Bala Shack

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Bala, North Wales

From £112/night

Talk about an epic secret: an utterly secluded wild cabin, yet just 10 mins from Bala with its foodie shops and lake

Alfresco tub

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Woodburner

*Brand new*

There are places you stumble upon. And then there are places you have to be in the know to find. Mira is firmly the latter. Totally secluded at the foot of granite tors and a tumbling waterfall, and beside a rushing river, this feels like it’s slipped quietly out of the real world. You’ll marvel that there’s anything here; let alone an actual hideaway. No neighbours. No noise. Just you, your dog and/or favourite person, and the most magnificent landscape.

Inside, calm. Warm timber. Soft textures. A pared-back, beautifully considered space with a cosy mezzanine sleeping area that feels gently cocooning. It’s intimate without feeling closed in. You’ll mostly be outdoors though; the outside world calls constantly. A short drive brings you to Bala Lake – Wales’s largest natural lake – where mirrored water meets big, open skies. Wild swim. Paddleboard. Sit on the shore and do absolutely nothing at all. Wander woodland trails that twist through ancient trees, or head towards the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia), soaring in the distance. Later, return and settle into your outdoor tub as stars take over the sky and everything is completely still – something that feels all-too-rare these days. Incredible.

Getting here: drive (1 hr 40 from Liverpool, 2 hr 10 from Manchester, 5 hours from London), or train to Ruabon then taxi (40 mins)

Book this hideaway.

Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!

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Inside Tarporley Shacks, Cheshire

It all started a few years ago. Harry and George had always had a keen interest in building and constructing things — initially, it was treehouses, speakers and furniture, then they built their first cabin on Harry’s family farm. For a small structure, it was a little more complex than you might think. With composting loos, solar power, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom all integrated into a small space, the process threw up all sorts of challenges. Though it was stressful, they were delighted to create such a unique holiday experience with such a low carbon impact, and went on to create more. Their aim is to unlock amazing places for holiday makers all over the UK.

My Kip favourites

They love
The solitude and peace, in such incredible surroundings.

We love
Mornings here. Birdsong first. Then mist lifting from the valley; you sit and watch mesmerised, as your coffee cools in your hands.

You may not love
No WiFi. The surrounding area can be muddy in the winter months.

Sustainability.

Built from sustainable materials, and fully off-grid, with solar power, a compost toilet, and spring-fed water.

Surrounds.

  • Mira Shack on Kip Hideaways
  • Wander riverside trails, hike into the foothills of Eryri / Snowdonia, or follow the call of nearby waterfalls.
  • Spend the day at Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) for wild swimming, BYO paddleboarding and kayaking, or simply strolling around its perimeter, admiring the mirror-stillness (10 mins’ drive).
  • Also 10 mins’ drive, or a longer stroll along winding country lanes, is Bala, a small Welsh market town with a big heart and excellent taste in food. Pull up a chair at Plas Yn Dre for hearty Welsh dishes, try local ales at Y Cyfnod or grab wood-fired pizza from Cwrtg.
  • Prefer a night in? Pop into Y Pantri or Tŷ Coffi for artisan and deli treats, then head back to your Shack, blanket, stars, and all.
  • Beyond eating well (a priority), Bala is perfect for pottering: visit craft shops, galleries, or take a nostalgic ride along the water’s edge on the Bala Lake Railway.

Details.

  • A very secluded cabin!
  • Off-grid with solar power
  • Open-plan interior
  • Kingsize bed on a mezzanine with Piglet-in-Bed linens
  • Ensuite bathroom with compost toilet and shower; Faith-in-Nature toiletries
  • Kitchenette with 2-ring gas hob and eco fridge
  • Bench seating
  • Dog friendly – see FAQs
  • Alfresco bath
  • Alfresco picnic table and firepit
  • IS THERE WIFI OR PHONE RECEPTION
  • The team are available by phone/WhatsApp if you need
  • Car parking area with wellie store (wellies to borrow) and cart to pull your luggage to the cabin (200m)
  • Drive 10 mins for cosy pubs and local shops
  • Booking conditions: check in any day, for 1 night up to 2 week stays
  • Remember to pack: walking boots

Sliding

30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.

Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £40 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £40 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £40 processing fee.

No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

In: 3pm / Out: 10am.
Upon booking you’ll get the code to a keybox for self check-in.

Absolutely. There is a £35 flat charge, and dog bags, bowls and treats are provided.

You’re given a bag of firewood, with kindling, which is enough for 1 use of the woodburner and firepit. There’s the option to purchase unlimited wood for a flat £25 charge.

Still have a question?

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