A husband-and-wife team is preparing to launch a new luxury glamping site in South West Wales this April. Barney and Heather Barc have developed Pont Tyweli Glamping, an 11-acre property designed for family-friendly stays and located within reach of New Quay Beach, Cardigan Castle, and multiple walking routes across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.
The couple spent the past four years preparing the site, which now includes three geodesic domes, hot tubs, and a play area that will eventually feature dens and tunnels. Both Barcs relocated from London to Wales to spend more time with their children, now eight and six years old, while pursuing this venture.
Heather, who previously worked as an employment lawyer, was able to continue her professional work remotely after the move, while Barney, a qualified electrician, has contributed his skills to constructing and preparing the site.
“When we were living in the city, we dropped the kids at 7:30 a.m. and then didn’t get to pick them up until 6 p.m. 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,” Heather told News from Wales.
She recalled discovering the site by chance: “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.”
Pont Tyweli Glamping will offer three distinct domes, named Ash, Oak, and Fern, sourced from UK manufacturer Trudomes. Each dome features a king-size bed, separate bunk beds, kitchenette, dining area with log burner, ensuite bathroom, USB power points, and outdoor amenities such as a hot tub and fire pit.
Heather explained the design priorities: “We wanted an interior layout that gave you everything you needed to be warm and comfortable yet also allows you to completely switch off and enjoy the beautiful views and outside space. It was also important for us to ensure that the sleeping areas were separate, so parents could have their own space, and the domes could also double up for couples.”
Bookings are now being accepted through the site’s official website and via Airbnb. The property is also listed on several platforms, including Host Unusual and Parent-Friendly Stays.
Barney reflected on the process of establishing the site:
“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.”
For outdoor hospitality professionals, Pont Tyweli illustrates how combining existing professional expertise with hands-on site development and remote work capabilities can facilitate a family-oriented glamping business while addressing operational challenges in planning, construction, and guest experience.