Braich-y-Big is a cosy rural cottage dating back to the 16th century on a working farm, with three bedrooms sleeping five people. Farm Stay. Near Beach. Real Fire. A maximum of 1 dog is welcome at this property. [Read more...]
A historical property full of charm and character, Braich-y-Big is cosy rural cottage dating back to the 16th century on a working farm. Sleeping five people across three bedrooms, this cosy traditional farmhouse cottage is the perfect bolthole for a family wanting to explore all that North West Wales has to offer. Steeped in history, the owners family have been farming the land for 500 years and welcoming guests for almost as long. Located between Porthmadog and Beddgelert, the cottage is surrounded by stunning scenery with many beauty spots and attractions nearby.
The door to the ground floor of the property opens into a large kitchen diner area with an exposed stone wall to the right hand side. To the left, kitchen units form an L shape against two walls of the property. Finished in a traditional farmhouse style, the kitchen units are wood fronted with a white marble effect worktop. Quarry tiles are laid on the floor, and the exposed timber beams of the ceiling show off the character of the building. The kitchen has all the usual amenities including a modern built in oven and electric hob, which sits near a traditional Rayburn oven. A couple of comfy armchairs are located in the centre of the space on a thick rug, with a TV fixed to the wall providing space to lounge and relax. A traditional wooden farmhouse table seating six completes the layout of this lovely room. A doorway to the rear of the room leads to a small downstairs shower room including a walk in shower cubicle, WC, basin and towel rail. The floor is laid with quarry tiles with the lower half of the walls decorated with grey blue wall tiles and painted above.
A second doorway from the kitchen diner leads into a stunning lounge area. This room, packed with original features of the 500 year old property has walls of exposed stone, wooden timber beams and a gorgeous stone inglenook fireplace with large wooden lintel and slate hearth, housing an inviting log burner. Antique items are dotted around the room including brasses and beautiful furniture pieces. These are mixed in with modern furniture with a classic feel, including a leather sofa and two armchairs which surround a lovely wooden coffee table. Vintage wall lights provide a cosy and warm atmosphere and a large TV is located in the corner of the room, for cosy evenings in.
A fabulous stone spiral staircase next to the fireplace leads upstairs in this cosy rural cottage dating back to the 16th century on a working farm. A small landing provides access to three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, built into the eaves of the property. To the left, the first of the double bedrooms is a spacious room with a double bed including bedside cabinets and lamps to both sides. A traditional chest of drawers sits opposite the bed, alongside two wicker chairs and a coffee table, providing some seating space away from the main lounge areas. The second double bedroom, of a similar size to the first, has a beautiful vaulted ceiling with exposed dark timber beams and skylight allowing the natural light to flood in. A large double bed, flanked by bedside cabinets and lamps, is modern with a grey headboard and throw, with the addition of orange cushions providing a splash of colour. A wardrobe is located on the opposite wall to the bed, alongside a clothes rail and a full height mirror.
The final bedroom, a single room, is also built into the eaves of the building with exposed beams and a sloped ceiling. The single bed sits next to a bedside table and lamp, and the room also features a large wardrobe and chest of drawers with mirror over, providing plenty of clothes storage space. A side chair and clothes rail sit under the skylight at the bottom of the bed. Completing the upstairs layout, Braich-y-Big's bathroom is a lovely bright room. A bathtub with wooden white panels to the front includes a hand held shower head and is surrounded by grey blue wall tiles. The basin and WC are traditional in style, and a wooden free standing towel rail sits next to a radiator.
Located in Cwm Ystradllyn, one of the most beautiful valleys in North Wales, the cosy rural cottage dating back to the 16th century on a working farm is ideal for guests wanting to get away from it all. An annex of the main building, Braich-y-Big has its own private courtyard area. A paved patio directly outside the kitchen is home to a comfortable rattan lounge seating set comprising a curved sofa unit, along with some benches and a glass topped coffee table. It's the ideal space for outdoor drinks of an evening, relaxing after a busy day exploring. There's also a dining set including a large table and six chairs, perfect for alfresco dinners. The patio leads to a large grassy area that is ideal for children to play.
You don't have to head far to see some fabulous sights in the nearby area. Near the end of the driveway of the property, the spectacular ruins of the Ynys Y Pandy slate mill are located, built between 1856 and 1857. The mill only operated for about a decade, due to the relatively poor quality of the slate, which was not suitable for roofing slate compared to many of the other slate mines in North Wales which thrived. The building is beautiful, and the exterior walls remain standing with the stunning arched window openings resembling a church more so than an industrial building. A local gem which is within walking distance of Braich-y-Big. Another local beauty spot is the Cwm Ystradllyn Lake which can be explored by foot. Less than a mile away, this beautiful lake in the valley is also home to a seasonal tea room, which is a wonderful spot to admire the local scenery.
Less than a fifteen minute drive away, the town of Porthmadog is fabulous to explore and home to the famed Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Take a scenic journey on a beautiful old steam train through some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. With round trips to destinations such as Beddgelert, Bleanau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon on offer, it's a great way to explore North Wales in the comfort of a train carriage. There ae also some fabulous beaches near Porthmadog, which can be accessed along the Llwybr Arfordir Cymru (Welsh Coast Path) near Borth-y-Gest. Continue along the coastal path to reach secluded beaches such as Morfa Bychan, before arriving at Black Rock Sands - a huge expanse of golden sand beach with views across to Criccieth Castle and the Pen Llyn(Llyn Peninsula). The nearby village of Portmeirion is a must to explore when in the area. A fabulous Italianate Village designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, its a picturesque village full of colourful buildings, alongside cafes and shops.
Heading north, the mountain village of Beddgelert is less than a thirty minute drive and a beautiful spot to explore with a number of hikes and walks to suit the entire family. Adventurers can head slightly further to Zip World in Bleanau Ffestiniog to explore the underground caves of Llechwedd Slate Mine which is part of the new UNESCO World Heritage Slate Landscape. With a number of other attractions, choose to whizz across the quarry at high speed on a zip wire, or head underground to Bounce Below - a series of trampolines, nets and slides built into one of the large caverns.
From Porthmadog: Head north from Porthmadog on High Street and at the roundabout of the A487 take the first exit signposted Caernarfon, Criccieth and Pwllheli. Continue for three miles and take a right turn signposted Golan and Cwm Ystradllyn. Stay on this road for just under a mile before taking another right turn towards Cwm Ystradllyn. Follow the road for just under two miles, passing the ruins of Ynys Y Pandy slate mill on a hillside on the right. Shortly afterwards, where the road takes a turn to the right, a driveway directly ahead is marked Braich-y-Big. This private driveway leads directly to the property.
Here's a link for more info on the local area that you might find useful:
Things to do in Porthmadog
https://c621446.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/temp/553/BraichYBig%20Ground%20Floor(461162).jpg, https://c621446.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/temp/553/BraichYBig%20First%20Floor(461163).jpg
Please be aware that the spiral staircase is an original feature and therefore the treads are quite narrow - please take care!
Check-in: 16:00 | Check-out: 10:00
Key in Door
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