The Edwardian Showman’s Wagon

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Quirky and romantic hideaway in a secluded mid-Wales meadow

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Private garden

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

Staying in this beautifully unique wagon is almost a time-travelling experience, taking you back to the 1920s and a circus showman’s life. From the authentic green and gold exterior to the period lamps, velvet curtains, vintage stove and elegant woodwork inscriptions, you get all the old feel and atmosphere of the period, combined with contemporary comforts.

Along with big views across fields and copses to the Black Mountains, and countryside walks from the front door, you’ll discover utter peace but for birdsong. Watch goldfinches as you laze in the cosy bedchamber, woodpeckers through the window of the cedarwood bathroom. The deck out front is an all-day suntrap, and you can pick apples from the surrounding orchard and gather wild herbs to cook with. A rejuvenating adventure in a little world of your own.

Getting here: drive or train to Abergavenny then taxi (20 mins)

Owner of Wildflower Wagon Hereford

“Twenty years ago my husband John was an apprentice potter, and acquired the wagon from a Herefordshire farmer to live in during his two-year apprenticeship. It was his favourite-ever living space. Five years ago, we restored and modernised it, adding a bathroom, electricity and WiFi and we still use it as an occasional retreat for ourselves, close family or friends.” Owner Annie 

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Meals on the terrace with its round-the-clock sun, marvelling at the scale of the skies and the view to the mighty Graig.”

We love
The authenticity of it all. Though modernised, it’s been so carefully done, which means you have the advantages of a piping hot shower and WiFi, but the romance of a period-lighting glow and vintage armchairs for fireside reading.

You may not love
There’s a 3-night minimum stay; no candles allowed indoors; it’s remote but that’s the point.

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  • "We absolutely loved staying in the Wildflower Wagon for a cosy, rejuvenating winter getaway. Annie and John have thought of everything you might need and we didn't care whether it rained, it was such a lovely place to hole up. It's a beautiful part of the world and we enjoyed various walks, making sure to stop off at the local pubs. John's casserole was delicious and I'd highly recommend getting him to cook one evening!"

    Sam, December 2023
  • "A perfect weekend. We've had rain, snow and beautiful sunshine. Arriving to a warm home away from home was just magical; homemade brownies and all the essentials. We have explored locally, seen deer, green woodpeckers, and watched a family of long-tailed tits just outside the window. Our little minimoon has been so memorable. We can't wait to come back."

    Mr & Mrs Scribbins, Peanut & Ebony
  • "Staying in the Wildflower Wagon is like stepping back through time. From the drive through rural countryside to the property, to the vast views of fields and hills right outside the wagon's rustic wooden doors, every aspect of experience truly felt as if we were living in a time before all the hustle and bustle of today's modern world. It is the perfect place for people needing to disconnect from the endless demands and distractions of daily working life. From the moment you step out of your car onto the dirt path leading up to the wagon, all your stresses and worries are replaced with child-like awe and desire to explore. The original, charming features of the wagon, combined with the owners' thoughtful details throughout, are what make this place feel so authentic. One feels like they are living the rural, wild life, while still having the comforts of modernity. Annie and John have managed to create a truly magical place."

    Kamila
  • "We absolutely loved our stay at the Wildflower Wagon - such a unique and peaceful treat. We stayed just as the weather turned in October but it was the perfect Autumnal hideaway, lovely comfortable furnishings, toasty wood burner and wonderful terrace with views of the countryside. The owners were lovely and helpful - definitely request the chicken stew and brownies upon arrival, delicious! I highly recommend this eccentric, gorgeous antidote to city life."

    Holly, October 2020
  • "What can we say - the wagon is wonderful! The absolute perfect antidote to London life - we really switched off and marvelled in the gorgeous green surroundings in this cosy, beautifully decorated and beyond comparable hobbit hole! Everything is so perfect and lovingly restored - thank you both so much - we will be back!"

    Holly and Paddy, October 2020
  • "We had the most amazing time in your beautiful wagon. We have both returned to ’normal’ life feeling very refreshed and relaxed. The strategically placed bird feeders were an absolute highlight. We both turned our phones off for the whole week and the birds were the best entertainment we could have asked for. We will certainly be back when we need another retreat from technology and modern day life. We've been lucky to stay at a few huts/wagons and this was far and away the best trip."

    Erica and Will, August 2020
  • "Thank you so much for such a beautiful experience. Loved the little touches -- flowers in little jars everywhere. Our chicken casserole was a lovely treat, as were the brownies. Loved the bird feeders so close to the windows. Loved having breakfast on the deck - cannot beat that view! Everything you could ever need, down to books and binoculars. Shower was amazing! One of the best places we have ever stayed in - will definitely be back!"

    Simon and Louise, July 2020

Sustainability.

Full recycling and the woodburner logs are locally sourced from sustainable woodlands.

Surrounds.

  • Cat's Back
    Cat's Back © Annejacko
  • Hay Bluff
    Hay Bluff
  • The Warren
    The Warren
  • Walks lead out from the front door. Annie recommends the wild countryside stroll to famed St Margarets Church (less than a mile).
  • Or drive a short while to Black Hill then hike up the Cat’s Back. Views towards Hay Bluff are breathtaking.
  • Walk across the fields to The Bridge Inn  for a hearty dinner, then wander back by starlight.
  • Hay-on-Wye (18km) is renowned for its second-hand bookshops and brilliant independents. Break for a coffee in Shepherd’s Parlour and try their delicious sheeps-milk ice cream; the marmalade is perfectly zingy.
  • Spend a sunny day at The Warren, a lovely remote beach on the River Wye, near Hay. It’s great for swimming and you can bring disposable BBQs to cook sausages as the sun sets.
  • Taxi to Abergavenny for a special meal at the Michelin-starred Walnut Tree; booking ahead essential.

Specifics.

  • Ancient wagon in a secluded wildflower meadow
  • Open-plan interior warmed by a woodburner
  • Cosy curtained double bed clad in Piglet linens, plus electric blanket and shutters
  • Ensuite heated cedarwood bathroom: monsoon shower and proper toilet
  • Well-equipped kitchen with vintage gas Baby Belling, fridge/freezer box, oven, microwave and basic ingredients
  • Indoor dining table and dinner hamper on request (£40 for 2 people, including organic wine; John is a great cook)
  • Cosy living area with games, books, Robert’s Radio and DVDs; bring a laptop
  • WiFi strong enough for streaming services
  • Sundeck with bench, deckchairs and dining table and bench
  • Garden with firepit area and Kotlich grill
  • Dog friendly (2 dogs welcome)
  • Walk across fields to a dining pub (45 mins); drive to other pubs, shops and restaurants (7-18km)
  • The owners live a 1-min walk away
  • Booking conditions: a 3-night minimum stay; small additional cleaning fee
  • Remember to pack: wellies/walking boots, slippers, toiletries

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.

FAQs.

Yes we accept well behaved dogs. Please be aware that the estate fencing around the wagon garden will only contain medium to big sized dogs. Little dogs will need to be watched more closely.

 

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