A beautifully refurbished quarryman cottage. Spotless and welcoming. Central to all the main locations of North Wales; it's stone's throw from Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Harlech - within walking distance of the Festinog Railway,and with the most stunning views of the Welsh mountains! I don't think we've ever had such a relaxing holiday.
Would we stay again? OH Yes!!
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We stayed for a week in January and despite the weather outside being cold it was warm and cosy and comfortable. It is just a short step to many walks with outstanding views and being on the edge of Snowdonia is a convenient base for many more walks, places of interest and activities. The facilities are very modern including wifi and there was both a bottle of milk and a bottle of wine to welcome us on arrival. We'll be going again!
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Our stay at Idris Bach was great. The quiet relaxed atmosphere of the cottage set in the most stunning scenery made for a wonderful break.
The cottage was warm and cosy with the traditional look we love yet kitted out with all mod cons inside. We enjoyed relaxing in the lounge watching the TV on rainy days and had fun cooking in the kitchen diner while on sunny days we took trips out to local sites. Most importantly of all A REALLY LOVELY BIG COMFORTABLE BED!
We really enjoyed the outside space too sipping wine in the summer house into the evening. We felt so much consideration had gone in to making us comfortable it was hard to leave!
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This is now my third stay and my second successive November. So I've experienced how the property handles in both Summer and the darker months.
As a chronic asthmatic, I am also qualified to comment on allergenic issues. I have found the bed and the other furnishings to be extremely comfortable and have never needed to resort to special requests in this matter. My experience of North Wales in wet weather is that the damper days can leave one short of breath. The house does not add to the burden on one's lungs. It does need to be warmed through upon arrival in the winter months, as with anywhere in the countryside, but I find it hard to recognise the damp and mould described by Carol W. There is none that I could see.
This place keeps drawing me back. I've spent very active times here and also done absolutely nothing and, in either case, been very content. Its location allows one to head off somewhere special with little planning. At the same time, the commanding views across the bay are very rewarding in all conditions, so staying indoors is never tiresome. Decisions, decisions - I look forward to more of the same next year.
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Cottage booked for last week in August.. Property suffers from an extensive damp problem which is evident from the terrible smell as soon as you walk through the door.
There is mould throughout the property making it unsuitable for those with asthma or other respirtory issues. When challenged the landlord stated that damp is to be expected in a Welsh Cottage and is "perfectly acceptable". He thinks that he should only disclose the damp problem if asked' at the point of booking.
Decor is of a generally poor standard. The property is situated on a narrow road only wide enough for one vehicle and there is no parking within a reasonable distance.
The damp and mould were so bad that we were unable to stay at the property and left within an hour.
Although lanlord admits the damp problem exists only a minimal refund was made.
BE WARNED - This property is not rated or regulated by the Tourist Board. This is the worst property we have ever visited.
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Just back from a v enjoyable time based in this comfortable terrace cottage. It's on side of a hill in large village location and arranged on three floors, with sunny terrace outside - catches sun (sun willing!) for much of the day. Well equipped property, and Freesat TV and wi fi all worked fine. This is a fantastic area if you're fairly active sort of folk. Plenty of walks, castles, mountains, beaches and coast paths to explore. A forest trail network starts 10 mins walk away. A passing interest in steam railways may also be helpful (!) as there are two tourist lines in the area, with one close by (station just up the road). Portmeirion village (sort of shopping and 'Prisoner' TV series theme park) is close by. Nearby estuary is good for birdwatchers, and RSPB Afon Glaslyn osprey reserve is local too. It's a more picturesque area than I'd imagined (and we've been to Snowdonia area a couple of times before), especially if you're prepared to go off the beaten track a bit. Idris Bach is a good base for the whole of this part of N Wales I would say.
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We were in dire need of a holiday. Idris Bach ticked all the right boxes - comfortable, quiet, friendly, beautiful surroundings, plenty of day trips nearby but also perfect for relaxing 'at home'.
Throw in the Ivor the engine links (The episode with Idris the Dragon is a childhood fav. of mine!) and I was hooked.
Alex provided outstanding directions to the cottage, and when we arrived we found a pint of milk in the fridge, mugs, tea bags, welshcakes, wine and wine glasses set out for us on the dining table. What a perfect start.
The cottage is very comfortable, and we soon felt settled. It is situated on three levels, you come in off the street into the lounge, upstairs and you have the bedroom & Bathroom, downstairs takes you to the kitchen & utility room, and then out in to the garden/patio terraces.
The village itself is very small and quiet - the local pubs weren't our cup of tea - but a quick drive to Porthmadog and there is an excellent brewery with brewery shop which kept us happy. The local butcher is fantastic - seriously some of the best lamb chops we've had - worth noting though that it isn't open on a Monday and closes very early. The local spar stocks all the essentials though and is open late. The Y Ring pub is a lovely walk (2 miles?)and the food is lovely.
Idris Bach is the perfect base from which to explore the locality - plenty of walks from your doorstep, and plenty more a short drive away. Very close by is the station for the steam train to Blenau Ffestiniog -absolutely stunning and great fun. (yes I did do Ivor the Engine impressions "pusssshhhhht-akum pussshhhhhhhht-akum"). There is a little chest / footstool in the lounge which is full of all the tourist informationb/ guides / maps / walking books you could possibly need.
we could very happily have stayed longer than the 6 nights we were there, and will be making a return visit at some point.
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