We bought and renovated Yr Hen Siop (The Old Shop) in Cwm Penmachno in 2013. After enjoying many beautiful holidays in North Wales growing up it was an easy decision to make. When viewing the house upon arriving at the stunning location I said to Emma “if it’s habitable we’re buying it!”
The area around the cottage looks great in any season thanks to the multitude of streams, waterfalls, stunning views of the Rhiwbach Quarry and the valley which it looks across.
It is our second home and is decorated as comfortably as you would expect a family home to be. We have 2 children who love to explore the area with us, play in the garden, sheep watch (and chase), and paddle in the small river adjacent to the garden.
The closest beach is 30 minutes away and there are plenty of coastlines to choose from whether you travel North towards Llandudno and Anglesey, South West to Harlech and Barmouth, or further West to Portmeirion, Criccieth, Pwllheli or further around the Cardigan Bay to Abersoch. The popular holiday destination of Betws-y-Coed is 20 minutes away with lots of lovely pubs and restaurants and plenty to keep the kids amused at the miniature railway. Thrill seekers will have lots of fun at Zip World which has 3 bases in the area. Walking enthusiasts will find the Snowdonia slate trail a great starting point, which passes through the village. The Snowdon paths can be reached by car in approx 45 minutes.
The Cottage
You enter the property from the driveway into the open plan kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has a double oven, convection hob, fridge freezer, microwave, washer dryer, kettle and toaster. The butlers sink is lovely and was a must when we upgraded the property. The dining table sits in front of the log burner in the original fireplace and seats 4 adults and 3-4 small children on the bench. And of course you can’t furnish a welsh house without a welsh dresser!
Through a doorway on the right is the large living area with 3 + 2 sofas and a chair which everyone fights over to sit in the window and enjoy the view to the hill and river opposite. There is a tv, satellite freeview and dvd player available. There is wifi throughout the property, but no mobile signal in the area which forces you to take that much needed holiday from work.
On the first floor there are four double bedrooms. The master having a king size bed enjoying the views to the front. The second bedroom has a comfortable double with views of the hills of the head of the valley to the rear. The third bedroom has a solid double bunk bed and single pull out chair-bed with a skylight in the room. The fourth bedroom has two singles an exposed slate wall and a decorative fireplace from years past. The recently refurbished bathroom sits in the middle of the first floor and has an electric shower over the bath. The house has electric radiators throughout to maintain a comfortable temperature.
You enter the garden from the front of the driveway and it stretches around the side of the house. There is a slate built table to pull a chair up next to and listen to the river rush by. The shallow river can be entered over the wall at your own risk and we advise that young children are supervised. There are also 2 benches at the front of the house which are lovely to relax in whilst watching the wildlife and day pass you by.
We look forward to welcoming you to Snowdonia soon.
Michael & Emma
