Cambrian Cottages are celebrating their recent Green Tourism ‘Gold’ Award, as well as receiving the 2025 National Tourism Awards for Wales – ‘Bro y Byd’ Award (Going the extra mile for Sustainability).
Cambrian Cottages is a period barn that we converted into three eco-friendly holiday cottages. Purchased in 2017, the property—known as ‘Berllan’—took six years to restore and transform. Located in a small valley in Gwyddgrug, these contemporary accommodations celebrate authentic Welsh tradition while prioritising sustainability.
After initially missing out on the sale, we were fortunate to acquire ‘Berllan’ in October 2017, despite its dilapidated condition. The project began with improving access and installing essential services. We made the adjacent farmhouse habitable while carrying out critical repairs to the barn. Following planning approval, we relocated permanently to Wales in 2023 to complete the conversion, finally opening to guests in January 2024.
Sustainability Vision
Our family project is fundamentally rooted in sustainability, creating an experience that nurtures the environment and supports local communities. We aim to inspire visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices they can implement at home. While we’ve made significant progress, we continually seek improvement, inviting feedback on how we can enhance our efforts and create a positive impact for generations to come.
Sustainable Construction
We meticulously restored the barn using traditional methods and materials:
• Original structure repaired with lime mortar and locally sourced stone
• Salvaged slates from the original roof and nearby demolished buildings
• Sheep’s wool insulation for energy efficiency
• Recycled glass used beneath ground in place of traditional hardcore
• Breathable ‘Fermacel’ boarding for interiors, made from recycled materials
• ‘Keim’ mineral-based paint with low VOCs for interior walls
• Traditional linseed oil-based paints for external woodwork
• Recyclable steel rainwater systems instead of plastic
• Wood-aluminum composite windows
• Repurposed on-site materials, including cart shafts as staircase handrails and cart wheel rims for fire pit edges
• Recycled antique and vintage furniture to honour the farm’s heritage
Energy Efficiency
Our design choices prioritise efficiency through:
• High-quality insulation and airtightness
• Double-glazed windows and doors exceeding building regulations
• Two apartments rated EPC B and one achieving EPC A
• LED lighting throughout with dimmer switches and occupancy sensors
• A+ rated or better appliances
Energy and Water Systems
Our heating and hot water are powered by two Grant air source heat pumps strategically positioned to optimise efficiency. Heat is distributed through insulated pipework to high-efficiency aluminium radiators equipped with thermostatic controls. Hot water is stored in highly insulated cylinders.
Electricity comes from our 7.5 kWh solar photovoltaic array (24 panels) generating approximately 5.1 MWh annually, supplemented by grid electricity from Octopus’s ‘Energy Local’ 100% renewable energy tariff. Two apartments feature wood-burning stoves using wood harvested on-site.
Water conservation measures include:
• Low-water usage appliances throughout
• Dual flush toilets and spray taps
• Energy-efficient dishwashers
• Wastewater treatment through a low-energy system
• Surface water attenuation pond for irrigation
Biodiversity Enhancement
We’ve preserved and enhanced the site’s natural characteristics by:
• Retaining and regenerating hedgerows through traditional techniques
• Planting native trees and hedges
• Reseeding areas with wildflowers sourced from local biodiverse farmland
• Reinstating the original courtyard pond, now a vibrant wildlife habitat
• Preserving existing bat roost spaces and bird nesting holes
• Installing additional bat boxes
Carbon Reduction
We’ve calculated our 2024 carbon output as 3.45 tCO2e and committed to halving this to 1.72 tCO2e by 2030, requiring an average annual reduction of 0.35 tCO2e. We’re developing a comprehensive plan focused on analysing our Scope 3 emissions. We’ve also significantly reduced our website’s carbon impact using ‘ecograder’ tools.
Sustainable Transport
We’re well-connected with rail links to Carmarthen and Aberystwyth and regular bus service to Gwyddgrug. For cyclists, we’re located 4.5 miles from National Cycle Network Route 82 and offer:
• Free electric bike charging
• On-site hose down point
• Drying room
• Secure indoor bike storage
Our dog-friendly cottages are ideal for hikers exploring Carmarthenshire’s trails. We’ve installed a “pay as you go” 7kW EV charging point on-site, complementing the improved network of regional chargers.
Waste Management
We encourage guests to sort their waste, providing separate bins for recyclables, food waste, and landfill items. Food waste is composted on-site in our hot compost bin, reducing environmental impact while promoting recycling awareness.
Eco-Friendly Products
We use non-toxic, biodegradable toiletries and environmentally safe laundry and cleaning products. Reusable microfibre cleaning cloths minimise chemical use while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
Community Support
We prioritised local builders, specialists, and materials during conversion. We actively promote local businesses – shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions – contributing positively to the regional economy.
Continuous Improvement
We regularly assess our environmental performance and have specific improvement targets:
• Sourcing more products locally
• Providing information about local walks and cycle routes
• Prioritising eco-friendly replacements
• Reducing energy and water consumption by 2% in 2025
• Regularly updating sustainability information
• Enhancing natural resources with seating areas and nature guides
• Maintaining and improving our ‘Green Tourism’ Gold Award
Through these ongoing efforts, we strive to create a sustainable retreat that respects both nature and tradition.
