Stay on the farm in a sensationally renovated truck: pantechnicon powys

There are spectacular views from all corners of this imaginatively and stylishly upcycled van. Look out of the double glass doors and it’s as if all of Wales is in your sights. The scene is breathtakingly beautiful as you take in a patchwork quilt of rich green fields with centuries old hedgerows marking the boundaries. The farm’s seductive swimming pond sits just below inviting you for a dip.

About the name. Hardly anyone uses the word pantechnicon today. A London business came up with it in 1830 taking the Greek word pan meaning all, and techne which means art or craft. They used a vehicle just like this drawn by horses to deliver furniture and other artefacts. Now the main body of Pantechnicon Powys has been transformed into a spacious cabin smartly furnished and with a well-equipped kitchen. One guest wrote: “It’s as if the van’s last job was moving an interior designer and they never got their stuff back.”

The cabin opens onto a spacious deck with table and chairs for alfresco dining. Down the field by the pond a large fire bowl offers warmth under the stars and a place to cook. An ancient ash tree lends a branch for an exciting tree swing.

FARMERS’ is a working lavender farm. The harvest takes place in July and August, with the last distilling day in early September. Whilst the blue of the lavender is something to behold so too are the farm’s vibrant gardens year round.  Wild planting predominates making the farm a bumblebee haven with it’s wide range of flowers, orchards and kitchen garden. With each changing season new waves of colour delight the eye.

Just behind the pantechnicon is the farm’s shop. The car park and barns are also nearby. You might just hear the workers and shop visitors coming and going during the day, or possibly taking a swim in the pond.  A second WC is available to you and for all farm visitors. It is tucked away under the cab of the van.

A stone barn is used as a cinema, with church pews and an assortment of chairs set up so you can wander in and join owners Bill and Nancy if something’s showing. There’s plenty of culture beyond the farm too.  Hay on Wye, the town of books, is not to be missed. Brecon is home to a new beautiful gallery, Found and the Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells runs a rich and lively programme of film and concerts year round. The area is well known for its biking, hiking and kayaking opportunities.

Check in: 3 pm
Check out: 10 am

A good walking shoe will come in handy and wellies when it’s wet.

The paths are lit but a torch is always useful, and a swimming costume too.

Please be aware that The Ministry of Defence owns a vast range of moorland above the farm. Their activities take place miles away but from time to time you might hear a little bang.

Mobile phone signal available.

WiFi available.

A little shed with lots of wood is tucked in below the mini willow field. A box of wood costs £5 for use in the fire bowl by the pond. You’ll find an honesty box in the shed.

Sleeping arrangements

One king size mattress accessed via an oak and birch staircase.

Extra space available

Space for 1 baby no charge but please bring your own equipment.

Pets

Space for 1 small well-behaved dog, £25 per stay
Not allowed upstairs
Must be on a lead when outside

Cooking

Hob
Microwave
Fridge with freezer
Fully equipped kitchen

Washing

Shower
Flushing toilet
Bathroom toiletries provided

Heating, lighting & bedding

Bed linen and towels provided
Central heating
Lamps and electric lighting
Plug sockets and USB

Entertainment

Playing cards
Table tennis
Games
Books and maps
Wild swimming

By car

From Builth Wells

Do please follow these directions. Your satnav may take you astray.

No matter which way you approach Builth Wells, go into town and follow the one-way system up Broad Street (which is also at some point called High Street). At the top of Broad turn left as the road veers right. This turn is signposted for Upper Chapel. Then turn right almost immediately, signed for Upper Chapel and Brecon. Just ahead are stoplights opposite the Co-op. From these lights, it is 4.1 miles to a cattle grid. Once over the grid, you are on the common. Take the first turn after the cattle grid. (This is 4.5 miles in total from the Co-op.) The turn, to the right, is onto a narrow single track road and marked by their black FARMERS’ sign, and another for Blaenbwch. Just in, there’s a sign saying no heavy goods vehicles. Follow this road for 1.3 miles (seems longer) and you will find FARMERS’ Welsh Lavender. The owners’ house is very close to the road and has a sundial on the front. Turn right into the car park and see Pantechnicon Powys at the end of the yard.

From Hay-on-Wye

This is a shorter and prettier driver than travelling via Builth Wells from Hay:

Leave Hay via the B4350 and turn right at Three Cocks onto the A4079. Turn right at the roundabout in the direction of Builth Wells. You are soon on the A470. A couple of fields past Erwood there’s a turning to the left signed for Gwenddwr. This road takes you up over the high ground to the B4520 (which connects Builth Wells to Brecon). Although this road is signed for Gwenddwr you do not go to Gwenddwr. Instead, at the top of the climb turn right as the road winds left. The River Wye is down to your right but you lose sight of it as you make that right turn. After several miles, the road winds down low as it meets the B4520. Turn left and take care as it’s very steep. Soon you’ll be up high again. Take the first turn after the cattle grid onto a narrow single track road and marked by the black FARMERS’ sign, and another for Blaenbwch.

Just in, there’s a sign saying no heavy goods vehicles. Follow this road for 1.3 miles and you will find the owners. The owners’ house is very close to the road and has a sundial on the front. Turn right into the car park and see Pantechnicon Powys at the end of the yard.

From the South via Brecon (if you come from Brecon do NOT go to Builth – it’s miles out of your way)

Find Brecon Cathedral and use it as your departure point from Brecon. The turning for the owners’ house is off this road (the B4520) around 12 miles from the cathedral.

You’ll go through Lower Chapel and Upper Chapel (9 miles from the cathedral). The turn is three miles past Upper Chapel.

After Upper Chapel the road climbs high onto the common ground and you’ll cross a cattle grid (NOT the cattle grid mentioned in above directions). When the road descends you’ll see a white house on the left, stables and a pond. The road climbs again immediately and the turn is at the top of the hill.

The turn, to the left, is onto a narrow single track road and marked by the black FARMERS’ sign, and another for Blaenbwch. Just in, there’s a sign saying no heavy goods vehicles. Follow this road for 1.3 miles and you will find them. FARMERS’ Welsh Lavender is the next farm along. The owners’ house is very close to the road and has a sundial on the front. Turn right into the car park and see Pantechnicon Powys at the end of the yard.

Parking is right beside the accommodation.

By public transport

The nearest train station is Builth Road, 9 miles away

The nearest bus stop is Builth Wells, 6 miles away

What an incredible place to stay at, after coming across this stay online, we never imagined our stay to be as breathtaking as it has been.  Thank you to Nancy for making us feel so welcome and at home, an amazing host.  Our favourite moments have been, starting a fire under the stars, having a fresh swim in the lake and the incredible morning views.    Ellie & Jordan

Diolch yn fawr Nancy! What a lovely welcome to this cute get-away.  Had a lovely morning dip in the pond.  Special thanks for the small extra touches of some local goods to enjoy on our little break! All the best and we wish you success with your farm and business, we will be recommending this to family and friends.    Bleddyn & Elin

What a fantastic experience!! The cabin was extremely comfortable and nicely decorated.  The welcome from the friendly staff and the little touches such as the delicious lavender plum jam just made the experience all the better.  Would definitely come back and recommend friends and family.  Rich, Ilkay & Joshua

Such a beautiful little find, in the middle of such a beautiful place, with amazing views! Thank you for providing us with the much needed escape that we needed and for all the perfect little finishing touches, the lavender jam was amazing! We attempted the pond, but didn’t quite make it all the way in, we will definitely be back when it has warmed up slightly!    Sophie & Simon

We came here to celebrate our 3 year anniversary and the photo’s did not do it justice… I never want to leave and we will definitely be returning next year.  Idyllic, chic, cosy and an evident labour of love.  You should be all very proud… and the farm and the product… wow! I will be a regular online customer and will continue to rave about this awesome place. Till next time….  Becca & Owen

Nancy, Bill & everyone at FARMERS’
Thank you so much for creating this space, for having the imagination and courage to go forward with an idea, we’ve loved every minute, every “instant, moment and duration” celebrating Rubens 3rd birthday.  Ruben now thinks we have a second home, so I am positive we will be back very soon! All our admiration.   Harriet, Tom & Ruben

Amazing place, fantastic location,  super hosts.  We will be back! Thank you.   Alena, Nick and Anabel

Perfect location. Welcoming, from the little touches to the warm welcome from Nancy and Bill, thank you for creating such a wonderful space. What a place to wake up in! The stunning view, pictures do not convey just how beautiful it is!  Pristine, clean, toasty and cosy, peace and quiet. Kitchen has everything you need and a few extra’s, fab shower.    Claire & Matt