Visit Harmony Farm in Wales for BBQs, B&B, camping, Yurts & more
SPONSORED CONTENT HALAL STATUS Fully Halal“Creating memories for life” was just one of a number of memorable quotes, delivered by the energetically loquacious owner of Harmony Farm in Wales, which ultimately defined our visit here.
Located in between Pontypool and Mamhilad in South Wales is a fully Halal, 55 acre-farm (use there Google Map coordinates: 51.7345151,-3.023809 for accurate directions) that’s run by the effervescent Muhsen Hassanin and his family.
With a London accent uncannily similar to Del Boy from the classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, Muhsen is on a mission to champion a lifestyle in ‘harmony’ with nature.
Since moving here in 2015, the family has gradually moved towards adopting a self-sufficient way of life that involves home-grown organic food that’s nutritious and wholesome.
This harmonious way of living with the environment is rooted in Muhsen’s Islamic faith and his adherence to God’s encouragement in the Qur’an for Muslims to maintain and respect nature’s perfect balance, or mizaan in Arabic.
This dedication is no better demonstrated than by the family having partially converted their majestic family cottage into a veritable B&B so as to offer guests the opportunity of experiencing the rural way of life fully embraced by the hosts of Harmony Farm.
The surrounding area has also been carefully curated to include amenities such as the option of staying at a spectacularly made traditional Mongolian yurt, as well as camping site areas for those looking to be closer to nature.
Established some 300m above sea level, and with breathtaking panaromic views that extend beyond Usk valley to encompass Skirrid and the Severn on clearer days, Harmony Farm has become a popular destination spot virtually through word of mouth alone.
‘Creating memories for life’ at Harmony Farm
In fact, this place is so popular that, despite only a website and minimal social media presence, overnight stays at the farm are fully booked well into September.
Nevertheless, the family’s generosity is such that they’re happy to accommodate anyone wanting to visit for the day as part of what Muhsen calls his “days and stays” initiative.
And with 26 acres of pasture and mixed woodland, alongside 29 acres of pure forest, much of which Muhsen replanted himself, there’s plenty to explore, with fun activities included to entertain the kids.
Guests are given a fascinating tour of the farm by Muhsen, who speaks on the importance of self-sufficiency, with emphasis on both sustainability through the use of solar power energy, as well as recycling, waste and resource management.
With goats, cows, ducks and chicken being reared onsite, children are encouraged to spend time with some of the animals, particularly the friendly goats; while parents can take part in activities such as the chopping of wood that powers the farm, and even air-rifle shooting.
Especially popular with the youngsters is their goat-handling course for £25 which involves feeding sessions, simulating how to slaughter in the traditional way, and the use of a turnover crate machine that allows the administration of medicine.
Muhsen also offers an engaging drive around his land, with a stop-off at the highest summit in the vicinity where families often take the opportunity of offering their daily prayers amidst stunning views of the distant land.
‘Days & stays’ at Harmony Farm’s Mongolian Yurt
Those looking for longer stays will be astounded by both the variety of accommodations available, which includes a spectacular Mongolian yurt, as well as the price range.
The most popular is the ‘New Room’ which, at just £85 per night, includes 3-doubles and 1-single, an en suite bathroom with a shower, a wudu area, a sink and toilet, and a fridge.
More impressively, the wooden pergola where all the cooking and festivities take place, is located just outside, and comes complete with a wood-fired oven.
With 2-doubles and 2-singles, the Teeny House Cottage at £65 per night isn’t just ideal for the larger family, but also has a small camping area situated immediately outside for those looking to pitch a tent.
Speaking of the outdoors, there’s no doubt that Harmony Farm’s big draw is their 17ft traditional Mongolian yurt which, as Muhsen puts it: “Once you enter, it’s like stepping into another world.”
Located in a grazing field full of chirpy crickets, and available for £65 per night, this incredible structure isn’t just perfectly aligned towards the qiblah in Saudi Arabia, but is built entirely out of UK material and boasts a unique roof made of organic shetland wool.
With an Arabian style interior that contains a wood burner, 2-doubles and 2-singles, this yurt is meant to serve as a detox from all digital devices and unnecessary superfluities.
The same is true of their two camping sites nearby, with one area able to accommodate for up to three large tents (single to 6-man tent), and the other a 2-3 person tent for anyone seeking after more privacy.
“For the people who really want to rough it,” says Muhsen, there’s Harmony Farm’s very own private forest within 15 minutes’ walk of the cottage where “you cannot hear a thing, but might spot a deer”.
While prices for these camping sites are negotiable, again the purpose behind tenting is to “relax and get away from everything”, with the opportunity of waking up to the joy of a crisp morning sunrise.
Given the love, effort and commitment put into running this venture, its popularity is truly justified, with Harmony Farm able to cater for almost anything a guest might need, including specific cuts of meat (Muhsen is a licenced butcher and is a partner with online meat purveyors Abraham’s), for a truly memorable stay.
Harmony Farm
Lasgarn Ln, Trevethin, Pontypool, NP4 8TT.
T: +44 (0)7961 746406 | W: harmonyfarmstay.co.uk | E: [email protected]