Secluded Cottage in Heart of the Snowdonia National Park
HAFOD COTTAGE is a large stone cottage nestled in 30 acres of privately owned woodland in the hills above Maentwrog. The cottage has been sympathetically renovated and furnished. It has wooden and slate floors throughout, and a large wood burning stove in the main living area (heats radiators and hot water). It is surrounded by a large area of private garden with a table and benches for eating outside. ACCESS: the cottage is 3/4 mile from the road along a track which is in places steep, narrow and rough. It is passable to all cars (except low slung sports models) and not suitable for unconfident drivers. The railway crossing limits width/length of vehicles to standard transit van measurements. PLEASE CONTACT us if you drive a camper van as it might be too wide or long for the crossing. There are steps down to the cottage.
The cottage is powered by both mains electricity and wind and solar, it is important not to leave lights on unnecessarily. Hot water is heated by electric immersion (switch above the dolls house on the landing) or when you use the wood burning stove.
The surrounding land overlooks the Vale of Ffestiniog, one of the most beautiful and best preserved wooded valleys in Britain. It is an excellent area for walking, bird watching, mountain bike riding and swimming. A swimming lake and Plas Halt request stop of the Ffestiniog Railway are both within easy walking distance. The picturesque village of Maentwrog with two good pubs is two miles away. The cottage's location 10 miles from the sandy beaches of Harlech to the south, and 10 miles from Snowdon to the north makes it an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia.
DOG OWNERS: we welcome two dogs at Hafod cottage - please bring bedding, towels and make sure your dog does not go on any furniture. IMPORTANT: Your dog must not be left in the cottage unattended.
WOODLAND PASTURE scheme with a few of cows grazing our 30 acres of land is starting in 2020. The hope is to create a more diverse habitat for wildlife at Hafod. You may meet cows on the track. The cottage and parking area is fenced to keep cows out - please keep the gates closed.
Property manager
Noelle Griffiths
Premier Host
Languages
English, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace
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Some lights are powered by wind/solar - please do
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Maentwrog
Located in Blaenau Ffestiniog, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Eryri National Park and Yr Wyddfa. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and Zip World Llechwedd are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
Blaenau Ffestiniog, WLS
What's nearby
Eryri National Park - 9 min drive - 7.5 km
Llechwedd Slate Caverns - 13 min drive - 11.6 km
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 13 min drive - 11.7 km
Portmeirion Central Piazza - 16 min drive - 11.0 km
Portmeirion Sands - 21 min drive - 8.2 km
Getting around
Penrhyndeudraeth Station - 10 min drive
Liverpool (LPL-John Lennon) - 131 min drive
Restaurants
Allports Fish & Chip Shop - 15 min drive
Cross Foxes - 12 min drive
The Port Cafe - 15 min drive
The Grapes Hotel - 6 min drive
Caffi Rhif 6 - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Secluded Cottage in Heart of the Snowdonia National Park pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
What time is check-in at Secluded Cottage in Heart of the Snowdonia National Park?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Secluded Cottage in Heart of the Snowdonia National Park?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Secluded Cottage in Heart of the Snowdonia National Park located?
Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Ceunant Llennyrch National Nature Reserve, Eryri National Park and Cae Bryn Coed. Portmeirion Sands and Llyn y Cefn are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Fantastic country cottage that was exactly what we expected from the description. Very quiet in a forest environment. Excellent walking tracks from the doorway And very helpful hosts. Highly recommended.
Wirklich abgeschiedenes Ferienhaus mit abenteuerlicher Zufahrt, wer absolute Ruhe sucht, ist hier genau richtig. Die Lage zu den verschiedesten Bergtouren ist ideal. Die Warmwasserversorgung durch den Ofen dauert seine Zeit, haben öfter den Heater benutzt, also kein Problem. Richard ist unglaublich freundlich und hilfsbereit und hat uns zu allen Fragen und Problemen sofort mit Rat und Tat zur Seite gestanden, vielen Dank, auch für die schönen 2 Wochen im wunderschönen Wales
Wir hatten eine schöne Zeit im Cottage. Es ist sehr gemütlich, die Küche ist gut ausgestattet (Toaster hätten wir auch gut gefunden, aber sonst ist alles da), und die Lage im Grünen ist wunderbar!
Wir wurden herzlich empfangen von Richard. Das Holz im Ofen war schon gestapelt, so dass wir es am zweiten Abend, wo wir es tatsächlich brauchten, nur noch anzünden mussten.
Die Anfahrt ist sehr abenteuerlich und wirklich nur für geübte Fahrer geeignet.
Ein bisschen enttäusch waren wir, dass man vom Cottage selbst keine Aussicht hat. Die Fotos im Inserat erweckten für uns den Anschein. Die Aussicht ist oberhalb, wo man das Auto parkt, zum Häuschen geht man nach unten auf eine kleine Lichtung. Es liegt dadurch sehr eingekuschelt und geborgen mit Blick auf den Wald.
Wunderbar ist es, nach oben oder unten sofort loswandern zu können, für Familie mit Hund, aber auch mit Kindern ideal. Die Steine auf der Schieferterrasse erwärmen sich schnell in der Sonne, und es ist ein besonderer Genuss, bei etwas kühlerem Wetter und Sonne darauf zu sitzen.
Unser angelbegeisterter Sohn ist auch durch die fußläufig gelegenen Seen voll auf seine Kosten gekommen.
Ein wunderbarer Platz also für Naturliebhaber, mit sehr freundlichen und hilfsbereiten Gastgebern.
Lovely cottage, friendly & helpful owner, everything you need inside and a very exciting last mile from the road to the cottage... :-)
Good starting point for hiking.
Highly recommended!
Cheers from Germany.
Myself, my daughter and our elderly dog stayed here for a week in early summer. A beautiful setting in an idyllic and peaceful location. The perfect place to get away from it all. The host met us when we arrived and had already got the fire going in the cottage. The accommodation was comfortable and our dog loved exploring outside. Walks around the lakes and woods straight from the door. Will definitely be returning
Julie, Rebecca and Pip the pooch 🐶
The cottage is fab and has everything you need for an amazing holiday.
Just follow the instructions supplied and you will get there.
The drive from the main gate to the cottage might seem daunting, but as long as you go slow... you can easily make it!
The cottage is great, but not for the fait of heart. For the ones like me that are more physically challenged the hill/incline to go in and out was tough, but worth it to be in the middle of nowhere.
The fire log is your 'lifeline' to warmth and hot water, so make sure you know how to operate. The hosts are great so in any doubt ask them!
The beds are the most comfortable thing! They even have blankets made of real wool! Big people be aware that one of the main double is on the 'slimmer' size.
I booked this cottage for my two kids and I for a week at Easter. Wow, what a lovely little gem. From the moment we got out of the car, the kids loved every minute. The owners had already got the fire going, so once we arrived the cottage was nice and toasty. Theres so much information provided in the folders inside the property, and so much to do within the locality. The walks, waterfalls, steam train and even the private garden, all add to the charm of this cottage. We will definitely be back.
Perfect off-grid escape in beautiful countryside with plenty to do
Our family of 5 (kids 11, 9, 7) and dog had a fantastic stay in this quaint off-grid cottage. An ideal location for exploring the mountains of Snowdonia and the nearby beaches.
We loved the remoteness of the cottage, the peaceful surroundings and the cosy wood burning stove at the end of each day’s adventures.
The cottage was comfortable, clean and well equipped. The owner was very responsive to questions before booking, all information was very clear and check in process really simple.
We had a week at the cottage earlier this month, the cottage is secluded in a beautiful location, with lots of walks right from the doorstep and a good location for exploring Snowdonia. The hosts were brilliant and helped us out with some car troubles. Also perfect if you have a dog that doesn't like other dogs as we hardly saw any all week.
My family and I had a fantastic week in your fantastic cottage despite everything the Welsh weather could throw at us. The upside to the precipitation was the beauty of the lower level vallys with their waterfalls and rivers. Hopefully get back down soon.
Just what is says on the tin, quiet , beautiful location, so much to see, especially if you like walking! Cottage was wonderful, we had the most wonderful week. The weather was a bonus!
Thankyou Noelle and Paul for being so helpful x
We really enjoyed the quiet and the location, also the neighbors (3 cows) were very symphatic. Ideal as a base for walks in the Snowdonia area. Also the shopping and eating possibilities (eg Porthmadog) are not far. Overall a very nice week and very nice hosts.
Wonderful time had by all. The drive to the cottage through the woods is crazy but fun. We loved having the swimming lakes so close to use our paddle board. Wonderful hikes and close to zip world. The house had everything we needed and was comfortable.
I think we just stayed in the woodchoppers house from snow white or was it where Goldilocks lay sleeping in the 3 bears cottage. Either way this is straight out of a fairy tale. Maybe a Hans Christian Andersen story.
A little stone cottage, surrounded by woodland with stone steps leading down to it, smoke coming from the chimney.
If you are looking for state of the art, mod cons, sleek & modern - scroll on. This will not be for you.
It's a little worn, it could do with a bathroom update - but none of this matters.
It's clean, it's comfy it's cosy. Nothing matches but it's wonderful.
I didn't enjoy the drive up and down to the cottage,to be honest, but my husband did, giggling with excitement, so I just didn't look.
Come here for relaxation, walks, nature, find your inner adventure and enjoy all things natural at their finest.
Thank you for the de- stress and taking my mind of this chaotic world for a moment.
Totally private/secluded cottage in a former country estate
We stayed for a week in early June, and it was hot outside. The slate cottage though stayed cool with the velux and windows open, providing a cool breeze. Totally private, with the very occasional walkers walking past above. The steps down to the cottage are quite steep, but if you take it steady it isn't a problem, unless you have quite poor mobility. The drive to the cottage through the track is fine if you are a confident driver, if you are nervous you might not enjoy it. The information pack was splendid. Our dog is reactive to other dogs, so a whole week of virtually no dogs to worry about was bliss. Be aware that there is cattle in the estate, so keep your dog on lead when out and about. We even had one Belted Galloway bull get in the garden, which was brilliant. We had to get the owners to entice him out into the pasture.
Very enjoyable time. Cottage located in beautiful area, with plenty of walks and scenery to enjoy on your doorstep. Hosts very welcoming. Only real negative being an unreasonable cleaning charge added at the end of our stay, otherwise very a pleasant trip.
Just as described. Really liked the way it had been furnished and decorated in keeping with its surroundings. Hardly used the car as so many walks direct from the door. Owners ' instructions very clear and precise. The only thing I struggled with were the very hard mattresses, but that's probably my back's problem rather than a failing of the cottage! Perfect for anyone who wants to get away from it all.
No negatives, the location & cottage were beautiful. Weather was amazing, plenty of logs for the fire & secure space for the dogs to run. So many walks from the doorstep, lakes to wild swim in & it was so so peaceful. We will definitely be back… Thank you 😊
Lovely secluded cottage in a very rural location. The track up to the cottage is not easy to drive ,and the steps down to the cottage are about 20 in number and steep towards the bottom but this helps to create an even more secluded feel. If you enjoy nature and being in the wilderness then there is a high chance you’ll enjoy this place.
The cottage was clean, comfortable and well furnished including a well-equipped kitchen. The immediate setting is very secluded and peaceful.
Austen S.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023
About the host
Hosted by Noelle Griffiths
Noelle Griffiths and her family live in Hafod y Llyn cottage (available to rent for part of the year), the old gamekeeper's cottage on a 30 acre estate in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Hafod Cottage (nearby but out of sight) was the old stables and dog kennels for the estate and was renovated in 1991 as a holiday cottage.
Why they chose this property
Noelle has been living at HAFOD since 1988 when she married and moved into her husband's family home. Set in 30 acres of mountain woodland, she and her family have lovingly restored the land to its former beauty by felling conifers, re-planting with oaks and returning some land to pasture in 1991. See Youtube WOODLAND PASTURE - CONIFERS TO COWS. It is 3/4 mile from the road, along a track which passes through some beautiful scenery. It is private with no other cars apart from ours and our guests. It has wonderful walks from the front door, as well as a request stop (5 minute walk from Hafod cottage) for the Ffestiniog Railway. A swimming lake is a ten minute walk away. It is the perfect place to relax in nature and explore Snowdonia.
What makes this property unique
Hafod is very secluded, our local road is 3/4 mile away so you cannot hear or see traffic. You can walk to the local pub along paths and a track, only crossing the road once outside the pub! Our cottage is nearby and but out of sight. Access is along a track which in places is narrow, steep and rough. Not suitable for unconfident drivers. HAFOD is close to the sea - sandy beaches of Harlech or the beaches near Porthmadog of Borth y Gest or Criccieth - all approx 20 minute drive away. Snowdon mountain range is also approx 20 minute drive. Lots of castles, slate caverns, zip wire and bounce below, mountain bike riding at Coed y Brenin, the Italianate village of Portmeirion are all approx 20 minutes drive.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests