Decadence in a most unusual hotel
By Traci Claussen
London is one of five cities that have taken root in my soul. I can pop from the Underground in any direction with the confidence of a local, even if I’ve never stepped foot on that particular street. If there is a long weekend in my future, odds are good that Delta has a seat reserved for me to the UK or Ireland. While this year’s Labor Day (New Orleans Decadence Weekend) doesn’t exactly line up with their late summer Bank Holiday, a long weekend provides the perfect “rockstar” break for anyone longing an end of summer on the other side of the Pond.
Create your own “Decadence” weekend exploring an ecotravel getaway using this GEM of a website that I stumbled upon called Under the Thatch, representing over 50 uniquely sustainable cottages and caravans sprinkled about Wales, Ireland, and France. Starting at around $100/night with either 2 night or 7 night stays, these unusual hotels show that sustainable living can also be fashionable.
Check out a few of my favorites:
Caban Casita~ Looks like a little piece of fun in West Wales – simple wooden cabin with a retro interior on a small woodland holiday park where the privately-owned cabins are arranged in cul-de-sacs. This architect-designed Scandinavian cabin provides a funky bolthole with a retro interior. Great for couples with dogs – it even has a special doggie-bedroom! Lovely quiet woodland location that is well planted and landscaped. Chill out and enjoy the location. Go for a walk through the Forestry Commission woodland. Drive to the coast (7 miles to Cardigan) and see the dolphins and seals. Walk down to the famous Nag’s Head pub and enjoy a good meal sitting in the riverside beer-garden. Visit the local Caws Cenarth cheese farm and see why it has won so many awards, and why Prince Charles is a regular customer! Learn how to fish on the Teifi – one of the UK’s best salmon rivers. During spawning season you can watch the salmon leaping up the falls. Fishing allowed April 1st through to October 7th. Cenarth is a charming Carmarthenshire village just 7 miles inland from Cardigan Bay (beaches, dolphins etc), and famous for its waterfalls, tea-shops and cheese farm.
Ty To is a traditional detached thatch cottage in a peaceful village near St Davids in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Rescued from ruin, it has been restored with a visible rope underthatch, lime and new insulated ‘tin’ extensions that make it a lesson in the Welsh vernacular. Under a mile from one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK, you’ll find sandy beaches (Abereiddy 1.5 miles), seafood, heritage and happy days in abundance. How’s this for accommodation SUSTAINABILITY:
• rescue of derelict building
• lime mortars etc so ‘breathable’ walls
• high level of insulation in ‘tin’ extensions
• locally sourced sustainable timber used
• local craft traditions in rope underthatch etc
• sheepswool insulation
• traditional windows hand-crafted locally
Ty Sinc (the ‘Tin Cottage’) ~ Cribyn village with enclosed garden ~ this newly-constructed traditional ‘Victorian’ tin cottage – boasts a stylish modern interior and 21stcentury conveniences like one bathroom per bedroom. With its official ‘B’ grade eco-rating, it is one of their most sustainable properties. Designed to maximize the open country views to the rear, Ty Sinc is just a short drive from the famous Ceredigion coastline with its dolphins, sandy beaches and fresh seafood. How’s this for SUSTAINABILITY:
• Hugely insulated, uses little fuel
• Built from recyclable materials (tin!)
• Timber-frame from sustainable, local source
• Sustains local tin architectural traditions
• ‘Eco’ floor waxes etc used
• Wood-burner burns wood from sustainable source
• Double glazed ‘Pilkington K’ windows throughout
• All low energy light fittings
• Low flush toilets
• Latest, most efficient ‘combi’ boiler.
Treberfedd ~ A traditional West Wales thatched farmhouse near the famous heritage coast nestled on 67 acres of organic meadow and woodland that are yours to explore via waymarked paths. Although a large property, the internal layout (two sitting rooms, two dining areas etc) means that it still feels like a cosy cottage when just two stay. The detached farmhouse is peacefully located away from the workings of the modern farm, on a large open courtyard where some other outbuildings are converted for holiday use. A short drive of just 7 miles (10>12 minutes) takes you to the lovely harbour town of Aberaeron -one of the prettiest seaside towns in Wales where you can walk down their riverside walk to the beach or eat out on the famous local seafood (some of the world’s best lobsters) in harbourside restaurants.
A great base for walking holidays in west wales, the farm is close to the Aeron Valley route from Aberaeron to Lampeter and the Ceredigon coastal path which encompasses dramatic cliffs, sandy bays, fantastic views and wildlife – with wild dolphins regularly seen.
SUSTAINABILITY checklist:
• 64 acres of organic farmland to explore
• organic meat, vegetables & eggs available on site
• 19 acres of broadleaf woodland planted
• traditional hay meadows & hedgerows restored
• eco cleaning products & recycled toilet paper
• lime products not cement used in restoration
Have an eco-hotel tip for us? Comment below.
August 29th, 2009Topic: Eco Travel Tags: ecotoursim, sustainable hotels, under the thatch
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