Solo retreats are on the rise. But when was the last time you gifted yourself uninterrupted time to read, write, and be creative in peace? Tucked away in the rolling hills of mid Wales, the Writers’ Cabin is a sanctuary designed specifically for people longing to drop into their inner lives and escape daily distractions.
This is not just another Airbnb with a nice view… In fact, the Writers’ Cabin has steered clear the major hosting platforms. It’s a true hidden Welsh gem! This writer’s retreat has been carefully curated to nurture creativity at every turn, and it’s working… Within just a few months of opening, the cabin was chosen by The Sunday Times as one of the top seven writer retreats in the UK.
But what makes this self-catering hideaway so special? The answer lies in the detail. The stylish bedroom is inspired by Van Gogh’s Yellow House, complete with a custom bed head that doubles as a cosy book nook. On the shelves, you’ll find carefully selected titles on the craft of writing, ready to spark new ideas.
Each design choice feels intentional, reminding guests to prioritise their creativity. Think long, starlit nights reading on the cabin’s veranda wrapped up in a soft, woollen blanket – a Welsh blanket crafted by the last continuously water driven mill in Ceredigion.
Those on retreat are invited to slow down, to indulge in small luxuries. Each booking includes a complimentary 90-minute session in the private sauna, which overlooks the dramatic Tarren mountain range. Guests are gifted a whimsical keepsake, a bespoke bottle of Poetry Pharmacy pills, themed around the idea of “Retreat.” Each “dose” is an extract from a poem, an invitation to re-set and restore.
Guests so far have included poets, stand-up comedians, journalling enthusiasts, bestselling novelists and playwrights. They are drawn not only by the Writer’s Cabin itself but also by its setting. Situated on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the nearby location offers access to mountains, woodland and pristine beaches…
Local craftsmanship adds to the sense of place inside the Cabin. An everlasting flower wreath by the local, artisanal maker Sarah Breese hangs in the bedroom, and you’ll find hand-thrown ceramic mugs by Nicola Farrington in the kitchen. Both makers run independent businesses in the Dyfi Valley, and their additions infuse the writer’s retreat with a tangible sense of Welsh creativity.
Community ties extend beyond the cabin walls, however. The Cabin has collaborated with other independent business in Machynlleth and guests can enjoy a discounted hot drink at The Hermit Crab café on Machynlleth’s vibrant high street, or money off book
purchases from the much-loved Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop. Coffee and books. What’s not to love?
If you find yourself in need of guidance or encouragement during your stay, your retreat host Julia, a publishing professional and author, is on hand to offer one-to-one author coaching. These sessions are an invaluable opportunity to talk through your ideas with someone who understands both the craft of writing as well as the realities of the publishing world.
The Writers’ Cabin is already gathering many admirers. In fact, Style of the City’s own columnist Emma Meese recently visited https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPaO-NXigHQ/ and was so taken with the experience that she can’t wait to return. Her experience echoes that of many guests who leave not only rested, but also creatively recharged, inspired and ready to embark on their next creative chapters.
Three-night weekend stays are available, as well as four, seven, or ten-night breaks for those who want to immerse themselves more deeply. Style of the City readers can enjoy an exclusive £25 discount off all retreats booked until 31 August 2026 using the code STYLE25 at the checkout (subject to availability).
For those who yearn for the space to think, write, or reconnect with their creative practice and with nature, The Writers’ Cabin offers more than accommodation. It offers an invitation: to step away from the noise, to breathe in the clean, Welsh air, and to find your way back to your creative life once more. Book your stay today: https://writewithin.wales/writers-retreat/
