A simple, self-catered space to stay on five quiet acres near Llangollen, good for meditation, reflection, rest or creative practice. It sits above a garage in its own building, not overlooked by the rest of the community, with its own entrance and lovely views over the valley.
Ty Brethyn is in a secluded valley, down a track from the road, so there’s no traffic noise and no neighbouring properties nearby. The retreat space sits next to an artist’s studio, with a bit of outside space to sit.
Living Lightly at Ty Brethyn
The retreat space is intentionally simple and low-impact. To make sure it suits what you are looking for, please note our day-to-day facilities before booking:
- Water: The kitchen sink has cold mains water only. For washing, tea, or dishes, you boil water on the stove.
- Bathing: There is no shower or bath. Guests wash using the traditional basin-and-flannel method.
- Toilet: There is no indoor plumbing. Facilities consist of a clean, well-managed compost toilet located just outside the building.
If you are comfortable with rustic, off-grid rhythms, it offers a deeply peaceful, unhurried place to unwind. If you require standard domestic plumbing or daily hot showers, the space will likely feel too basic.
About Ty Brethyn
Ty Brethyn is a working, lived-in housing co-operative, not an empty retreat centre, so the five acres around you, the stream, gardens, fields and woodland, will sometimes have people gently about, and there may be activity in the studio next door. We’re a quiet group in a quiet place, but we can’t promise silence the whole time.
Previous guests have found the space suits meditation, reflection, rest, and creative work well. If you’re planning a longer stay, or you have questions about noise or the toilet facilities, get in touch before booking and we’re happy to talk it through.
What’s provided
The space is equipped for quiet self-sufficiency, giving you everything needed for daily practice, simple cooking, and rest:
- A double bed with bedding and linen.
- A shrine, with a rupa, candles, incense, a lighter and a vase.
- Meditation cushions, a mat and blankets.
- A sofa, table and chairs.
- A fully equipped kitchen: cooker, fridge, kettle, toaster and tea towels.
- Cleaning equipment and toilet paper.
- An electric oil radiator.
- A yoga mat, with plenty of room indoors and out for practice.
- Washing machine access, if you need it.
What to bring
To keep things simple and low-impact, we recommend packing:
- Towels and toiletries.
- Food and drink.
- Wellies or waterproof shoes, especially in wet weather, for the walks around the land.
Getting out and about
Llangollen town centre is a 15-minute walk down the hill, with a good range of shops: a Co-op, an Aldi, a greengrocer, a deli and a well-stocked wholefood shop. We provide a local map and some books on the walks around Ty Brethyn. If you’d like to borrow any dharma books during your stay, just ask.
Cost and booking
£30 a night for the first two nights, £25 a night after that, dropping to £20 a night once you’ve stayed two weeks. There’s no minimum or maximum length of stay.
To book, or to ask a question first, email tybrethynretreat@gmail.com. Please let us know your preferred dates, intended length of stay, and whether you’ve stayed in rustic/off-grid spaces before.
More photos are on the Ty Brethyn Housing Co-op Facebook page.
Address: Fron Bache, Llangollen, Wales, LL20 7BS
Questions about staying at Ty Brethyn
A few things people usually want to know before they book.
Is there a bathroom at the retreat space?
No. There’s a kitchen sink with cold water only, and a compost toilet outside. There’s no shower.
How much does it cost to stay at Ty Brethyn Retreat Space?
£30 a night for the first two nights, £25 a night after that, and £20 a night once you’ve stayed two weeks. There’s no minimum or maximum stay.
How do I book a stay at the Retreat Space?
Email tybrethynretreat@gmail.com. Getting in touch before you book is especially useful for longer stays, or if you have questions about noise or the toilet facilities.
Is it quiet at Ty Brethyn?
Genuinely peaceful, but not silent. Ty Brethyn is a working, lived-in community, so there may be gentle activity around the grounds or in the artist’s studio next door.
What’s nearby?
Llangollen town centre is a 15-minute walk downhill, with a Co-op, an Aldi, a greengrocer, a deli and a Whole Foods shop.