Vicki Jones, a former nanny from Birmingham, and her husband Lyndon have transformed redundancy into a thriving holiday business with their self-built wooden cabin, Coety Bach, near the Elan Valley in Wales. The cabin has won the Best Romantic Getaway 2025 award and earned a gold grading from Visit Wales.
From redundancy to rural retreat
Vicki, originally from Birmingham, initially commuted to the city for nanny work after moving to the area 13 years ago. However, when she was made redundant in 2019, she and Lyndon decided to build a cabin on their five acres of land near Llandrindod Wells. "For the first couple of years, I was travelling back to Birmingham to work as a nanny but, when I was made redundant in 2019, we decided to build the cabin," Vicki said.
During the pandemic, the cabin served as a personal escape. "It kept us sane during the lockdowns," she added. The couple, along with their children Martha, 12, and Emrys, 14, now run Coety Bach as a holiday let, offering guests a peaceful retreat.
Award-winning accommodation
Coety Bach, meaning 'Little Wood House' in Welsh, is located in Penybont, about two hours from Birmingham. It features a wood-fired hot tub, outdoor and indoor baths, a log burner, a fully equipped kitchen, and a unique king-size 'nook bed'. The cabin is adult-only and dog-friendly, with an enclosed garden. Vicki bakes treats for guests, adding a personal touch.
The cabin has been a hit, winning the Best Romantic Getaway 2025 award. Guests come from across the UK and as far as New Zealand, Canada, and Thailand. The property has no Wi-Fi or television, encouraging couples to disconnect and relax.
Alpacas and local experiences
Recently, the family added three alpacas—Rocket, Theo, and Nova—to their smallholding. Vicki hopes to offer alpaca experiences once the animals are comfortable around people. "People love meeting animals because they have a calming influence," she said. The couple is part of Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru).
Lyndon, an assistant headteacher and Welsh speaker, enjoys sharing the local language and culture with guests. The cabin overlooks the Ithon Valley, with the Elan Valley and Cambrian Mountains nearby, popular for stargazing, bird watching, hiking, and cycling.
