I CAN guarantee that, 10 times out of 10, when my partner says she’s got a surprise for me, it will mean one of a handful of things.
Maybe she’s planned a 20-mile hike. Perhaps she’s entered us both into a walking or running event, of approximately 20 miles. Maybe she’s planned a day out on the mountain bike, with a distance of, oh, let's say 20 miles or so.
Occasionally, it will be an evening stay at a hotel and spa, or camping at a bothy – but, of course, this will involve some sort of walk, hike or run of approximately 20 miles first.
However, on a sunny Saturday at the start of May, I actually was treated to a day of authentic luxury.
An agricultural spa day at Farmers’ Welsh Lavender in the hills above Builth Wells. I was waiting for the “All we/you have to do first…”, but there was none.
She ran 10 miles up to the lavender farm, located at Cefnperfedd Uchaf, in Maesmynis. All I had to do was drive and meet her there.
Beautiful sights, sun shining, birds chirping and the hills of the Epynt range to take in, as well as the new sauna at the venue.
Known at The Point, the sauna can comfortably seat around six and offers stunning panoramic views of the valley.
I suppose, there was still something of a catch, which caught me slightly cold. The farm has a pond on the ground, and my partner Michelle being a keen wild swimmer, before I was allowed to bask in the glow of the Nordic-inspired warmth, I had to join her for a dip.
The sun may have been shining, but this is May in Mid Wales. In the hills above Builth. So, it was desperately chilly in the pond’s depths.
The hills of the Epynt range are some of the best to be in on a sunny day in Powys, and it definitely did pay off to have a dip beforehand, to appreciate the heat of the sauna.
The farm belongs to Nancy Durham, a Canadian journalist. Nancy began her career in the 1970s with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in Toronto, before working for the BBC after emigrating to the UK in 1984 to be with her husband – fellow Canadian and Oxford philosopher of science, Bill Newton-Smith.
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The couple split their time between Oxford and Cefnperfedd Uchaf, embarking into the realms of agriculture in 2003 which resulted in Wales’ first lavender farm.
Inspired by the lavender hedge in their Oxford garden, Nancy wondered if they could cultivate lavender on their farm.
A neighbour, Baden Powell, suggested they plant a lavender field, and after receiving some government funding, they sowed their first seeds.
Today, Farmers’ Welsh Lavender is a distiller of lavender oil, creator of luxury lavender gifts and home to a tranquil countryside haven.
As well as the pond and sauna, the farm has a shop, where you can purchase all products, as well as an informal cafe serving cake, coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine and a few snacks.
You can book individual slots or hire the venue out exclusively – you can even stay in the farm’s glamping truck.
Elsewhere, the flagship Farmers’ shop is located in Hay-on-Wye.
To book your visit, phone 01982 552467, email farmers@welshlavender.com, visit the https://www.welshlavender.com/ website or check out the Facebook and Instagram pages.
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