Guest testimonials
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!
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Heddwen
Harlech, Snowdonia, Wales, UK
Up to 6 guests
One medium sized well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Children and babies are welcomeA 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. Read more...
?Allows children - check restrictions
?Pets - check restrictions
Wi-Fi
Sea views
Real fire
TV
EV charger
Barbecue
Outdoor bath
Pub within walking distance
Golf
Sound system- More
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.
There are four bedrooms across two floors at Heddwen, comprising of three double bedrooms and one twin room. One of the doubles is en suite, with the remaining bedrooms sharing the family bathroom and the family shower room.
Bedroom one
Ground floor double bedroom
On the ground floor is this double bedroom with ancient oak headboard and stunning sea views. Bedroom one enjoys access to the ground floor shower room.
Bedroom two
First floor double bedroom
On the first floor is this double bedroom with deep mattress bed and ancient oak headboard, with access to the first floor family bathroom.
Bedroom three
First floor double bedroom
With a handmade king-size bed and en suite shower room, the master bedroom is a fine retreat overlooking the sea.
Bedroom four
First floor children´s bunk bedroom
Handmade, bespoke bunk beds make up the fourth and final bedroom, which shares the first floor family bathroom with bedroom two.
Family bathroom
First floor family bathroom
The family bathroom also sits on the same floor as the bedrooms, and has a standalone bathtub and handheld shower attachment.
- PricingFrom £2,150 per week, £1,595 per short break for up to 6 guests
An alternative group size of up to 2 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesOutdoor bath
- PetsOne medium sized well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are 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. We recommend using the Wi-Fi calling feature on your phone upon arrival, as mobile reception can be limited
- 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-friendlyGround source heat pump, electric car charging point
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Local milk
- Welsh butter
- A selection of Welsh cheeses and biscuits
- Welsh Bara Brith or Welsh cakes
- Welsh delicacy, Laverbread
- Welsh marmalade or local honey
- Ginger beer or cola
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh herbs from the garden
- Bottle of red wine
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
- Goodwash handwash
- Myddfai travel gift sets
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Fluffy or cotton waffle bathrobes depending on the season
- Firewood, coal and kindling to get you started
- Selection of teas
- Ground coffee
- Selection of coffee pods for Nespresso machine
- Olive oil
- Local newspaper
- Magazines
- Vintage set of dominos
- JBL Bluetooth speaker
- Hairdryer
- Fire pit kit; marshmallows, artisan chocolate buttons made in Harlech, toasting forks
- Spa bath kit; ice bucket, bubble bath, a bottle of fizz and sweets
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Recipe book A Cook´s Year in a Welsh Farmhouse
- Informative house-book guide
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.
Harlech
Settled on the coast at the edge of Eryri (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' Eryri (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.
“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
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Harlech. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
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.
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.
How private is the property?
Heddwen is situated on a residential road with neighbouring properties nearby, but they are set back from the house allowing for the expansive views of Cardigan Bay.
Is the parking suitable for all types of car?
There is parking for two cars on the steep, grassy driveway leading down to the house. Please note that the driveway is narrow, and wider vehicles, such as vans and 4x4s, will not fit through the gate. Alternative parking is available on prior request.
Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants worth visiting?
Ynyshir is approximately a one and a half-hour drive from Heddwen. Gareth Ward’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant is the most highly-awarded restaurant in Wales and was named the UK's Best Restaurant for two consecutive years, in 2022 and 2023.
Where is the nearest golf course
The Royal St David's Golf Club is less than two miles away. The setting is matchless, and the golfing challenge of equivalent grandeur. Royal St David's is ranked within the top fifty British golf courses.
How far away is the beach?
Harlech beach can be reached in about 30 minutes on foot.
Is the garden enclosed?
The garden isn't enclosed and has multiple levels, so care should be taken.
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
The UK’s 25 cosiest cottages
The Times
November 202510 fairytale cottages to experience the English countryside
Vanity Fair Italia
June 20252022 travel predictions
The Telegraph
January 2022Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
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