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The Boathouse

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The Boathouse from the garden, with bonfire area.
The sitting area with wood burning stove
The kitchen and dining area viewed from the sitting area
Overview
Reviews
Amenities
Availability
Map
Policies
Overview
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
8 guests
Min stay varies
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Cottage
This ancient stone cottage, known as "The Boathouse" and restored to modern standards with spacious high ceiling living areas, is in the middle of a large private woodland in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, traffic-free with access via a woodland track some 500 yards from the public road. The wood is one of the few temperate rain forests in the world, and has beautiful rare lichens on its ancient oak trees and two lakes, one just below the house. There are wonderful walks literally from the front door, up through the forest to viewpoints out towards Portmeiron, Harlech with its famous Castle, and the sea, and past the old mine-workings hidden in the woods. Two Ffestiniog railway stations are within 15 minutes walk through the trees, one a request halt built for a former owner of ...This ancient stone cottage, known as "The Boathouse" and restored to modern standards with spacious high ceiling living areas, is in the middle of a large private woodland in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, traffic-free with access via a woodland track some 500 yards from the public road. The wood is one of the few temperate rain forests in the world, and has beautiful rare lichens on its ancient oak trees and two lakes, one just below the house. There are wonderful walks literally from the front door, up through the forest to viewpoints out towards Portmeiron, Harlech with its famous Castle, and the sea, and past the old mine-workings hidden in the woods. Two Ffestiniog railway stations are within 15 minutes walk through the trees, one a request halt built for a former owner of the wood. The steam trains wind their way through the forest, visible from the house. In keeping with the secluded nature of the property, there is no wifi (but you are welcome to charge your electric car, please ask!). Note: no outdoor games are provided, other guests may leave swings etc but they may not be safe and should not be used.More
House Rules
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
Bathrooms
1 Shower, 1 Attached (ensuite)
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Meet the host
Giles Keating B
Hosting since December 2009
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guestsThe house nestles in the woods by itself, though it does not feel lonely. The keyholder, Bethan, is a few minutes drive away, in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong. The house has a very "lived-in" feel, in a good way, and guests tend to make themselves at home, for example using old logs to set up outside seating areas which are then used by others. Bedlinen & towels are included, but please, please make sure you book for the right number of guests!!
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Reviews (82)
Rob W
Rob W
1 contribution
Perfect
Stayed for Christmas and was the most perfect Christmas. Well equipped house warm, beautiful setting, lovely walks on ur doorstep. Good base to see snowdonia, and even made it up snowdon on Christmas eve perfect. Would definitely stay again and recommend.
Visited December 2022
Written January 11, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

LouGoon
LouGoon
London, United Kingdom64 contributions
Secluded, cosy, relaxing stay
Made a very last minute booking, which thankfully the owner was able to fulfil. Loved the privacy and location, despite being in a popular area for walkers. The steam train passing nearby was a treat and within a walkable distance to Tan-Y-Bwlch station. We enjoyed having breakfast sat outside on the logs and using the firepit in the evening. Walking in the surrounding area was lovely and in a good location for the coast as well as getting to Snowdon trails. We hope to stay here again when we're next in the area!
Visited September 2022
Written September 27, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Petronela G
Petronela G
1 contribution
Nice place
I will recommend this place because was a great experience with nice views and very quiet. We want to go back 🔜 because we still have many to visit.
Visited September 2022
Written September 26, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

HughD77
HughD77
Edinburgh, United Kingdom19 contributions
Secluded
This is a wonderful secluded hideaway in the woods above Tan-y-Bwlch. There is virtually no mobile phone signal, but that's part of the charm! A great base for exploring Snowdonia with wonderful walks in the woods and hills around the house.
Visited July 2022
Written August 14, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

RSHenderson
RSHenderson
Liverpool, United Kingdom11 contributions
Magical Secret Hideaway
Third time here and about to book for the forth time. Please don’t book to go here as you will probably take the weeks that I want. If you want to escape and go off grid this is this perfect place. Lots of lovely walks on your doorstop. Only house in the whole forest in view of the lake and steam railway. Just perfect!!
Visited April 2022
Written April 17, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Go27696958156
Go27696958156
1 contribution
lovely house in a beautiful setting
The house is lovely ., perfect for families. It had all the equipment, facilities that we needed. The location is great in a beautiful wooded area with plenty of walks. The grandchildren enjoyed seeing the trains and watching all the bats in the evenings
Visited October 2021
Written October 23, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

fajin.yuan
fajin.yuan
3 contributions
Excellent place to stay in Snowdon
Highly recommend this place to stay for visit Snowdon and Castles, gardens. A lot of beautiful walks in the woodland near the lakes. Very secure.
Visited September 2021
Written September 10, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

joanna_fearn
joanna_fearn
Banstead, United Kingdom16 contributions
Lovely area with plenty to do
For the area I would highly recommend. North Wales has something to offer everyone and it is 5 star. However my rating is solely on the property alone and for the price we paid and the overall standard I have to give it no more than 3 stars. The reasons have been highlighted to the owner separately. The location of the house is particularly unique and the walks from the door step great. The train is not offering stops which was a shame. You can only get set return journeys. I would recommend Bala for cycling and paddle boarding and llanberis too. You are spoilt for choice and next time I will look for an alternative property close by.
Visited August 2021
Written September 6, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

KeithESomerset
KeithESomerset
Tisbury, United Kingdom9 contributions
Better weather better feeling
So The Boathouse is in a beautiful setting and for our first family get together it was an oasis of peace- it’s warm and comfortable. Watch your head on the beams in the eaves double, and make sure no one has a shower at the same time- I suspect there’s a limit on water supply (you are in the middle of a forest) We had a mobile internet dongle for 02 bring one it will work from the kitchen table We did some cooking and the pans were OK a proper non-stick frying pan would be useful. Would we go back?? If the weather hadn’t been so wet we’d be rebooking- it’s North Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ( I have family ties to the area) it rains…how do you think it gets so green?) For very valid reasons we kept our dogs in the outbuildings, my wife wasn’t keen on that- if we could pay a premium to take our dog and let her sleep inside (when it’s wet and rainy) we would go back.
Visited August 2021
Written August 22, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Emma
Emma
1 contribution
A fabulous week
We had an absolutely idyllic time at the Boathouse. Loved everything about it from the comfort of the property to the fabulous surroundings. Lakes, beaches, mountains, forest - this place really has everything. Thanks for having us.
Visited July 2021
Written July 26, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Showing results 1-10 of 82
What this rental offers
  • DVD Player
  • Balcony
  • Central Heating
  • Dishwasher
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Iron
  • Linens Provided
  • Microwave
  • Mountain Views
  • Parking
  • Patio
  • Private Yard
  • Stove
  • Terrace
  • Toaster
  • Towels Provided
  • TV
  • Washer
  • Cycling Trips
  • Hiking Trips
  • Rural/Countryside Retreats
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Map
About the neighborhood
The Vale of Ffestiniog is a natural barrier between north-west and central Wales, and The Mabinogion describes tales of love, magic and treachery leading to a terrible battle at Maentwrog, the first river crossing, with slain princes still lying in the soil. You can feel the magic in the ancient woods that lead direct from the doorstep of the house, and in the royal castles at Harlech and beyond. Snowdonia National Park also offers modern pursuits, like rock-climbing, mountain biking, and the fastest zip wire in the world! Visit Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau, Portmeirion Italianate village (home of TV's The Prisoner), Electric Mountain's hydro-electric plant, Sygun Copper Mine and Porthmadog's harbour, with market on Friday.
Getting around
Plas Halt on the Ffestiniog railway is 15 minutes walk through woods, 15 minutes walk the other way is Tan y Bwlch, with buffet and train shunting. The railway is an attraction in its own right... or walk to Penryhn and take the train back. The Ffestiniog railway can be infrequent and doesn't run every day, but it does connect with mainline at Minffordd and at Blaenau for longer journeys. As for driving, the roads are beautiful, but allow plenty of time!
Access
Car advised
How to get there
By Car: From London, the Midlands and the South, via M54 and Bala. From Liverpool, Manchester (and airport) and from the East and North, via Chester and Llandudno. From Ireland, via Holyhead and Llandudno. By train: use national rail to reach the Ffestiniog Railway, alight at Plas Halt (request stop!). From there it's a beautiful 15 minute walk on woodland tracks, we can give exact directions on request.
Cancellation Policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available if you cancel thereafter

Enter your trip dates to see an exact cancellation policy.

*Booking fee is excluded from refund amount

About this property

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Property #HL222110288
Frequently Asked Questions about The Boathouse

The Boathouse is able to accommodate up to 8 guests. See all property details.

The Boathouse has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.

The Boathouse has 3 bedrooms available. See all property details.

The Boathouse UPDATED 2023: 3 Bedroom Cottage in Maentwrog with Central Heating and Balcony - Tripadvisor