The Earth
Conker
Powys, Wales
A world first: an off-the-grid glamping pod in a stunning Welsh mountain location - to be joined by the riverside silver Moon Conker from July 2021
For availability see calendar below
THE cONKER in brief
New at Red Kite Estate, Chillderness continues to push the boundaries of construction techniques. Introducing the world’s first Conker glamping pod.
The Conker is completely private with its own enclosed heated shower and sustainable, a state of the art Swedish composting lavatory next door. There is also a terrace and fire-pit with stunning mountain views.
High-tech copper-clad orb situated high on a hill in our private mountain estate, with mid Wales spread out below
Sleeps two in a comfortable cosy double bed – leave your sleeping bags at home!
The Conker is engineered using techniques from Bentley and Rolls Royce and heated with a cutting edge recirculating heating system: ideal for year-round escapes
Perfect escape for creative thinking, wildlife-watching or a digital detox
Follow the adventures of @chillderness_dreambuilder and @redkitebarnwales on Instagram
'Everything except the sky is green. There must be 10,000 shades of green...'
Sankha Guha, The Independent
SPACE TO RECHARGE
After installing the world’s first Tree Tent glamping hotel at Red Kite Estate, the green and red canvas dragon’s eggs have enjoyed seasons of happy campers including Baywatch’s The Hoff who says “if the tent’s a rocking” don’t come knocking”. Now we have collaborated with an engineer from Bentley Motors to launch the first Conker in the world, majestically surveying the tapestry of mid Wales set out below.
Enjoy remote glamping in mid Wales. The Conker offers a year-round magical escape for those seeking a break surrounded by nature.
Partnered with a Scandi-style log cabin bathroom (the hot water shower has a view to die for) and composting loo, it has everything you could need.
Owner David says, "This high-tech orb channels the spirit of the space age. Showing my age, but I can’t help think of Jane Fonda as Barbarella in glorious bodycon silver… lightweight and environmentally friendly, cosy and warm, the pod is the perfect place to sit on the terrace with a Penderyn gin watching the kites circle and long afternoon rays of sun glint off the copper cladding. At night there is a profusion of stars painting a milky smudge across the sky.”
MUSIC OF THE SPHERES...
Staying at the Conker allows you to enjoy the the escapism of the wilderness without the punishment of camping. But fear not – you’re not totally left to your own devices; on arrival you can expect bed linen, towels and a load of dry wood and kindling. Even a pizza oven. Bring your toppings. You can enjoy the simple things in life, without compromising on basic comforts.
The Conker was built using precision engineering techniques borrowed from Bentley Motors. The Conker is high on a hilltop but fully insulated and equipped with a cutting edge air recirculation heating system to keep the interior the perfect temperature all year round.
Re-charge your mobile devices with the USB ports in the Conker, as well as listening to your playlists through the Bluetooth-enabled sound bar. Set the LED lighting colour to suit your mood.
Inside the Conker, you will find hotel quality mattresses and a double bed which folds into a sofa during the day. A micro kitchen is equipped with an induction hob and cooking utensils.
THINGS TO DO
Watch red kites rising on the thermals above and enjoy the silence. The only noise is the wind rushing through the trees in the valley below.
You can jump straight from the office into the wilderness without spending hours fighting with tent poles and guy ropes. The Conker is an ideal base for wildlife watching or creative thinking. You could even unwind with yoga on the deck.
CONCIERGE AND AMENITIES
You can walk straight out of your front door into the hills: the estate lies on the edge of the remote Elenydd region of mid-Wales.
The nearest shops are about 10 minutes' drive away in Newbridge-on-Wye, where you will find a well-stocked post office convenience store, artisan butcher, and the charming local. There is a large 24 hour supermarket in Llandrindod Wells.
Wild swimming close by the bridge over the River Wye
Location and getting there
The Red Kite Conker is situated on our private conservation estate in Powys, near Builth Wells and Newbridge-on-Wye. You can walk straight into the green mountains of the Elenydd, right behind the estate.
Access to the Red Kite Estate is via a private track off the B4358 road at the village of Llanafan Fawr between Newbridge-on-Wye and Llanwrtyd Wells.
