Description

Life House has been designed by John Pawson as a place for calm and reflection. Located in mid-Wales, near the town of Llanbister, it is a timeless example of architectural simplicity and beauty based on the concept of a retreat, where serenity, contemplation and restoration are foremost. Nestled amidst the rolling Welsh hills, this beautiful and remote setting offers an ideal retreat with numerous nearby outdoor activities. The property features large open-plan internal spaces complemented by extensive gardens, perfect for relaxation. The house is superbly crafted, boasting many classic and bespoke pieces of furniture and design. Guests will find spacious bedroom and bathroom suites, including a unique bathing experience overlooking the glorious landscape. Accommodating up to six guests of all ages, this holiday setting is also welcoming to well-behaved dogs, with sheep grazing in the adjacent fields.

Life House is about the pure simplicity of design, comfort, and relaxation. Here on this remote hillside in mid-Wales, guests can remove themselves from the day-to-day stresses of life, and settle in for a memorable holiday. Set on one level; part-subsumed by the hillside, this large house stretches across the landscape, forming expansive and labyrinthine spaces within. Guests will discover the work of an architect whose use of simple forms and a limited palette of crafted materials, developed over many years, has led to the creation of this stunning building. From the covered porch entrance, guests encounter a generous and beautifully detailed timber-lined kitchen, set alongside both the dining area and large sitting room, all with large picture windows to the hills beyond. The highly polished terrazzo floors and white-brick-lined walls reflect the light and make for an open and calming place to cook, eat, sit and read. A large freestanding wood burner is ready for lighting on cool winter evenings.

Three individual bedrooms offer guests the chance to experience distinct forms of contemplation: the library bedroom is lined with therapeutic works of Eastern and Western literature; the music bedroom has a generous audio system and carefully curated selection of CDs; and the bathing bedroom provides a bathing platform with inset bath, in which to lie and reassess one's existence with the help of views onto a Welsh valley. Contemplation areas include a cavernous chamber, with a retractable glazed roof, buried into the hillside, as well as an area outside with the Welsh mountains as a backdrop and artwork by the artist Hamish Fulton. Life House epitomises the pure architectural aesthetic of ‘less is more’, whilst creating an exceptionally comfortable life-affirming experience for our guests.

Area

Life House is centrally located in mid Wales, around ten miles north of Llandrindod Wells. It is surrounded by hills and moorland, with a number of public paths and bridleways close by which enable you to more fully experience this wild and beautiful landscape. For those seeking an active outdoor experience, a variety of activities such as country walks, canoeing, and cycling are conveniently nearby.

Amenities

Bedroom 1: Double Bedroom 2: Double Bedroom 3: Double/Twin Bedding and towels provided All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom with WC, plus either a shower or a bath Land&Water natural body products provided Wi-Fi internet available (due to the location, internet and mobile telephone reception can be intermittent) Television CD player and smart speaker Fully equipped kitchen Library of books Wood burner Electric car charger

Pets

One well-behaved dog is accepted at Life House for an additional charge of £35 per booking

Cost

From £250 per night — depending upon duration and season