A great-value shepherd's hut with stunning sea views, on the coast of Snowdonia National Park (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Alongside 74 miles of breathtaking Welsh coastline, this gorgeous wee hideaway is tucked away on a hilltop in a quiet corner of the sprawling Llanfendigaid Estate, and is brilliant value for a romantic retreat or solo escape. With a Shaker-style kitchen and colourful lounge warmed by a woodburner, it’s pure pocket-size farmhouse chic — but the best part is its bedside window, which frames idyllic scenes of grazing sheep and spectacular sunsets over the sea. Elsewhere on the estate there’s a shared indoor pool, and a pretty little beach is a short 20-minute stroll away should you fancy a more invigorating swim. This area is all about rugged coastal walks and magnificent empty beaches, so bring walking boots to explore; Snowdonia’s mountains beckon, too. And after dark, night times are extra special; you’re in a Dark Sky Reserve and can stargaze through the skylight above your bed.
Getting here: drive, or train to Tywyn then taxi (10 mins)
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Sustainability.
Ground-source heat pumps, eco-friendly materials used in the renovations, and the owners upcycle and repurpose where possible.
Surrounds.
- The estate is right on the coast in Cardigan Bay, a long sweeping arc which joins the Llyn peninsula in the north with Pembrokeshire in the south, and is fringed by amazing empty beaches.
- Walk the Wales Coastal Path in either direction keeping an eye out for wild dolphins and seals, then loop back over the hills to return to the estate.
- Or simply stroll down to Tonfanau Beach and explore the caves (20 mins from the door); can you find the one with a tunnel back to the estate?
- You’re staying within Snowdonia National Park (now officially called Eryri National Park) with its 9 mountain ranges, 15 peaks over 3,000 feet and 23 miles of sweeping coastline. Use your cosy hut as a base to explore the lakes, rivers and icy waterfalls.
- Swim at Tal-y-llyn, a stunning ribbon lake circled by a walking trail, with plenty of entry spots for dipping. Afterwards, go for lunch at the Ty’n Y Cornel Hotel (20 mins’ drive).
- On fair-weather days, swim in the estate’s indoor pool or head into Tywyn, which has a traditional independent cinema
- Take the steam train to Harlech Castle, a World Heritage Site entered via a ‘floating’ footbridge. On the way back get off at Barmouth for an hour to wander around the seaside town’s quirky shops and eat mussels overlooking the sea.
- We love Aberdovey’s white-sand beach and the Aberdyfi Ice Cream Company serves the best ice cream ever. Take a boat trip from the harbour or go kayaking out into Cardigan Bay.
- Visit the market town of Machynlleth for quirky antique shops, cosy café’s and a Museum of Modern Art.
Specifics.
- Shepherd’s hut in the grounds of The Llanfendigaid Estate (6 cottages onsite in total, sleeping 38 max)
- Secluded on a quiet hilltop
- Open-plan, warmed by a woodburner
- Double bed that tucks into the wall over a seating area
- Bathroom with electric shower; toiletries provided
- Small but well-equipped kitchen including fridge, microwave oven, induction hob, kettle and cafetière; basics provided
- Outdoor table, chairs and lounge seating with BBQ
- No phone signal but good WiFi
- The owners are available by WhatsApp; there’s also a full-time housekeeper on site
- Shared access to indoor heated swimming pool
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (10-15 mins)
- Local bike hire
- Booking conditions: Sorry, no pets
- Remember to pack: pool towels and swimsuits, wellies/walking boots
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