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Idlewylde | Remote Luxury Self-Catering Cottage | Snowdonia, Wales

Idlewylde

Machynlleth, Snowdonia, Wales, UK

Nestled into the Snowdonian hills, as comfortable within the wilderness as the peregrine falcons who soar above it, Idlewylde hovers within the treetops in the valley of the River Dyfi. From the sweet seclusion to mountain vistas, hot tub to glittering skies uninterrupted by city lights, this luxury self-catering cottage is an impossibly romantic escape for couples in North Wales.

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Introduction

Transformed from tumbledown sheep shelter to luxury cottage, Idlewylde retains much of its heritage while merging a smorgasbord of centuries, cultures and countries into just 63 cosy squared metres of Welsh slate. Blending the antique and modern with a dash of eccentricity, this faraway house has oodles of character and soul; a true expression of humour and a life-well-travelled on the remote edges of Snowdonia National Park.

Inside

Theatre seats from a 1920's auditorium, a turquoise parrot perched by the fire and a living moss wall set behind an antique bath so deep it could hide sirens within its depths, Idlewylde is a treasure trove of surprises. On the ground floor, a patchwork of locally-sourced materials outline where the original walls once stood while, up the steep twisting staircase, the en suite double bedroom hides Indian antiquities and sumptuous French linens.

Outside

Up a winding driveway beneath a canopy of sun-spangled leaves and over Angel River, the journey to Idlewylde is as enchanting as the destination. After days exploring the surrounding peaks of Snowdonia, retreat to the deck for a well-deserved tipple, or sink into the hot tub as night descends, the summits sparkling under the glow of the moon with snow in winter, radiating with the hue of a fine rosé when summer sunsets blaze.

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to 2 guests
    From £1,650 per week, £1,195 per short break
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsThere is one first floor double bedroom with super king-size bed and en suite including an antique bathtub, separate shower and WC.
    View bedrooms
  • FeaturesHot tub
  • PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
    Each pet is charged at £60 per stay
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyBabes-in-arms are very welcome. There is one cot and one highchair available.
  • PracticalitiesThere is ample private parking for up to four cars. Please note that the access track is not suitable for low-slung cars. CCTV cameras cover the parking area and entrance for added security, please enquire if you would prefer these blinded for your stay. The kitchen includes an under-counter oven, Neff induction hob and slimline dishwasher, while the neighbouring utility room includes a fridge-freezer, microwave, washer-dryer and Nespresso coffee machine. The staircase within the property is steep and guests are asked to take care, especially when entering the house from the hot tub area.
  • Homestay includesA welcome hamper of fresh bread, eggs, luxury chocolates and Prosecco, Starlink WiFi, plus use of a Smart TV, Ultimate Ears sound system, electric car charging point and charcoal barbecue...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 foraging weekenders to crash courses in cold-water therapy, our bespoke retreats bridge the gap between luxury and back-to-nature philosophies. Create a hand-crafted stay that puts connectivity at the fore.
  • Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point, solar panels
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend

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Enter into the cottage´s open-plan living area
Meandering Snowdonian rivers beg for wild swims on summer days

Prices & Availability

Machynlleth

Antique stores, independent boutiques and an unquestionable bohemian vibe make up the thriving market town of Machynlleth, sat almost at the very tip of Snowdonia National Park. The weekly Wednesday market and annual comedy festival are not to be missed.

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Machynlleth
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Getting there

  • On the Map On the southern fringes of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, this luxury couples' cottage sits just outside of Mallwyd village, 11 miles from Machynlleth.
  • By Car Idlewylde is approximately four hours and forty minutes drive from London.
  • By Train Machynlleth train station is 11 miles away, with regular routes to Birmingham and then beyond to the rest of the country.
  • By Air Both Liverpool and Manchester airports are around two hours away by car.

From the owner

“We fell in love with the house as soon as we saw it. The area in and around Snowdonia National Park is truly magical and has a spellbinding atmosphere.”

From the owner

The house hadn't been lived in for the past 30 years when we bought it, although was a popular sheltering spot for the local sheep, and it needed a lot of TLC to restore it to its former glory.

The renovation took three years; nothing was untouched. We were very passionate about retaining its natural beauty and have kept as much of the original house as possible, including an open fire with a bread oven in the lounge. We even sympathetically pulled up the original slate floor to damp proof the downstairs and replaced every flagstone in its original place - one stone weighs over 240kg!

When we started pulling together the eclectic mix of objects for the interior, we had a single-minded vision: beautiful and interesting in equal measure. There are stand-out pieces in every space.

The surrounding area has everything one could want: from adventure to Michelin stars, from beaches to mountains to lush, ancient countryside and intriguing local villages.

The Little Family

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Machynlleth with an insider’s perspective.

Ynyshir Restaurant, Egwyls Fach

To Eat

Ynyshir Restaurant, Egwyls Fach

Recently heralded as the best restaurant in Britain and with 2 Michelin stars, this is a fully immersive culinary experience, with house DJ and a theatrical kitchen performance. World flavours, fresh fish and a menu curated around taste explosions; Ynyshir is not to be missed.

Portmeirion Village

To See

Portmeirion Village

Created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis in 1976, this Italinate village on the Welsh coast offers visitors a journey into Europe from the Welsh wilderness. Botanical gardens, gelato and fine-dining can all be found within.

Bala Lake, Gwynedd

To Do

Bala Lake, Gwynedd

Over four miles long and a mile wide at its largest point, this glacial lake not only takes the top spot for a beautiful afternoon picnic of local deli treats, but also offers plenty of opportunities for getting on the water with two sailing clubs plus canoe, kayak and SUP hire.

Red Bull Hardline, Machynlleth

To See

Red Bull Hardline, Machynlleth

Idlewylde is surrounded by a variety of world-class mountain biking and is home to the Red Bull Hardline. The world´s toughest downhill mountain bike race is a severe test of skill and nerve on the infamous Machynlleth course designed by Dan Atherton.

Guest Testimonials

The property is stunning and has everything you need. This is a truly unique location. Quiet and peaceful with the most incredible scenery. The house is cosy and welcoming. The local community were really kind and gave great advice on where to visit. We left relaxed and happy.

We had a wonderful stay, thank you very much. Your directions were excellent and both Glo Pamper and Ox & Origin made for a truly memorable weekend. The location was perfect, far enough off the beaten track to feel isolated with no light pollution yet close enough to the road to get to places. Very comfortable fixtures and fittings, and the house definitely lived up to its marketing descriptions and photos. We were extremely lucky with the weather and star gazing from the hot tub was another highlight.

I just wanted to say I had a wonderful time at the house. The weather was generally atrocious but, if I´m honest, that gave us a perfect excuse to spend a lot of time inside. The owners have done a wonderful job in renovating this place; it is truly exceptional. The attention to detail is phenomenal and I have already recommended it to many friends; I certainly plan to return. Thanks for allowing us into your home. 

We were blown away by the property and the attention to detail. We couldn´t have asked for anything more. The owner had thought of everything! Thank you for a wonderful stay in beautiful Wales.

Unique extras

From private chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and adrenalin-fuelled retreats, once you’ve booked your stay we’ll introduce you to our owner-recommended suppliers to create a truly bespoke, memorable escape.

Press

Below are a selection of features in which 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.

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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.

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