About Ty'r Philip Evan Farm
Our Story
Tanya - Toolboxtan
Tanya - Toolboxtan
We’ve been on the farm since 2023, but the road that led us here was a long one. It took years to find this place, and many miles driving the back roads of Wales. Then came the day we turned up the lane, the kind of drive that makes you slow down without meaning to. As soon as we stepped out of the camper van, we knew. Truly knew.
That old
We’ve been on the farm since 2023, but the road that led us here was a long one. It took years to find this place, and many miles driving the back roads of Wales. Then came the day we turned up the lane, the kind of drive that makes you slow down without meaning to. As soon as we stepped out of the camper van, we knew. Truly knew.
That old saying—when you know, you know—rang true in a way we’d never felt before. The farm felt ready for us, and we were ready for it. Since then, we’ve given this place our time, our hands, and our hearts, working with the land to build something lasting. A farm with stories in its bones, and a future worthy of the life it’s always held.
Tanya - Toolboxtan
Tanya - Toolboxtan
Tanya - Toolboxtan
Living my dream is the simplest way to describe life on the farm since 2023. After nearly twenty-five years as Head of Product Design, specialising in woodwork, I followed a long-held calling toward a more hands-on, land-led life. That path was cemented in 2022 after appearing on Channel 4’s Britain’s Best Woodworker, and soon after we mo
Living my dream is the simplest way to describe life on the farm since 2023. After nearly twenty-five years as Head of Product Design, specialising in woodwork, I followed a long-held calling toward a more hands-on, land-led life. That path was cemented in 2022 after appearing on Channel 4’s Britain’s Best Woodworker, and soon after we moved to this beautiful part of South Wales.
Since arriving, I’ve built everything here by hand. The workshop barn, and cabin have all been made using traditional craft skills and sustainable methods wherever possible, with deep respect for the land. The workshop barn is a place for adults to come and learn, to slow down and make with their hands. The hand-built cabin is a place to stay—designed for switching off and becoming fully immersed in the landscape.
Spaces & land at Ty'r Philip Evan Farm
Woodwork and banjos with Toolboxtan are all held in the restored and hand built Dutch Barn by Toolboxtan.
Cabán Tarren handbuilt by Toolboxtan with sustainability and the environment at its heart. Until we have set up the cabin booking page please contact us with your booking request.
I am constantly designing and making new projects. All the furniture for the cabin I have designed and made. Where possible I try and use wood from the farm or source a sustainable bit of wood. I run bespoke workshops where you can make something you have always dreamt off or even a piece you have fallen in love with from the cabin.
Workshops at Ty'r Philip Evan Farm
About Toolboxtan
I run small woodworking workshops focused on essential skills, drawing on 25 years’ experience as a Head of Product Design teacher specialising in woodwork, and as a contestant on the television show Britain’s Best Woodworker. This experience inspired my move to the town of Crickhowell in South Wales. With a maximum of four students, you’ll have your own bench, full access to tools, and my personal guidance throughout. Each workshop concludes with a finished creation you can take home.
Plan for 2026
Workshops run at weekends and can be arranged mid week. I'm currently keeping it flexible so please contact me. For all workshops the added extra of booking a farm stay is possible. You can pitch your own tent, park your campervan on the yard or book the cabin to enhance the whole experience, and enjoy this stunning location. Message me to discuss the complete package.
To enhance your experience
In the workshop I have tool walls with restored vintage tools , that I have worked on. You van buy them from me, so if during the workshop you fall in love with that lovely little axe or busty hammer you can buy them to take home. It's definately worth a look especially if you are starting out and needing some good tools for your own toolbox.
WORKSHOPS WITH TOOLBOXTAN
Planned projects for 2026
Toolbox caddy
One day at the bench!
FOUNDATION: 1 Covering everything from hand tools, joinery techniques, introductory power tools, and wood finishing, creating a toolbox caddy is a perfect place to start on your woodwork journey. The starter package for this project showcases the beauty and ease in working with a plank of pine. The toolbox caddy and bench hook can be made from a range of British hardwoods as an extra cost to enhance your end product.
High back step stool
One day at the bench!
FOUNDATION: 2 Developing your hand skills further to showcase a deeper understanding of hand tools, marking out, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing techniques. The starter package for this project highlights
the beauty and ease in working with a plank of pine or a treated softwood plank if the stool will be used/kept outdoors. The high back step stool can be made from a range of British hardwood as an extra cost to enhance your end product.
Shave horse
A weekend at the bench!
PROJECT SHAVE HORSE – Weekend Workshop. Spend a weekend learning traditional woodworking and craft your very own shave horse, a foot-operated bench that holds wood securely while you carve and shape with hand tools. By Sunday, you’ll take home a fully functional shave horse and the skills to use it for chair legs, spindles, and more. Limited to four students in my farm workshop barn, with full guidance and access to tools. Craft a piece you’ll treasure for years come.
Bespoke bench workshop 1-2-1
Time at the bench with a difference!
BESPOKE BENCH Workshops. Have you a project you’ve been dreaming of but don’t know where to start? I’ll help you bring it to life. Workshops take place hands-on in the farm’s workshop barn, with the first consultation online to plan your project, timeline, and budget.
Vintage tools to buy at the workshop
In the workshop I have tool walls with restored vintage tools , that I have worked on. You van buy them from me, so if during the workshop you fall in love with that lovely little axe or busty hammer you can buy them to take home. It's definetly worth a look especially if you are starting out and needing some good tools for your own toolbox.
Have you ever wanted to learn the bluegrass banjo, Earl Scruggs style?
Have you ever wanted to learn the bluegrass banjo, Earl Scruggs style? Start at the beginning and unlock a life long love of the banjo, the music and the ability to play in a jam session or set up a band. Once you start its an epic journey of learning and banjo!
Workshops run at weekends and can be arranged mid week. I'm currently keeping it flexible so please contact me. For all workshops the added extra of booking a farm stay is possible. You can pitch your own tent, park your campervan on the yard or book the cabin to enhance the whole experience, and enjoy this stunning location. Message me to discuss the complete package.