Heddwen
Harlech, Snowdonia, Wales, UK
A Welsh granite home with dramatic views of Cardigan Bay in one direction and Mount Snowdon grazing the clouds in the other, Heddwen is deliciously at mercy to the elements. Inside, all is warm and inviting; modern touches blend with tradition and tender craftmanship sings with soul from every surface. A luxury self-catering farmhouse cottage by the sea with alchemy twisting through its foundations.
Introduction
Like the prince battling coiling brambles to rescue Briar Rose from her castle, Heddwen’s owners pushed through a tangle of thorns to liberate this tumbledown farmhouse from disrepair. Now, it stands resplendent on the Welsh coast, glowing with welcome arms open to embrace like a grandmother not seen in years. There is as much, or as little, to do at this self-catering escape as one pleases; mountainous adventures, sand castles and surf, or long lie-ins, slabs of cake for tea and lazing in the al fresco tub looking out across the bay.
Inside
It’s all in the details at Heddwen. Headboards crafted from ancient oak feature in three of the bedrooms, a homemade ironwork chandelier hangs above the large farmhouse kitchen table and window shutters fashioned from aged wooden doors keep the outside world at bay. Family roast lunches and slow cooked suppers are a pleasure to prepare in the warm double-height kitchen, while cool evenings are best spent on the deep sofas, fire crackling away in the woodburner beside.
Outside
One acre of sloping, shaggy lawn tumbles towards the sea and Tremadog Bay, where sweeping vistas of some of Wales’s most stunning scenery plays out with trembling force or serene idyll, depending on the season. To the east, Morfa Harlech Nature Reserve’s rolling sand dunes softly rise and fall before gathering speed and climbing to Snowdonia’s peaks. Facing west across Cardigan Bay, sunsets are nothing short of spectacular; pop open a bottle of fizz and lie back to watch kaleidoscopic colours blaze into the horizon.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £2,495 per week, £1,950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four bedrooms across two floors at Heddwen; the first is on the ground floor and has a double bed, up the stairs are the three further bedrooms one with double bed, one with bunk beds and one with handcrafted king-size bed and en suite shower room. All bedrooms have stunning sea views. The family bathroom, with standalone bathtub and handheld shower attachment, is on the first floor, and there is a further small shower and WC in the ground floor utility room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor bath
- PetsOne medium sized well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children aged five and above are very welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for two cars on the steep, grassy driveway which leads down to the house. Please note that the driveway is narrow, so wide vehicles like vans and 4x4s will not fit through the gate; alternative parking is available on prior request. The rustic kitchen includes an Ever-Hot oven, induction hob, hot and simmer plate, large fridge, dishwasher and microwave. There is a separate utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, freezer and Nespresso coffee machine. Please note that the garden is not fully enclosed, children will therefore need to be supervised at all times.
- Homestay includesLuxury hamper of local produce, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, built-in charcoal barbecue, a bottle of the owner´s favourite wine, marshmallows and toasting forks, firewood and kindling to get your started, Myddfai travel gift sets, ice bucket and bottle of Prosecco to enjoy in the alfresco tub...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Eco-friendlyGround source heat pump, electric car charging point
- RestrictionsThis property is only available to repeat guests of Unique Homestays. Parties are considered on prior permission from the owner, fireworks are not permitted in the grounds and music is not to be played outside after 9pm. Please note, groups under the age of 30 are not permitted.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Harlech
Settled on the coast at the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Harlech is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and sunset chasers. Harlech Castle, which perches on a craggy rock overlooking the dunes, is the crowning jewel in this coastal destination.
Getting there
- On the Map Heddwen sits on the western coast of Wales' Snowdonia National Park, in the village of Harlech.
- By Car This farmhouse cottage is approximately five and a half hour's drive from central London.
- By Train Harlech station is just a five minute drive from the property, with regular services to Birmingham and the rest of the country. There may be a reduced train service in winter; please check times before arrival or departure.
- By Air Liverpool airport is two and half hour's drive away by car to the north, and Birmingham airport is three hour's to the south.
From the owner
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to share our dream home by the sea and we are sure Heddwen will cast its magic spell over you as it has over us.”
Heddwen is an historic farmhouse, originally one of two tenant farms belonging to the Crown that together farmed the whole hillside just outside Harlech. Sadly it had become very run down and was dilapidated for many years.
When we first stumbled across it we had to push through a mass of brambles just to get to the living room window to peek inside. We will never forget that moment!
On a sunny day, sunbathing on the loungers looking at the incredible views of the sea, the beach and the peninsula, watching birds and boats with binoculars is one of our favourite ways to spend time here.
If you feel the need to roam (and roam, you must!) drive to Llandanwg beach and its beautiful green sea pasture with boating inlet, then onto the lovely beach with old St Tanwg´s church almost buried in the dunes. If you're lucky, you'll catch one of the mini string concerts held here in the summer; they are simply divine.
Joss and Kimberley
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Harlech with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Harlech Castle
Crowning a sheer craggy rock above the dunes and backed by the rugged, snow-dusted peaks of Snowdonia, Harlech Castle has drama by the bucketful, making for an inspiring family day out.
To See
Harlech Beach
Just a walk away, this large and tranquil beach is settled on the borders of Snowdonia National Park, surrounded by race-ready dunes and clear water where kayakers can while away the day.
To Eat
The Old Cheese Market
Located in a beautiful chapel in central Harlech, offering a bakery, cheese counter, fresh meats, and all the condiments to boot. They also sell a lovely selection of wines, beers, and gins too.
To Eat
Hufenfa´r Castell Ice Cream Parlour
Award-winning and scrumptious, this ice cream parlour is run by a master chocolatier, Melissa, and is located in the heart of Harlech. Tiramisu, tamarillo, and cherry bakewell are firm favourites.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Our pre-holiday planning included wild swimming areas located, hiking boots packed and routes sorted. We arrived at Heddwen and quickly realised we were going nowhere, luckily we packed the binoculars. The variety of birds visiting the garden astounded us. The kitchen was a dream ,living room fabulous, comfy bed and creaky floorboards all added to our holiday experience. All in all a totally different holiday from that which we had planned and we loved it!
Fantastic location; really lovely views. Restoration of the property has been done very well, the right balance of maintaining the original character while bringing it up to 21st century standards.
Absolutely stunning location and a very comfortable and welcoming property. It was a joy that we could venture to the beach and shops without the need for our car- the perfect balance!
Heddwen is top of our list and we all agreed it was the best accommodation we have stayed in to date. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your wonderful home, we´ve had a fantastic time.
Heddwen cottage is absolutely beautiful. The setting and views are insane! We all had the best time and even though the weather was mixed it made the views even more magnificent. A complete find and will definitely be booking again- we have all left feeling very relaxed.
Wonderful location with stunning views over the beach and mountains. Very impressive renovation of the cottage, we would definitely consider staying again. Thank you once again.
I loved the marriage of the traditional with the modern heating system, the house is well appointed had everything we needed, and the view was incredible. Thank you for such a memorable stay.
Beautiful house in a stunning location and would visit again just for the exceptional views. Thank you for having us and allowing us such a comfortable stay in your lovely rural home, pure bliss!
We had a wonderful time, we loved our stay at Heddwen - were able to explore so much - kayaking, hiking, and much more. The property´s location offered us plenty of space to adventure, we had an excellent time.
Heddwen is absolutely beautiful. The setting and views are insane! We´ve all had the best time and even though the weather was mixed it made the views even more magnificent! We are all so relaxed and loved it! A complete find and will definitely be booking again. Thank you!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Heddwen and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
2022 travel predictions
The Telegraph
January 2022Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024
Britain in Wonderland > Cold water therapy > UK > Wales > Harlech > Heddwen
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
