Ystumgwern Cottages

Barn-conversion holiday cottages on a working farm near the coast

Ystumgwern is a collection of beautifully converted barn cottages and apartments on a working farm at Dyffryn Ardudwy, between Barmouth and Harlech on the southern Snowdonia coast. With sandy beaches less than a mile away, family-friendly facilities on site and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) rising behind, it is a superb base for a coast-and-country holiday. Guests rate it an exceptional 9.7/10.

The cottages and apartments

There is a range of units to suit different parties, from an apartment for two and a deluxe one-bedroom apartment, to ground-floor and two-bedroom apartments sleeping four, and a cottage for four. Each has its own private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and tea and coffee making facilities, so whether you are a couple or a family you will find something that fits. Facilities for guests with limited mobility are available too.

Facilities and setting

Being a working farm, the setting is peaceful and full of character, but there is plenty to keep families happy: a games room with a pool table and table tennis, an outdoor play area and barbecue facilities. There is free private parking and free Wi-Fi (rated a perfect 10 by guests), and the railway station is under a mile away. Please note pets are not accepted, and the cottages are non-smoking.

At a glance

• Converted barn cottages and apartments on a working farm
• Options sleeping from two up to four guests, each with a private bathroom
• Games room (pool and table tennis) and outdoor play area
• Free private parking and free Wi-Fi; barbecue facilities
• Beach within a mile; train station under a mile
• Non-smoking; no pets

Dyffryn Ardudwy and the Snowdonia coast

This stretch of the Cambrian Coast is wonderful: long, often quiet sandy beaches backed by dunes, with the mountains of southern Snowdonia just inland. Harlech, with its dramatic clifftop castle and the famous Royal St David’s golf links, is around five miles away, while the seaside town of Barmouth — with its harbour, beach and the lovely Mawddach estuary — lies a short drive south. Walkers are spoilt for choice, from gentle beach and dune strolls to the heights of the Rhinogydd mountains and the trails around Cadair Idris. For more places to stay nearby, see our guide to accommodation in Barmouth.

Who it suits

Because there is a range of units — from an apartment for two up to cottages and two-bedroom apartments for four — Ystumgwern works well for couples, families and several households booking together for a get-together by the sea. The on-site games room and play area make it especially good for families with children, while the working-farm setting and the beaches close by give everyone a proper taste of the Welsh coast and countryside. It is an easy, sociable base whether you want busy days out or quiet ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s on offer? A range of converted barn cottages and apartments sleeping from two to four.

Is it good for families? Yes — there’s a games room, an outdoor play area and barbecue facilities.

How far is the beach? Sandy beaches are within a mile.

Are pets allowed? No — pets are not accepted.

What’s nearby? Harlech Castle (about five miles), Barmouth, the Mawddach estuary and Snowdonia.

Is there Wi-Fi and parking? Yes — free Wi-Fi (rated a perfect 10 by guests) and free private parking.

Is it suitable for guests with limited mobility? Yes — there is a ground-floor apartment and facilities for disabled guests are available.

Plan your Snowdonia break

For characterful barn cottages with family facilities, a short walk from the beach and an easy drive from Harlech and Barmouth, Ystumgwern is a great choice. Check availability and book your stay using the booking options on this page.