Yr Hen Weithdy (The Old Workshop) is a stunning converted stone building sleeping six which at one time was a workshop for the well known Penrhyn Estate. The property, which in 2011 was completely renovated to a high standard by the owner, is set in a quiet elevated location about a thousand feet above sea level in the heart of Snowdonia. The stylish contemporary accommodation comprises of an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner with original beams, first floor gallery and patio doors allowing stunning views. The two bedrooms on the ground floor have zip and link beds allowing the rooms to be used as twins or doubles. There is a large wet room on the ground floor with non slip floor. On the first floor there is an extremely desirable twin room with its own en suite with free standing bath. The entire property benefits from under floor heating. Views of the mountains can even be seen from the bath! In the distance it is also possible to see Penrhyn Quarry which is the largest working slate quarry in the world. With stunning far reaching views towards the Menai Strait and Anglesey this stylish holiday cottage is ideally located for walkers or bike lovers with access to numerous public footpaths leading towards the Carneddau mountains.
1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Freeview TV, DVD Player, DAB Radio, CD Player
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine
Drying room.
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
First Floor:
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial fuel for woodburner included. Cot and highchair available on request.
Garden and patio area with BBQ and patio furniture. Bike store. Hooks and shelves for boots and equipment. Private parking for 7 cars. No smoking.
Gwynedd is a mountainous county with much of the east covered by Snowdonia National Park. To the west is the Llyn Peninsula which is flatter and has some of North Wales’s most beautiful coastlines.
The lagoons, wetlands, grasslands and reedbeds of Spinnies Aberogwen nature reserve near Bangor attract a wonderful variety of birds all year round but in particular during spring and autumn migrations. In the summer look out for kingfishers, little egrets, and grey herons in the reeds as they hunt for small fish, while in winter, water rails, great-crested grebes, and snipe, are joined by dunlins, lapwings, and redshanks looking for shelter. The reserve has a hide as well as bird feeders giving you the opportunity to see the wildlife up close.
Just south of Porthmadog is Traeth Glaslyn nature reserve made up of salt marsh, willow woodland, and grassland and a haven for wildlife and birds including teals, wigeons, curlews, black-tailed godwits. There is a hide here too, but please note at high tide the reserve can become submerged so check tide times before you go.
Another wetland reserve is the RSPB’s Arthog Bog in the Mawddach Valley. It may be small but it’s crammed with wildlife. Visit in spring for the opportunity to see summer migrants such as sedge warblers, whitethroats, and cuckoos. In autumn, flocks of redwings and fieldfares arrive for the winter. There’s a good chance to see goldfinches, linnets, and siskins feeding on seeds all year round.
For woodland birds head to Nantporth nature reserve, overlooking the Menai Strait and home to blackcaps, treecreepers, nuthatches, and jays. It’s also a good place to spot carrion crows, ravens, and jackdaws which often flock to the foreshore.
Also in the Menai Straits, is Traeth Lafan or Lavan Sands, an intertidal sandbank that is important for waterfowl in particular oystercatchers, as well as ringed plovers, knots, greenshanks, and turnstones.
Although ospreys can be spotted all over Gwynedd, for fans of these magnificent birds of prey a trip to Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife is a must. A pair of ospreys has been breeding at the site since 2004 and in spring, visitors can watch on camera as the parents deliver fish to feed their chicks at the nest. There are also viewing platforms, hides, and scopes, and volunteers on hand to answer any questions you might have.
