoying secluded countryside together. And thanks to Under the Thatch, this heady mixture has been elevated to another level entirely.
Under the Thatch specialises in finding derelict or disused Welsh buildings of architectural significance, restoring them to their former glory and setting them up for holiday lets. The idea is to get the buildings contributing to the rural economy, rather than to its decline. The name originates from their first few projects, where age-old cottages were restored and rethatched in traditional wheat straw, but they’ve since branched out to other, more unusual, kinds of accommodation: a recent addition being a beautiful Romany caravan.
The cosy interior is similarly themed. A sturdy wooden double bed is built across the back of the caravan, with just enough space for a traditional pot-belly stove and some wooden cupboards in which to stash your stuff. A few steps from the caravan, a rustic cabin is on hand to provide extra storage, as well as a shower, hand basin, toilet and a full range of kitchen accoutrements including fridge and oven. There’s even a small sitting area with a CD player, so it’s like an extra chill-out room in case the caravan gets too claustrophobic for comfort – or you feel like taking a quick break from your other half.
Both the caravan and the cabin are located in their own small meadow, which follows the banks of the River Ceri; a clean, shallow river perfect for splashing around in of a hot summer afternoon. You might even spot brown trout and otters darting around the waters. From the steps of the caravan, all that can be seen in any direction is green countryside – adding to the secluded, and oh-so- romantic, experience.
Since the Romany caravan has become so popular, Under the Thatch have opened up more cosy vardos, a shepherd’s hut and have even restored a couple of circus-showman’s wagons, any of which are irrisistible for all those who fancy a romantic break for two. After all, in a snug wooden room only a few feet wide you won’t need an excuse to get cosy with each other.
