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A hand picked selection of some of the nicer self catering holiday cottages in Snowdonia, North Wales.

Becws | Romantic Self Catering Cottage, Sea Views | Llanbedr, Snowdonia

May 18, 2012 by gwionllwyd · 7 Comments 

Becws used to be an old bakery but don’t worry you wont be expected to wake up at the crack of dawn to bake any bread. The building has of course been lovingly restored into a great little holiday cottage. A big oak front door leads you straight into the living area. A high lofted oak beamed ceiling provides a sense of space and light. A large inglenook complete with the original baking ovens dominates the right side of the room. To the left oak kitchen units provide a well equipped food preparation area.

The pretty bedroom has a king sized bed as well as plenty of wardrobe space and lighting. The bathroom next door is spacious and comes complete with a hydrotherapy steam shower. You can of course turn a few nobs and just use it as an ordinary shower if you prefer.

Funnily enough one of the nicest parts of this cottage is the corridor which connects these two living spaces. This corridor has been glazed down one side. Which allows guests to drink in the magnificent views that this cottage enjoys. The french doors here give access to a small, private and sheltered courtyard area. Just perfect for enjoying a glass of wine as the sun dips down into cardigan bay at the end of a relaxing day.

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Location

Becws might have the best views of all our properties. Sitting in a slightly elevated position this great little cottage looks out over the sands of Shell Island and the Artro estuary and onto Cardigan Bay and the mountains of the Llyn Peninsula beyond. The little village of Llanbedr is about a mile down the road. There are two pubs in the village as well as a small grocery store, post office and butchers.

You’re right on the doorstep of Cwm Nantcol and the Rhinnog Mountains so plenty of opportunities for walkers. And the beaches along this stretch of the north wales coastline are among the nicest in the UK. And no, it doesn’t always rain in wales. Other attractions include golf on the Royal St Davids links course in Harlech, mountain biking at the award winning Coed Y Brennin Centre and White water rafting on the Tryweryn river.

Aweldyfi | Aberdovey Aberdyfi Self Catering Town House | Central Location

May 18, 2012 by admin · 6 Comments 

My happy childhood holiday memories of sandy chips and wooden forks meant I really liked Aberdyfi from the minute we arrived. The wooden forks have been replaced by blue plastic ones but my chips drenched in vinegar tasted every bit as good. Add the harbour sounds and fresh sea and we all got that real ‘holiday’ feeling straight away.

I should talk about the house. First of all, it’s in a great position. Right on the sea front and walking distance to the pub and shops. It’s a big 3 storey house, typical Victorian architecture I guess. The huge bay windows at the front meant we had a great view across the estuary and out to the distant Cambrian Mountains.

Inside the kitchen is well equipped and has large double doors opening onto the dining room which meant I didn’t feel left out when cooking breakfast. There’s a lounge next door and four bedrooms in total. Two of which are en-suite and plus another two bathrooms. Glenn and Rachel, the owners, take great care of the house so everything is newly decorated and gleaming. Rachel has great taste and has furnished the house to a really high standard. Glenn’s included all the necessary boys’ toys, LCD Digital TV, DVD, MP3 etc.

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Location

Aberdyfi is a very fashionable town with some fantastic pubs and restaurants, as well as all the usual shops. The town, somehow, remains untarnished from the neon commercialism that has spoilt a lot of British seaside resorts. We enjoyed an afternoon crab fishing on the old wharf and we must have built hundreds of sand castles on what is a fantastically clean beach. I’m told that the yacht club is very active and that the links golf course is among the best in Wales.

The more energetic out there also have plenty to chose from. Kite surfing, white water rafting, sea kayaking and mountain biking are all available. Tywyn and the famous Tal Y Llyn steam railway is 10 minutes to the north and the city of Aberystwyth is about 30 minutes to the south. So, in conclusion, if you decide to stay at Aweldyfi I’m confident you’ll have a nice time, but drop us an email or give us a ring if you have any questions.

Ysgubor | Large Self Catering Cottage | Bennar Beach Dyffryn Ardudwy

May 17, 2012 by Gwion · 11 Comments 

Pastel painted garden furniture sits on a manicured lawn. Shaded from the midday sun by a clematis, hanging heavily on a nearby trellis. The borders are full of flowers and a noisy finch twitters angrily as I try to photograph it all for the website. I wonder if Sue and Richard, the owners, would mind sorting out our garden some time.

Ysgubor is a converted 18th century granary one of the larger cottages in a row of 4. The front door opens up onto a comfortable lounge with digital TV and music system etc. The kitchen diner has a country cottage feel and is well equipped. There’s also a large en-suite bedroom on the ground floor. Some beautiful antique furniture adds a touch of class to each room.

Upstairs there’s 3 more bedrooms plus a second bathroom. One large bedroom with 3 single beds and across the hall a very cute child’s bedroom leads onto the master bedroom. All the bedrooms upstairs benefit from large skylights which fill the room with soft light each morning.

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Location

Ysgubor is a beach lover’s paradise. One of the nicest and cleanest beaches in this part of North Wales is just a short walk away. For us and our two young children it was a daily pilgrimage. Buckets, spades, towels, sandwiches, lots of water, and then a short shuffle in our flip flops to the beach. Stopping only to send Dad back for the forgotten sun cream.

Lots of other things to do in the area as well. A selection of pubs and restaurant if you eventually tire of the BBQ in the garden. Historic castles and monuments are dotted everywhere on the map. Barmouth, a popular seaside town is 3 miles to the south and The Royal St Davids, a beautiful 18hole links golf course, is a short drive to the north. A pair of breeding Ospreys near Tremadog are also attracting a lot of new visitors and finally, the hills behind the village, offer plenty of options for even the most enthusiastic walker.

Tan-Y-Wenallt | Self Catering in Llanbedr | log fire and large garden with BBQ

May 16, 2012 by gwionllwyd · 11 Comments 

Tan-Y-Wenallt is a ‘ty unnos’ or ‘one night house’. An ancient and well known tradition here in Wales. During the 18th century, a time of rapidly expanding population and poverty, it was generally agreed that a property could be built by squatters on common land so long as it was built within 24hrs, one day and one night. The test being that smoke had to emerge from the chimney before sunrise the following morning. The occupier was then allowed to claim a portion of the surrounding land. The boundary being set by the distance he could throw an axe from the new house.

There are many examples of houses of this type dotted around Snowdonia. The most famous being ‘Ty Hyll’ or ‘Ugly House’ near Betws Y Coed. The original crude constructions giving this house its name. Tan Y Wenallt, as was often the case, has been much improved subsequently however. It’s most resent renovation transforming it into a truly idyllic and luxurious holiday cottage.

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The house is a great mixture of old and new. The dining room has a large table which sits eight very comfortably. The newly fitted kitchen boasts a large range cooker, oak units and granite worktops. The kitchen is slightly elevated which allows the chef to oversee what’s needed on the table or, more importantly in our case, to check who is and isn’t eating their greens!

The bright and spacious conservatory overlooking the garden provides another option for eating. The kids will have more opportunity to hide their green beans in here however.

The lounge, in contrast, is much more oldy worldy. Which is exactly how I’d want it. Whitewashed stone walls, giant oak ceiling trusses and inglenook fireplace creates an historic ambiance. The luxurious sofas, the tick of an old grandfather clock and the warmth of a real fire calms both body and mind.

Luckily, once you’ve woken up from your slumber in the lounge the bedrooms aren’t to far away. Two bedrooms on the ground floor. One with a double bed overlooking the garden and one with a set of bunk beds. Both share a ground floor toilet. Upstairs there’s a further two rooms. A large twin room with fantastic views over the extensive garden and the master bedroom with a king-size double bed. The main bathroom up here has a lovely free standing roll top bath.

Location

Tan-Y-Wenallt has a fantastic large and sprawling garden. The original owners must have been good axe throwers. Full of mature trees, large shrubs, fragrant rose bushes and heavy clematis, the garden is a fantastic place to explore.

Tan-Y-Wenallt is only a short walk from the pretty village of Llanbedr. First stop is Ty Mawr, a traditional welsh pub serving local ales and beer. A little further on is a second pub, The Vic, which has a fantastic beer garden on the banks of the river Artro. There’s also a grocery store, newsagents, post office and butchers in the village.

The beach is probably a little too far to walk if you’re carrying a Lillo. But Shell Island and other fantastic sandy beaches are only 5 minutes away in the car.

If you are a keen walker however, Cwm Nantcol, Cwm Bychan and the Rhinog Mountains are all right on your doorstep. Enough wildernesses to keep even the most enthusiastic walker satisfied.

As well as castles, narrow gauge railways and historical mines, Snowdonia is also famous for all it’s adventure activities. A quick search on Google will help you find white water rafting, kite surfing, rock climbing, mountain bikeing and others, all within easy reach.

Bryn-Du | Luxurious Three Bedroom Farmhouse with Sea Views

May 15, 2012 by gwionllwyd · Leave a Comment 

This traditional stone built farmhouse has been renovated to a very high standard. It offers guests that perfect mix of style and luxury set in a beautiful rural location. If that’s not enough, I guarantee the sea view will lift your soul. (Although I can’t guarantee the weather, this is Wales after all.)

You get the impression that this is a classy sort of place from the moment you turn that heavy brass knob and open the large oak door. Quarry tiles lead you into a lovely contemporary kitchen. An attractive range cooker to your left, a lovely Belfast sink to your right all set within pastel coloured units under an expensive granite worktop. But best of all perhaps is the breakfast table sitting as it does in front of large French doors giving you the opportunity to soak in that sea view over your morning coffee.

A rustic ledge and brace door leads into the large lounge. The impressive inglenook with a real fire is flanked by two luxurious leather sofas, decorated in turn with some tasteful cushions and welsh woollen throws. The dining room next door also has it’s own fire. A cute little log burner this time. Again, everything from the antique light fittings to the choice of curtain fabric right down to the colour of the paint on the walls is perfect in every way.

A carpeted staircase separates these two rooms and the attention to detail continues upstairs. The first room to your left has a delightful modern brass double bed. The bedroom furniture is in the French distressed style. This are complimented by some lovely bedside lamps and a reproduction cast iron radiators. The deep-set casement window looks out through the leaves of a blossom tree over the fields in front of the house.

Similarly, it’s difficult to look past the balcony window in the spacious master bedroom. Grazing cows in a field of lush grass in the foreground. In the distance, the slate covered roof of the village church in a sea of green trees. The valley leading your eye towards the sea and the outstretched arm of the Llyn Peninsula beyond. Yes the king sized brass bed is lovely and the pictures are tastefully chosen etc. But who cares, have you seen that view!

Nice big en-suite to this room with a freestanding roll top bath and separate large shower. The main bathroom off the landing has an even bigger walk in shower. The double basin washstand allowing adoring couples to brush their teeth in unison.

The third bedroom has twin beds set toe to toe. The two windows next to each bed give the room a charming symmetry. The linen and soft furnishings are as elegant and refined as the rest of the house.

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Location

The birth place of former British Prime Minister, Llanystumdwy is a great example of a welsh village which has succeeded in retaining it’s character and sense of identity. Helped partly by its status as an architectural conservation area and also community strongholds like the village pub and chapel.

Bryn-Du is located in a quiet corner on the outskirts of the village but there are many attractions within easy reach. The Lloyd George Museum is a must and other local attractions include fishing lakes, paint balling park and riding stables. A short journey in the car will take you to the seaside villages of Criccieth and Abersoch as well as the harbour town and sailing centre of Pwllheli. Other popular activities available nearby include golf, mountain biking, white water rafting, sailing and abundant heritage and historical sites.

Snowdon is of course an obvious draw for many guests although I would encourage keen walkers to explore the less trodden paths along the Dwyfor River, Longoed and Foel Fawr.

Bwthyn | Two Bedroom Ground Floor Holiday Cottage | Bennar Beach Snowdonia

May 15, 2012 by admin · 11 Comments 

Bwthyn is the end cottage in a row of 4 converted barns in Dyffryn Ardudwy, Snowdonia. This two bedroom ground floor cottage is perfect for that traditional seaside holiday.One double bedroom and one twin combined with a large lounge and fully functional kitchen means Bwthyn is ideal for families looking for a quiet break by the sea. It certainly beats camping.

Large floor to ceiling windows down one side means the lounge is nice and bright as well as being spacious. A comfortable sofa and armchairs face a romantic cast iron fire set in the original stone surround. At the other end of the room there’s a large dining table. Great if you’re better than us at persuading the family to sit down together at meal times.

A step up leads to an open plan kitchen. Smaller than the lounge but everything you need is there. Cooker, microwave, toaster, kettle etc. Then two bedrooms, one double one twin. Both bedrooms are spacious and immaculately furnished. That perfect combination of quality period furniture combined with new and clean bedding and linen.

The bathroom has a modern white suite and shower. Here to, the original and exposed oak beams add character and a sense of luxury.

We all agreed that Bwthyn was one of those houses that has a really comfortable feel to it. A space where everyone can relax. Slumped in front of the TV, slouched over a good book, preparing a picnic for our afternoon excursion or just looking enviously out of the window at the perfectly manicured gardens. One day my lawn will look that good.

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Location

‘Bwthyn’ is located, in my opinion, in one of the nicest parts of the 840 square miles that makes up the Snowdonia National Park. You’re certainly in the heart of the park here. Glorious sandy beaches a stones throw to the west and un-spoilt mountain wilderness to the east. Travel north and you come to Harlech with it’s famous castle and the impressive Royal St Davids links golf course. Further north for Portmeirion, Betws y Coed and of course Snowdon itself. Barmouth and the magnificent Mawddach estuary winding its way past the foot of Cader Idris is a 5 minute drive to the south.

Lots of outdoorsy things to do in the area including the new Mecca of mountain biking, Coed Y Brenin. Definitely worth a trip, whether you’re a complete beginner or one of the world class racers that visit regularly. If you consider other pursuits like white water rafting, mountaineering, wakeboarding and coasteering there’s certainly plenty of opportunities for adrenalin junkies to get their fix. Personally, I prefer to stick to building sandcastles on the beach, but each to their own.

Stabal | Romantic Self Catering Barn Conversion nr. Beach Dyffryn Ardudwy

May 14, 2012 by Gwion · 10 Comments 

It’s the little things that make the difference don’t you think? The decorative plates bought at that antiques fair last summer. The Aaron jumper clad teddy bear with his ever so cheeky face. And the flowers, freshly cut and arranged in preparation for your arrival. Of course the location is perfect, all the facilities are there and everything is clean and tidy. But it’s the small details that give Stabal that homely feel that I like so much.

The cosy lounge has one of those invitingly plump sofas as well as a digital tv. The adjoining kitchen is well equipped with the usual oven, microwave, toaster, kettle etc. The ground floor master bedroom has a bed below a charming Georgian type window and, like the rest of the cottage, is refreshingly free of chintz. There’s also a small child’s bedroom suitable for younger children. The bathroom has a shower over bath arrangement and is, again, spotlessly clean.

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Location

‘Stabal’ is part of a converted row of 4 barns. There’s a beautifully kept garden area which in turn is surrounded by fields full of ubiquitous welsh sheep.

The property sits between the two villages of Dyffryn and Tal y Bont. Dyffryn has a couple of pubs serving food. There’s also a well stocked grocery store, friendly butchers, garage and post office in the village. Tal y Bont is a little smaller but also has a pub and of course the famous ‘Tony’s’ Italian restaurant.

One of the best reasons to visit Stabal is the sandy beach just a short 500m away. This small part of the coastline is the favoured spot of many who are in the know with miles of un-spoilt sandy beach stretching out in both directions. And when you eventually tire of building sandcastles there is of course the adventure playground of Snowdonia itself right on your doorstep. So if you’re looking for that perfect peaceful gateway or a romantic break away from all the hustle and bustle I can strongly recommend Stabal.

Stabal-March | Ground floor holiday cottage in Abersoch, seaside location

May 13, 2012 by gwionllwyd · Leave a Comment 

Admittedly we were lucky with the weather. The morning sun was reflecting off the blue sea as we enjoyed our breakfast out on the patio. But the cottage complemented the weather wonderfully. Stabal-March is a one story converted stable block, so no stairs to worry about. And perfect of course if you can persuade Grandma and Grandpa to come along too. Facing south over Abersoch Bay and the mountains of southern Snowdonia beyond, the cottage makes the most of its prime seaside location.

It’s a lovely conversion. Well thought out and professionally renovated. The welcoming open plan living area has comfortable seating off to the right and a kitchen diner to the left.

There are two large leather sofas in the lounge facing onto a fireplace and modern tv. Some lovely paintings from a local artist adorn the walls and the high vaulted ceiling providing a wonderful sense of space and brightness.

The kitchen diner is well equipped, as you’d expect in a 5 star property. Fridge, freezer dishwasher etc are all included. The washing machine is in a shared laundry room that separates this cottage from Sgubor-March, another holiday cottage next door.

The bedrooms are equally fresh and airy. One double room has a specious en-suite. While a second double room and a third twin room share a family bathroom with a shower over the bath. All the linen is immaculate and plenty of wardrobe space etc. Each bedroom faces south. The view from these windows each morning, will be our lasting reminder of this beautiful cottage.

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Location

The sheltered sandy beaches of Abersoch have long been a favorite of many visitors to North Wales. They offer the perfect location for that traditional family seaside holiday with the added luxury of some exclusive shops and restaurants if you’re that way inclined.

All the trendy kids however, go round the peninsula a little to the more exposed beaches of Porth Neigwl and Porth Oer. These are perfect for guests who like surfing and kite surfing. In contrast the calmer seas towards Pwllheli are more suitable for sailing, wakeboarding and water skiing.

You don’t have to get wet of course. There are a couple of riding stables nearby and some wonderful picturesque golf courses. Other attractions long associated with North Wales include a scattering of medieval castles and narrow gage steam railways. But don’t forget, you’re in the heart of the countryside at Beudy-March so there’s plenty of opportunity to get away from it all as well.

Granar-March | 3 bedroom Abersoch holiday cottage sleeps 6

May 12, 2012 by gwionllwyd · Leave a Comment 

Located on the outskirts of Abersoch on a working welsh farm, Granar-March is the perfect location for a traditional seaside holiday. This impressive stone building, which sleeps up to 6 people, commands spectacular views over the bay and is the perfect base from which to explore the ever popular Llyn Peninsula.

Walking across the sunny patio and through the front door brings you to a large comfortable lounge. Solid wood floors, leather sofas, large flat screen TV and an attractive central fireplace are typical of the high standards noticeable throughout the cottage.

The separate kitchen diner is of a similar high spec. Dishwasher, microwave, fan oven etc. are all included, with a large dining table overlooking the bay at the other end of the room. The washing machine is located in an external laundry building next door and is shared with another holiday cottage on the farm.

There are three gorgeous bedrooms upstairs, all with wonderful sea views. One double room has an en-suite shower room. The other two rooms, a second double and a twin room, share a bathroom that has a shower over bath arrangement. Again, character features such as the exposed ceiling beams are complimented by tasteful furniture and fittings ensure the cottage lives up to its 5 star rating.

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Location

The sheltered sandy beaches of Abersoch have long been a favorite of many visitors to North Wales. They offer the perfect location for that traditional family seaside holiday with the added luxury of some exclusive shops and restaurants if you’re that way inclined.

All the trendy kids however, go round the peninsula a little to the more exposed beaches of Porth Neigwl and Porth Oer. These are perfect for guests who like surfing and kite surfing. In contrast the calmer seas towards Pwllheli are more suitable for sailing, wakeboarding and water skiing.

You don’t have to get wet of course. There are a couple of riding stables nearby and some wonderful picturesque golf courses. Other attractions long associated with North Wales include a scattering of medieval castles and narrow gage steam railways. But don’t forget, you’re in the heart of the countryside at Beudy-March so there’s plenty of opportunity to get away from it all as well.

Gorwel-March | 5 star log cabin with sea views in Abersoch

May 11, 2012 by gwionllwyd · Leave a Comment 

I was a bit worried when we visited Gorwel-March in Abersoch for the first time. We don’t usually take on log cabins and I was worried it wouldn’t match up the high standards our regular self catering guests have come to expect. But all my concerns vanished the minute we stepped inside.

Perched on the side of a hill, it’s a bit of a climb up to the property, over 30 steps in total, but well worth it once you get there. An uninterrupted view across the beaches of Abersoch and Cardigan Bay. I’m sure the sunny weather we enjoyed was a factor but I can’t imagine anyone would grow tired of the view no matter what the season. As if designed by an artist fields of green roll down to the golden sands of the bay. The deep blue sea punctuated by the two Tidwell Islands before being framed by the beautiful peaks of Cader Idris and the Rhinnog Mountains and the other peaks of southern Snowdonia.

We enjoyed perfect breakfasts sat on the south facing patio each morning and a small BBQ ensured we were able to make the most of the sunny weather and that view.

Open plan living inside. The lounge, kitchen and dining area combined under a pitched ceiling. The accommodation has been given 5 stars by the Welsh tourist board so you can be confident that all the facilities you require are included. Dishwasher, fridge freezer, digital, washing machine, tv etc. The French doors naturally open out onto the vista mentioned above.

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Location

The sheltered sandy beaches of Abersoch have long been a favorite of many visitors to North Wales. They offer the perfect location for that traditional family seaside holiday with the added luxury of some exclusive shops and restaurants if you’re that way inclined.

All the trendy kids however, go round the peninsula a little to the more exposed beaches of Porth Neigwl and Porth Oer. These are perfect for guests who like surfing and kite surfing. In contrast the calmer seas towards Pwllheli are more suitable for sailing, wakeboarding and water skiing.

You don’t have to get wet of course. There are a couple of riding stables nearby and some wonderful picturesque golf courses. Other attractions long associated with North Wales include a scattering of medieval castles and narrow gage steam railways. But don’t forget, you’re in the heart of the countryside at Beudy-March so there’s plenty of opportunity to get away from it all as well.