Guests say
Penymaes is a charming, characterful cottage in beautiful countryside, praised for its tranquil setting, well-kept garden, and excellent facilities. Guests consistently highlight the warm, welcoming hospitality of the host, the cottage’s homely feel, and its suitability for both relaxation and exploring the local area. Many mention thoughtful touches and a high standard of cleanliness. The cottage is well equipped, comfortable, and ideally located for walks and visits to local attractions. The overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with guests eager to return.
Numerous reviews describe the cottage as exceptionally clean, well maintained, and immaculate, with no negative comments regarding cleanliness.
The location is frequently praised for its peacefulness, beautiful countryside views, and proximity to walks and attractions. One review notes a longer walk to the shop than expected, but this is a minor point among overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Guests repeatedly mention the cottage’s comfort, cosy atmosphere, and homely feel. Beds are described as comfortable, and the heating and hot water are noted as excellent. Occasional quirks of an old property are mentioned but seen as part of its charm.
The cottage is described as exceptionally well equipped, with everything needed for a self-catering stay. The garden, kitchen, and other amenities are highly praised, and maintenance is consistently noted as excellent.
Guests frequently mention the host’s warm welcome and thoughtful touches, such as welcome packs and home-baked cakes. While these gifts are often provided, it should be noted that such gestures are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This characterful period cottage is situated on the North Shropshire/Wales border, surrounded by nature and overlooking the beautiful Ceiriog Valley, once described by Lloyd George as a 'Little piece of heaven on earth!' Dating back to the 17th century, once a gamekeeper's cottage, Penymaes mixes traditional features with contemporary luxuries, and consistently earns high reviews, year on year, with repeat bookings. Step into the hallway and you will immediately be impressed by the style and quality of the cottage with its discreet attention to detail. Low ceilings and doorways in some areas, together with exposed beams, all add to the charm of this 350 year old property, adjoining private woodland with far reaching views over lush meadows where sheep quietly graze and birds of prey circle above.
To the right is the kitchen with the original quarry tile floor and fully equipped, contemporary and integrated appliances, where you can prepare that special meal for family and friends with freshly picked herbs from the garden. From here, you can access the utility room, which leads into a charming single bedroom, a great hideaway from the rest of the house. Across the hallway is the comfy sitting room, which features a former bread oven, exposed wooden beams and woodburning stove, guaranteed to keep you warm, whatever the weather may be outside. From the sitting room, stairs lead up to two first floor bedrooms, both with decorative cast iron fireplaces.
The master room boasts an en suite shower room, and there is a separate family bathroom leading off the landing. At the rear of the cottage are beautifully manicured lawned gardens, with mature shrubs and ancient fruit trees, together with a paved patio area, ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining. Here you can sit with a morning coffee as you plan the day's adventures or simply relax with a good book amidst the sound of birdsong and wildlife. Just a short drive away is the small town of Chirk, with a range of good restaurants, boutique and high street shopping, high quality butchers and leisure facilities as well as the National Trust owned Chirk Castle,.
This magnificent medieval fortress, set in stunning parkland, all within view of the cottage, provides a magical day out for all ages. A haven for walking and mountain biking, watersport centres at Llangollen and Bala, and the Snowdon National Park beyond are all within easy access.You will not be better placed for a range of high octane and adventurous activities. However, if you fancy a more genteel pace to your holiday, visit nearby Erddig, another superb NT property. A short drive to the British Ironwork Centre offers a full day out as well as events and fun for all ages, as does the cathedral city of Chester (24.5 miles) with its Roman Walls and Amphitheatre, world famous zoo, fine shops and the superb ''Roodee'' Racecourse.
Beyond Chester, travel the A53 and enjoy exploring the sandy beaches and castles of North Wales all within easy access of Penymaes. For those who enjoy bird watching, sailing and fishing, visit North Shropshire's very own mini Lake District, centred around the historic market town of Ellesmere (9.5 miles) nearby. Good golf courses are aplenty in the area, including Oswestry and Llanymnech Golf Clubs, the latter straddling the Wales-England border where it all started for former US Masters Winner and Ryder Cup player, Ian Woosnam. Premiership football, subject to ticket availability, can be enjoyed at Anfield, Hill Dickinson Stadium, The Etihad and Old Trafford, whilst Sale Sharks is a popular destination for rugby aficionados.
Old Trafford cricket ground is similarly within easy access for lovers of the summer game. And not to forget The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, home of the oldest football club in Wales, whose renaissance is now attracting world wide attention, with its famed Hollywood owners regularly to be seen. Other local attractions include the Park Hall Countryside Experience a great day out for families, with its vast array of indoor play areas and exhibition sites to fascinate and educate young minds. Perfect to capture all the natural beauties and historic sites in the surrounding area, Penymaes is perfectly situated on one of the points of the 8th century built Offa's Dyke National Trail and just a short distance from the spectacular Chirk Aqueduct and Viaduct, a World Heritage site.
Llangollen (8.8 miles) is home of the famous International Music Festival, with its horse drawn canal boats, steam trains and River Dee, which is a special day out for both old and young alike. For those interested in the dramatic arts and dance, the Riverside Theatre Seven in Shrewsbury (22.8 miles) and Theatre Clwyd, Mold (22.7 miles) attract many well-known artists. This idyllic property, steeped in history and set in a breathtaking location, will cater for all your needs and those of your family, whether you simply want to switch off and take a well earned rest or explore the surrounding area and enjoy the wealth of attractions available.
Penymaes is not just a retreat to the country. It is a traditional and special holiday experience, tailored with the help and informed knowledge of its owners to meet whatever special interests you may enjoy, be they cultural, educational, nature based, sporting or recreational. You will not be disappointed and be looking to return! The property is perfectly situated on one of the points of the 8th century built Offa's Dyke path, and Llangollen is only a short drive away. Penymaes is a delightful base for exploring Shropshire.
The village of Bronygarth is situated in the Ceiriog Valley and lies on the Offa's Dyke Path. Just across the River Ceiriog is Chirk Castle with its gardens, medieval tower and dungeon.
Accommodation
All bookings must begin on a Friday to align with the property's changeover.
Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin, 1 x ground-floor single.
Bathroom with bath, hand held shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Utility.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Please be aware, all bookings must begin on a Friday to align with the property's changeover.
Oil-fired central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, air fryer, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
Smart TV, DVD player, CD/radio, wide selection of books, OS maps, games and puzzles, Superfast broadband and WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner inc in rent.
Bed linen and towels includedin rent.
Off-road parking.
Enclosed large garden with lawned areas, fruit trees, patio and furniture.
Bike store available.
Shop and pub are a short walk away.
High chair, travel cot, and child gate.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Great area for walking, cycling, watersports, fishing , nature watching , visiting National Trust properties and places of historical interest, with easy access to North Shropshire Lake District, Snowdonia National Park and North Wales beaches.
Note: The single bedroom is accessed down steps through the utility.
Note: Low ceilings and doorways present In some areas, and steep stairs with very narrow tread.
Note: This property may also be unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as there are several small steps between connecting rooms.
Please note: Bookings can only be accepted on a Friday or Monday for check-in.
Nearby points of interest
Reviews (87)
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Dave
And there arenât too many tourists. The cottage has a delightful back garden, perfect for when the sun shines. And Susan is a wonderful host. This was our second visit and we intend to return; need I say more?
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Christine
The wonderful host, Susan, greeted us, showed around the property and later spoilt us with a scrumptious home made lemon cake. The property was warm and comfortable and had everything we required. We walked everyday from the door and ate almost every evening in the well manicured sun trap garden. Would recommend.
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Jen
Lots of homely touches and plenty of very good equipment, including lovey Christmas decor all over the house. The garden is also beautifully presented with nice furniture and great views. We had a relaxing Christmas week, walking from the front door most days- nice to be able to ignore the car for a while (the property's parking is fine and easy to use). Although this is an old property, and you should expect wonky floors, steep stairs and a few draughts, it was never uncomfortable because of the efficient heating system and the excellent wood-burning stove. The electric shower is functional but limited because of the plumbing and location of the tank, but there is plenty of hot water for a nice bath. Quirks are all part of the charm...we will certainly consider returning in the future to this lovely, cosy cottage.