In the heart of the picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside in Wales lies one of the most unusual accommodations in Britain: a "UFO" that looks like it just landed from space.
The Spodnic UFO is one of three unique structures at Melin Mabes, a four-acre glamping site created by Martin Johnson and his wife CarolAnne. The site was built on abandoned land around a 17th-century mill, which they purchased over a decade ago and turned into a tourist destination.
"It looks like it just landed from space and aliens could be coming out from inside," says Johnson, while presenting his project in a Channel 4 documentary.
According to him, the location is so hidden that many visitors don't know where they are going until they arrive: "Children often don't know the destination and when they see the UFO, they start running excitedly."
A space capsule built in detail
The disc-shaped structure is designed to resemble an alien ship: it has three supporting "legs", a door that opens downwards, colour-changing lighting and details inspired by NASA design.
Johnson explains that the door was modified from a wheelchair lift system: "We completely transformed the mechanism and added springs to make it stronger. It was a big job."
For dramatic effect, a smoke machine is also activated at the moment of opening, making the entrance look like a scene from a science fiction movie.
Inside: "NASA" and science fiction atmosphere
Inside, the four-room space is filled with elements inspired by space exploration: thermal insulation sheets used in the aerospace industry, LED lights, alien figures, astronaut helmets, and industrial details that mimic a space laboratory.
A steel staircase leads to an observation dome with a telescope, where visitors can see the stars on clear nights.
Outside: Kitchen, jacuzzi and open sky
Outside there is a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi, decorated with small lights and moon posters.
Bathroom in a TARDIS
The bathroom is located a few steps away, inside a full-size replica of the TARDIS phone booth from Doctor Who. Inside, there is a shower, toilet, and sink, all housed in a compact space designed in a distinctive blue style.
Johnson, a fan of the series, says with humor: “The TARDIS is supposed to be bigger on the inside… but we couldn’t change the laws of physics.”
A project built from an early passion
The original structure was purchased at auction; it had previously been used to hide electrical generators during the 2012 London Olympics. It was dismantled into six pieces and transported to Wales, where it was rebuilt on a steel base for stability in the soft terrain.
Other accommodations in the complex
In addition to the UFO, the complex also offers a renovated traditional caravan for two people and a treehouse with slides, multiple beds and underfloor heating.
Visitors can order artisanal food or bring pets for an additional fee.
Melin Mabes is part of a documentary series that explores some of the most unusual places in the world, from remote mountain lodges in Bolivia to historic hotels in Spain, bringing stories of people who have turned their dreams into real destinations. /GazetaExpress/
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