Wern-y-Cwm, our Grade II listed Welsh farmstead, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a unique Welsh luxury holiday home. Though always beautiful and truly special, the property remained on the market for two years—its restoration apparently too daunting for most sane buyers! Not being afraid of hard graft, Laura took on the challenge, dedicating the last few years to rescue and reimagine this amazing place. With vision and commitment from her and the Wonderful Team, every building, room, and garden has been thoughtfully renovated, turning the farm into a living, evolving masterpiece—and an inspiring holiday let and retreat centre full of character and style.

The Cider House
The first to be tackled, this project began with to create somewhere for Laura to live as the project continued. The simple cottage was fully stripped, reconfigured, and upgraded to a luxurious, quirky retreat in just four months. It now offers guests a cosy, design-led escape—perfect for a holiday in Wales.

The Farmhouse
Once a happy but dated family home, the farmhouse underwent a complete renovation: with new boreholes to ensure a safe water supply, eco-central heating, and insulation to keep it toasty warm. Skilled craftsmen preserved original features, from the bread oven above the red Aga to the salting slabs repurposed as BBQ tables—classic examples of thoughtful upcycling ideas. The transformation took about a year.

The Dairy
Formerly cowsheds, piggery, and dairy, this section came half-renovated. Laura completed the project, returning the farmstead to single ownership and transforming the yard and outbuildings into gardens, offices, and accommodation, while preserving much of their original character. Completion took about a year, making it another standout holiday let on the property.

The Great Barn
By far the most challenging project, the barn’s restoration involved underpinning unstable walls and repairing water-damaged beams—all under the watchful eye of county archaeologists (who found nothing!). Finished just before the pandemic, the vast space became perfect for socially distanced dining. This epic renovation spanned four years and now showcases incredible interior design on a grand scale—worthy of a Grand Designs mention.

The Dutch Barn
Inspired by a 50-year-old farm plan, a modern take on a crinkly tin Dutch barn was constructed to house equipment. Alongside it came a wild swimming pool, greenhouse/conservatory, vegetable gardens, and a natural amphitheater. Reclaimed materials, including chapel timbers and pews, were used creatively throughout, staying true to the farm’s ethos of sustainable design. The build took a year, with gardens evolving over two.

The Owl House
Originally the carpenter’s workshop, this final space is being converted into a romantic hideaway featuring reclaimed Art Deco windows, more chapel pews, and vintage panelling. The project is ongoing—with luck, it’ll be finished within the year!