Guests say
Garreg Ddu is a highly praised cottage in Blaenau Ffestiniog, celebrated for its comfort, cleanliness, and excellent location. Guests consistently commend the property's well-equipped facilities, cosy atmosphere, and the host Caroline's warm welcome and local knowledge. The cottage's authentic charm and thoughtful touches, such as welcome gifts, contribute to its standout reviews.
Reviewers consistently mention the property's spotless condition and excellent maintenance, indicating a very high standard of cleanliness throughout the cottage.
The cottage's location is frequently highlighted as ideal for exploring Snowdonia and nearby attractions, with its proximity to the Ffestiniog Railway and other sites being a particular advantage.
Guests describe the beds as comfortable and the cottage as cosy, particularly appreciating the log burner and the overall homely feel, suggesting a very comfortable stay.
The property is lauded for being well equipped and maintaining a balance of rustic charm with modern amenities. The well-furnished kitchen and luxurious shower are often mentioned, indicating high-quality facilities and maintenance.
Many reviews express gratitude for the thoughtful touches provided by the host, such as welcome gifts. While these are highly appreciated, it is important to note that such personal touches, while common, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This superb, mid-terrace cottage is situated in the centre of the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. This stone cottage provides a wonderful base for exploring the area with its cycle trails, mountain, forest and coastal walks, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It's the perfect base for couples, friends or a small family who love the outdoors and nature.Sympathetically refurbished and renovated to an excellent standard, this wonderful cottage is lovingly maintained and well-presented with attention to detail. There is so much charm and character here with exposed stonework throughout and inglenook fireplaces. Contemporary features such as tall radiators, oak doors and a beautiful oak and glass balustrade staircase, all combine with a modern kitchen and bathroom. Original slate floors and atmospheric lighting with an industrial twist conjure up a reminder of a bygone era, so typical of this area. The interior creates a wonderful ambience and a relaxing atmosphere. A spacious and inviting living area welcomes you, with comfy seating for everyone. A wonderful inglenook fireplace houses a lovely wood burning stove, perfect for those chilly evenings, relaxing after the day's activities. A well-appointed dining area is great for both a romantic meal or family breakfast. The modern kitchen is fully fitted with a range of integrated appliances and is pleasingly equipped. The shower room is also conveniently located on the ground floor close to the back door, and has a double walk in shower cubicle with drencher head shower, basin and toilet. Upstairs there are two stylish bedrooms, the main bedroom boasting a king-size bed with a pleasant outlook over rooftops towards the craggy mountain scenery. The smaller, second bedroom has a double bed. Both beds have deep, luxurious mattresses and quality cotton bed linen. There is also a small cloakroom with toilet and wash basin for convenience. The front of the cottage enjoys a sunny aspect. A lovely enclosed patio with garden furniture and planters, provides an ideal spot to enjoy the afternoon/evening sunshine. A secure gate to the rear yard provides direct access from a road, and a locked shed within the yard provides ideal storage for bikes and other outdoor equipment. There is also an outdoor tap at the rear of the property. Just across from the cottage is Cellb, which is situated in the old county police station and courthouse, this is a small screen cinema which seats 50 people. A short stroll from the cottage and you are in the town centre, offering a variety of shops, tea rooms, pubs and eateries. The famous Ffestiniog-Porthmadog Steam Railway starts its journey less than a 10 minute walk away, and for the more adventurous of you there is ZipWorld Titan, Zip Caverns and Bounce Below. The area is also very popular with mountain bikers, Antur Stiniog downhills trails are just 5 minutes away in the car. Within a 15 minute drive are the famous Coed-y-Brenin and Betws-y-Coed mountain bike trails. The coastal towns of Harlech and Criccieth, with their medieval castles, wonderful sandy beaches and hidden coves, and the Italianate village and gardens of Portmeirion are all within a 30 minute drive. For nature lovers, the immediate area also boosts a diverse selection of Britain's finest National Nature Reserves and protected sites. With Snowdonia on the doorstep, and Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula within easy reach, this is a perfect base for all to enjoy, whatever the time of year.
The historic slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is situated in a superb, central position for exploring the Snowdonia National Park, and has a good selection of amenities. The main local attractions include the slate mines where visitors can take fascinating underground trips to see mining as it was done in days gone by - and the famous narrow gauge Ffestiniog mountain railway which runs for 13 miles through the Snowdonia National Park to the harbour town of Porthmadog. Many glorious local beaches, suitable for children, are within easy driving distance.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double.
Ground floor shower room with walk in shower, basin and WC.
First floor cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Sitting room with woodburning stove and dining area.
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Smart TV with Freeview and Netflix, DVD player, WiFi, DVD's selection of books and games.
All fuel and power included in rent.
One complimentary basket of fuel for the wood burning stove.
Bed linen & towels included in rent.
Roadside parking and additional layby available on a first come, first served basis.
Front patio with seating, enclosed rear yard.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome (downstairs only), additional dogs by prior arrangement.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops, pubs and restaurants 1 min walk.
Please contact the owner prior to your arrival for use of the shed.
Note: Minimum stay of 3 nights.
Reviews (112)
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Ruth
Perfectly located for the activities we had booked, especially Zipworld Llechwedd, which was only a 4 minute drive away. Caroline Sent over information of places to visit including CellB which was just across the road, we went over for pizza and to the cinema to see Wicked
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John
..5 star!!! Firstly apologies for the delay in writing this Caroline! We had the most amazing break aside from the weather... From the first communication from the host Caroline, to arrival in the most beautiful Cottage that Caroline had decorated for Christmas for us. We had an amazing stay in a home from home with all the amenities of home. Everything we needed was there and more. Caroline went above and beyond and I and the rest of the party are most grateful. In a heartbeat I would stay here again. Nothing was too much trouble and Caroline genuinely cares about her guests. We had a brilliant relaxed week and WILL stay again. Thanks Caroline!!!
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John
All modern features, fixtures and fittings but retaining its rustic charm including an amazing log burner. The owner is super helpful which is a great touch. The cottage is on a narrow street and where we found parking easy, we did meet cars coming in the opposite direction a few times. Where the village has pubs they do not offer food, but there are a number of food serving pubs approx 25 mins away in neighbouring villages and in Porthmadog. There are a number of take aways and cafes serving excellent breakfasts all within easy walking distance. Overall a lovely cottage for your touring base.