Ceunant Cottage Blaenau Ffestiniog

Dafydd Hardy Coast & Country

Ceunant Cottage

In a truly magical location at the head of the beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog in the heart of , a hidden ancient woodland reveals its secrets at the confluence of two rivers, the Goedol and Teigl which feed the Dwyryd River on its way to the Glaslyn estuary and ultimately, Bay. This whole environment has helped create a fabulous climate for some of the best Oakland in Europe, rich in flora and fauna.

It is here that Ceunant Cottage resides, hidden away on the far side of the river in its own little world at the edge of Coed Cymerau (Woodland of the River Confluences), one of six protected ancient oak woodlands there are home to some 164 species of mosses, liverwort and lichens – a place of unrivalled beauty. With its pleasing southerly aspect, Ceunant Cottage stands within some 3 Acres of gardens, woodland and sloping heathland, providing a delightful setting well away from any urban settlements, a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This remarkable location is surely what inspired the present owners to embark on an ambitious project of renovating this two storey traditional cottage and adjoining annexe, taking some 1½ years through to completion. The renovation was extensive to say the least, transforming these rather humble dwellings into remarkable accommodation, enough to satisfy any discerning buyer with an eye for detail. The work entailed stripping the entire buildings to their bare essentials and starting from the ground up to create what are essentially new homes – this meant re-wiring, plumbing, plastering, central heating installed (two separate systems with more than adequate boilers), kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors (internal and external to include quality sash type double glazing and ‘Solidor’ stable doors).

Of course, if you’re going to do a renovation of this calibre, it’s best for the fit and finish to be top drawer, and this is most definitely the case here where quality materials such as granite worktops have been incorporated in the kitchen alongside premium fitted appliances whilst period bathroom suites with rolled-top baths complete the picture. Oh, did we mention the installation of ‘Clearview’ wood burners within each property? They’re guaranteed to give off plenty of heat come wintertime for sure!

Despite the extensive work which has gone into making this cottage and annexe what they are today, they both still exhibit much charm and character, something which just cannot be replicated with a newer style home. The welcoming and homely interior of both is a credit to the vision and foresight of the present owners who have subsequently gone on to utilise these charming properties as boutique holiday lets – there’s no denying that anyone visiting here for the first time would be overjoyed at they’re choice of accommodation! There’s also the advantage of a ‘Heatmiser’ remote smart home heating control system and high speed fibre broadband. (Furniture adorning each property can be purchased by separate negotiation and there is the definite advantage of no onward chain.)

The gardens arguably add much to the whole experience

too with a spacious lawn leading down to the banks of the Teigl River, known for its trout and salmon, so if you have a penchant for fishing, this must surely be a real bonus. A

private driveway lined with moss festooned drystone walls leads to an adequate private parking area whilst double gates open to a further parking area in-between the two dwellings. Tucked away to the rear of the annexe is a good sized timber garden shed which could swallow much additional paraphernalia and a purpose made chicken coup stands ready just in case you feel inclined to raise a fowl family! Let’s not forget the surroundings either with fabulous deciduous woodland right on your doorstep to explore and a diverse abundance of wildlife to enjoy too. It’s good to know that an excellent transport network is right on your doorstep, allowing for the exploration of all the best beauty spots such as the coastline at lying only some 11 miles distant including Snowdonia and the many attractions in and around Blaenau Ffestiniog. A public footpath runs through the grounds for access to Cymerau woods.

Rhyd Y Sarn is situated along the A496 which leads to

Bleanau Ffestiniog which is only 3 miles away and offers an excellent array of local amenities and schools. The

Vale of Ffestiniog is a dramatic setting surrounded by the impressive mountains of Snowdonia with the area, for obvious reasons proving a real tourist magnet. The Ffestiniog area in general is historically linked to its slate mining past, the evidence of which has clearly left its mark amongst the hillsides. A real asset and highlight for the area is the construction of a mountain bike centre near Llechwedd with competition and leisure routes alongside subterranean caverns and much more besides.

Blaenau Ffestiniog has a mainline railway station and interestingly has the highest station on the Ffestiniog Railway which runs to Porthmadog and connects with the Welsh Highland Railway. Bala can also be easily accessed from here and caters for a variety of watersports.

Along the main thoroughfare of the A487 on the edge of

the Vale lies the village of Penrhyndeudraeth which is

famous for the Italianesque village of Portmeirion built by Clough Williams-Ellis, infamous for the 1960’s Prisoner TV series. Further on you will find the large town of Porthmadog. Porthmadog has a lovely harbour and marina whilst within the town you will find the majority of your shopping needs taken care of together with schools and leisure facilities. The colourful town is

home to the Welsh Highland Railway which now stretches all the way to Caernarfon. Further along the Llyn Peninsula is the historic and the market town of , famous for its marina, hosting many sailing regattas throughout the year. Last but by no means least, Snowdonia beckons the adventurer to climb, explore and discover new vistas, offering a whole new dimension to the area.

Agents note: Japanese Knotweed was formerly present alongside the riverbank bordering the garden which has been treated with no re-occurrence having presented itself over the past two years.

Cymerau Nature Reserve

Property Features

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Ceunant Cottage – Little Falls

Ceunant Cottage - Riverside

Ceunant Cottage - Riverside

Ceunant Cottage - Little Falls

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Travelling from the Caernarfon direction, follow the A487 in the direction of Porthmadog. By- passing Porthmadog (still the A487), proceed past Penrhyndeudraeth taking the turning on your left after Maentwrog signposted Blaenau Ffestiniog (A496). Proceed along this route for just under 2 miles where you will see a layby on your right with the Rhyd Sarn placename. Immediately after this layby is a private drive on your left which leads directly to the property.

01286 677774 www.DafyddHardy.co.uk/cc