Life House

On a quiet Welsh hillside, not so far from Llandrindod Wells and Llanbister, Life House is calm, remote and perfect when you’re in a contemplative mood. The simple and serene décor plays a part in creating just the right ambience for thoughtful moments, but this isn’t a retreat where you need to go solo – there’s room for up to six guests, so you and your loved ones can relax and unwind together in style.

Minimalist sums up the aesthetic at Life House, but you will feel no less at home for its carefully crafted simplicity. All on one level, this large house has been designed by architect John Pawson, working in conjunction with Life House’s founder Alain de Botton. Pawson also designed the furniture, crockery, cutlery and pendant lights, making this quite the curated experience.

Life House was constructed using Danish handmade bricks, black for the exterior and white for the interior, with the exception of a black-brick corridor – an intentional change of pace which prepares you for an area specially designed for contemplation.

The house includes three double bedrooms (one can be a twin), all with an en suite bathroom of their own. There is a theme for each: the library bedroom is lined with works of eastern and western literature; the music bedroom has an audio system and with a carefully curated selection of CDs, and the bathing bedroom features a bathing platform with inset bath for added luxury.

From the covered porch entrance, you come first to a timber-lined kitchen, a dining area and large sitting room, all with large picture windows giving you views of the surrounding hills. Highly polished terrazzo floors and white brick-lined walls reflect the light, adding to the sense of calm in this space. A large wood burner is there to warm the room as needed.

Contemplation areas include a cavernous chamber with a retractable glazed roof, buried into the hillside, embracing the ‘less is more’ ethos of Life House. With a mountainous backdrop, there’s no shortage of wide open space in the area – perfect for long walks.

Deep in the heart of mid-Wales, Life House places you somewhere between the Brecon Beacons and Shropshire Hills, with Snowdonia and Herefordshire just over an hour’s drive away. This most scenic of locations could encourage anyone to get a little active – and walking, cycling, fishing and horse-riding are among the possibilities. Llandrindod Wells, around 10 miles away, is large enough to offer a good selection of places to eat, and visit – including the National Cycle Museum.