Couple swap London life for glamping venture

A London couple have swapped city life for the countryside as they prepare to launch a new luxury glamping business in South West Wales.

Barney and Heather Barc are set to open Pont Tyweli Glamping following a four-year transformation of an 11-acre site into a family-friendly destination.

Located near New Quay beach and Cardigan Castle, the site features three geodesic domes, each designed to offer a distinctive stay experience. 

Named Ash, Oak and Fern, the domes include king-sized beds, bunk beds, kitchenettes, log burners and ensuite bathrooms.

Outdoor features include private hot tubs, fire pits and a growing play area for children, with plans to introduce additional features such as dens and tunnels.

The move marks a significant lifestyle change for the couple, who left careers as an electrician and employment lawyer in London to spend more time with their young family.

Heather said: “When we were living in the city, we dropped the kids at 7.30am and then didn’t get to pick them up until 6pm from nursery and that was five days a week. 

“We wanted to change that so thought what better way than to try to do something on our own.

“Our search for a new place to live and work took us all over the UK, yet our introduction to Pont Tyweli was a bit of an accident. 

“We were down in Wales to view three other sites, and it came online overnight, so we thought we’d try to fit in a viewing after breakfast – I’m glad we did as we immediately fell in love.”

She added: “There’s eleven acres in total and where we’ve put the three domes in is the top field, giving you stunning sunsets. 

“You can also quite easily walk into Llandysul, whilst we have so many fantastic beaches, castles, places to eat and long walks that couples and families can enjoy in the local area.

“Barney gave up his job and has been using his electrical and trade skills to help build the domes and get the site ready for opening in April. 

“It’s all very exciting, but also a bit daunting – especially when we released the website for bookings.”

Barney added: “There have been plenty of challenges in turning the vision into reality, from two years of planning applications and everything taking a lot longer to complete than we first expected.

“It has been a real rollercoaster, but we both believe we’ve created something that is very special and will hopefully become a place people return to time and time again for the relaxation, the views, the places to visit and the unique setting of the domes.”

The business is targeting both couples and families seeking short breaks, with bookings now open ahead of its April launch.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.