
Guest testimonials
A beautiful location and beautifully modified. We very much appreciate the time and effort that must have been poured into the property to make it what it is today! A truly special break which we won’t forget anytime soon. Thankyou for our lovely local goodies to savour on our arrival too!
We had a fabulous stay at Idlewylde! Although the cottage is small, it’s perfectly formed and equipped with everything needed for a very comfortable experience. Its location is ideal - far enough away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet just a short drive to charming towns and local attractions. The surrounding countryside offers glorious views and fantastic hiking opportunities. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and highly recommend this delightful cottage!
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.
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
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. Read more...
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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 Eryri (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 Eryri (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.
There is one first floor double bedroom with super king-size bed and en suite including an antique bathtub, separate shower and WC.


Bedroom One
First floor double bedroom
Up the narrow, winding stairs is this double bedroom, which includes a super king-size bed and en suite bathroom with antique rolltop bath, separate shower and WC.
- PricingFrom £1,595 per week, £1,150 per short break
- FeaturesHot tub
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per stay - FamilyBabes-in-arms are welcome
- 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
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - 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-friendlyElectric car charging point, solar panels
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Loaf of crusty, fresh bread
- Local Welsh milk
- Free-range local eggs
- Welsh butter
- Locally made jam
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Local sausages or bacon (depending on availability)
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Selection of Welsh cheeses
- Welsh crisps
- Chocolate
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Bottle of Prosecco
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Luxury toiletries for hair and body
- Laid fire with additional wood and coal to get you started
- Instant coffee
- Coffee machine and coffee pods
- Olive oil
- Traditional board games
- Ultimate Ears sound system
- Starlink WiFi
- Hairdryer
- Recipe books
- Local walking books/maps
- Highchair and travel cot
- Dog bowls and towels
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
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 Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The weekly Wednesday market and annual comedy festival are not to be missed.

Getting there
- On the map On the southern fringes of Eryri (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.

“We fell in love with the house as soon as we saw it. The area in and around Eryri National Park is truly magical and has a spellbinding atmosphere.”
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
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Machynlleth. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
What are the best routes into Machynlleth from the UK motorway network?
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From England & the Midlands: Leave the motorway at M54 (Telford), continue via A458 towards Shrewsbury, then follow routes via Welshpool and Newtown before joining the A489 into Machynlleth.
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From the South: Exit the M4 and travel north on the A470, which runs through the heart of Wales and leads directly into the town.
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From the North: Approach via the A487 coastal route or inland on the A470, both providing straightforward access.
How close are the nearest neighbours?
Although there are a few houses scattered in the vicinity, there aren't any that would be described as close.
Is the garden enclosed?
The garden is enclosed with wooden fencing and wire, with barbed wire on top. A particularly keen dog or a very small one might be able to escape, so please supervise them when in the garden.
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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Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harperīs Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
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Country Living
July 2026
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SheerLuxe
July 2026
History is the luxury in Sarah Stanley’s 17th-century Cornwall retreat
Financial Times
July 2026
What’s new in interiors this month
SheerLuxe
July 2026
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House & Garden
June 2026
Related collections
Collections > Last-minute breaks > UK > Wales > Machynlleth > Idlewylde





