About this property
In the heart of the Eryri National Park on the banks of Llyn Mair, is TafarnTrip, a rustic Grade 2-listed former tavern built around 1630. The cottage is surrounded by ancient oak woodland, officially temperate rainforest. These woods are home to diverse wildlife including bats and owls, which can be seen and heard on quiet evenings. The woods are extensive and make for excellent walking, and the explorer can access other nearby lakes, including Llyn Hafod y Llyn, great for wild swimming.
There are two outstanding beaches in Harlech and Borth y Gest, both within a short drive. When in Harlech, don’t forget to visit the castle too. There are many local opportunities for mountain walking in the Moelwyns and the Rhinogs, and Snowdon is also only a short drive away. Portmeirion Village, made famous by the 1960’s TV series ‘The Prisoner’ is five minutes away by car, and for the younger generation there are the Llechwedd Slate Caverns in nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog.
When enjoying a drink in the garden you will hear and see the famous narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway steam trains looping round the lake. Anyone wishing to take the train can travel from the nearby Tan-y-Bwlch station, within easy walking distance. And if you’re not too exhausted by outdoor activity and rail travel, there are two friendly and popular pubs also within walking distance, the Oakeley Arms & The Grapes in nearby Maentwrog, both serving great pub food.
This area of North Wales is a designated Dark Sky region. Going into the garden or round the lake at night where there is no ambient light is amazing. On a clear night you will be able to see and photograph the Milky Way as well as the occasional shooting star if you are lucky!
Property details:
The property retains many of the original historic features from over the centuries, including wooden beams, the original inglenook fireplace and bread oven, stone floors and original wooden partition walls upstairs. However the property is sensitively brought up to date with a contemporary bathroom and separate shower room, a kitchen with modern appliances, plenty of comfortable seating, and of course comes with wifi and a TV license!
When you arrive, you may park temporarily in the shared-access drive outside the front door to unload your car. Entry is from the key-safe key and is via the side door. After unloading please then park on the verge opposite, or in the unmade lane directly opposite the drive (see photographs). If using the lane, please tuck into the parking space immediately on the left, as this lane is the access route to other properties.
Through the big oak front door - mind your head, the population was much shorter in the 1630s! - a warm welcome awaits you in the oak-beamed living room, with a wood burner in the large inglenook. For those of you looking for a digital detox, there are books, maps, jigsaws, games and CDs for your entertainment, and two comfortable sofas. Across the passageway is the well-equipped dining kitchen with stove, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave.
The two ground floor rooms are paved with Welsh slate and the kitchen is furnished with some antique pieces. The original time-worn stone staircase leads to the upstairs landing which is panelled with Victorian matchboarding. The rest of the upstairs panels are original elm post-and-plank panelling dating from when the property was built. There are two double bedded rooms & one single, through which there is access to the bathroom, equipped with a bath, sink & lavatory. There is a second loo and walk-in shower room downstairs in the utility area behind the kitchen, which also contains the central heating boiler.
Crossing the access drive from the front door is the garden which goes down to Llyn Mair, an unfenced lake. The garden has been sown as a wildflower meadow to attract insects. There are four small fruit trees which are all traditional Welsh varieties. Alongside the stone shed is a small rowing boat for guests’ use. Guests’ bikes can be stored out round the back of the house by the big log store on the road side of the property.
We hope that you enjoy the mix of old and new and take advantage of the abundant natural and man-made wonders literally on your doorstep. Many guests choose to forsake the car for most of their stay and explore locally on foot. Whatever you decide, we hope you enjoy your stay at TafarnTrip!
The small hamlet of Tan Y Bwlch sits in the green rolling hills of Snowdonia, half a mile from the village of Maentwrog. Nearby is Blaenau Ffestiniog, known as The Town that Roofed the World due to its slate quarrying, offering a range of shops and pubs, whilst the surrounding area boasts a variety of attractions. Take a tour around Llechwedd Slate Cavern, enjoy a ride on the famous Ffestiniog Railway or simply enjoy some time admiring the stunning mountainous views available from all aspects. With excellent walking and cycling, plus wonderful sandy beaches, great fishing, many delightful towns and villages scattered throughout the area, and the beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog and Cynfal Waterfalls to the west, this lovely location has something for everyone, at any time of year!
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 2 x double, 1 x single.
Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Gas central heating.
Freestanding oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher.
Wifi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 1 car.
Enclosed front garden with meadow, furniture and unfenced lake.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking allowed.
Shop 4.2 miles, pub 0.6 miles, lake 0.1 miles.
Note: There is an unfenced lake at the back of the garden please be careful.
Note: No children under the age of eight allowed due to the unfenced lake.
Note: There is no TV at this property.
Note: This property is not suitable for the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Note: For guests using the bedroom next to the bathroom access is through the single bedroom Please note 3 night minimum stay.