Life House

Welcome to the dog-friendly Life House; an idyllic architecturally designed retreat nestled in the picturesque Welsh hills, offering a dog-friendly haven for up to six guests seeking the perfect holiday escape. Surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, this charming residence embodies simplicity in design, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. The spacious open-plan interiors seamlessly blend with extensive gardens a paradise for your pet, providing a lovely setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Each bedroom and bathroom suite is thoughtfully designed, allowing guests to bathe while taking in the breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside. Adjacent fields are dotted with sheep, creating a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings. Designed with a "less is more" philosophy, this single-level residence is partially nestled into the hillside, forming expansive and intricate spaces within. A meticulously designed timber-lined kitchen, dining area, and sitting room with large picture windows offer panoramic views. The terrazzo floors and white-brick walls create an open and soothing atmosphere, complemented by a freestanding wood burner for cozy evenings. The three distinct bedrooms cater to different forms of contemplation, featuring a library bedroom with therapeutic literature, a music bedroom equipped with an audio system, and a bathing bedroom offering a serene bathing platform overlooking a Welsh valley. Life House goes beyond conventional accommodations, providing contemplation areas like a cavernous chamber with a retractable glazed roof, buried into the hillside. Outdoor guests and their furry friends can unwind with the Welsh mountains as a stunning backdrop. The location also intersects with the artistic walks of Hamish Fulton. In essence, Life House captures the architectural aesthetics, offering a life-affirming experience where design, comfort, and relaxation converge seamlessly.

THE ARCHITECTURE: Life House, the result of five years of collaboration between architect John Pawson and founder Alain de Botton, is constructed with Danish handmade bricks' black for the exterior and white for the interior. Influenced by Japanese design and Benedictine monks' architecture, the house reflects Pawson's focus on fundamental spatial elements rather than stylistic mannerisms. Using a limited palette of materials such as brick, wood, and terrazzo, Life House exudes warmth and intimacy. The predominantly white brick interior walls contrast with the only black brick-lined corridor, creating surprise and intrigue. This deviation prepares guests for the discovery of a hidden room designed for contemplation without distractions. Life House offers a serene and reflective environment, meticulously attended to in every detail. John Pawson's design extends to the furniture, crockery, cutlery, and hanging pendant lights, providing a fully crafted and immersive experience.

There are three double bedrooms (one of which can be made up as a twin). All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom with WC, plus either a shower or a bath. One well-behaved dog, who respects sheep and loves modern architecture, is welcomed at Life House. Wi Fi and internet are available - but due to the location, the internet and mobile telephone reception can be intermittent. Arrival is after 3 pm, with departure by 10am.

In the Life House you will find Internet enabled television, CD player and smart speaker available. A library of books will keep the most avid reader happy, from local travel guides, to books on architecture and philosophy. Body products provided - shampoo, shower and bath gel, hand soap. Luxury Egyptian cotton bed linen, hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets plus hand and bath towels. Hairdryers, iron, ironing board and clothes airer. In the kitchen, a fan oven, combination microwave oven, induction hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer. Kitchen equipment provided by David Mellor and When Objects Work- including DM kitchen knives, chopping boards, sieves and colanders, graters, whisks, tongs, cooking utensils, a range of saucepans (suitable for the induction hob), food blender, scales, mixing bowls, a rolling pin and pastry brush, glassware (tumblers, wine glasses, champagne flutes), John Pawson designed cutlery, a teapot and mugs. Arrival pack includes tea bags, filter coffee, biscuits, semi-skimmed milk, bread, butter, olive oil, bin bags, washing up liquid, kitchen roll, hand-wash, dishwasher tablets, foil, toilet paper - Two cafetieres for filter coffee & Nespresso machine. There's a wood burning stove with; some logs to get you started - additional logs can be purchased locally.