Our Story

Tom Parker

Tom was born in the Bahamas in the seventies and has a business degree from Edinburgh University. The hamster wheel in London followed and before long he realised that this life was far away from his soul. With a change of environment, he found his feet working with a leading green oak timber framing company, building architecturally acclaimed homes throughout the UK. Drawn to the coast and mountains, Tom moved to Snowdonia and joined a business with Jonathan Cooke designing and making Welsh ‘Cabans’.

Paula Warren

Paula was born in Ireland, also in the seventies. Her father is Irish and her mother is from Cardiff. The family moved to Wales in the 80’s where they still live. After Art College Paula had a very varied and successful career based in London and ending up in International sport. In 2010, needing a change, she returned to Wales retraining as a Pilates teacher.Paula and Tom met, discovered Tresilian Wood and hide began.

The combination of Tom’s talents and expertise and Paula’s interest in the arts has created a unique Welsh retreat. But, most of all, they want their guests to feel at home.

Every aspect of the site has a little story to tell, from the tulip tree in the wood, the beautiful works from local artisans and poets through to each Caban. These buildings embody ‘cwtch’, the lovely Welsh word for an affectionate hug. There’s no literal English translation, but its nearest equivalent is safe place.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”                                                              Henry David Thoreau