For many, the dream of escaping city life remains just that—a dream. But for Lou and Adam Barnes, a pivotal moment arrived after starting a family in South London, compelling them to turn their long-held yearning for a life closer to nature into a breathtaking reality.
From Brixton Terraces to Carmarthenshire Meadows
In 2012, the couple made a life-altering decision. They swapped their urban existence near Brixton for a sprawling 60-acre farmstead deep in the Carmarthenshire countryside. The property, discovered somewhat serendipitously on Rightmove, was far larger than the four acres they had initially envisioned. "It was such a big farm," Adam recalls, noting the initial overwhelm. Yet, after six visits, they were captivated. "The site grabs you," Lou says. "We absolutely fell in love with the land."
The purchase included a detached farmhouse and a separate barn, but the true draw was the pristine landscape. The property boasted ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, and glistening brooks, all under dark skies free from light pollution. This untouched natural beauty presented not just a home, but a canvas for a new venture.
Building 'Under Starry Skies': A Sustainable Vision
Driven by a desire to share this remarkable space, the couple conceived a plan to create a sustainable glamping retreat. They moved in with their two young children, benefiting from the barn's existing conversion and the farmhouse's eco-features like solar panels. The land itself, managed conservatively by previous owners, was a treasure trove of biodiversity.
The 60-acre site comprises roughly 20 acres of woodland, 28 acres of enhanced pasture, and the remainder as dedicated wildlife meadow. This careful stewardship has fostered an "incredible" ecosystem. "It's got incredible biodiversity here including a colony of the Marsh Fritillary, which is a really rare butterfly," Lou explains. The couple have continued this legacy through rewilding and using Exmoor ponies for natural grazing.
Their business, aptly named Under Starry Skies, began taking shape. The barn was quickly ready for guests. Their first self-built cabin, Hafan, was constructed by Adam with help from a friend during breaks from his sound engineering career. The arrival of their first guests in 2014 spurred them on to build a second cabin, Derwin, and later a communal facilities building with a kitchen and wood-burning stove.
A New Life Rooted in Community and Conservation
Environmental responsibility is central to their operation. They use repurposed timber, solar power, and log burners, with cabins operating off-grid. "We've done our best to make it as low impact as possible," Adam states, balancing eco-credentials with guest comfort.
Beyond the land, the warmth of the local community has been a profound reward. "We've made lovely local friends here," Lou reflects, dispelling the myth of being "in the middle of nowhere." This support network, coupled with the success of their business, has allowed Adam to reduce his touring schedule and be home more.
For Lou and Adam, the greatest validation comes from seeing their guests unwind. "You can just see the stress unwind," Lou observes. Adam concludes with heartfelt certainty: "I wouldn't be anywhere else now. It's home for us, we've found our place... this is the best place in the world." Their journey from a London terrace to custodians of a Welsh haven stands as a testament to pursuing a life aligned with nature and purpose.
