Guests say
2 Waterloo Cottage in Blaenau Ffestiniog is a charming property with a picturesque waterfall in the garden and a cosy atmosphere. It is well-located for exploring North Wales & Snowdonia, offering a variety of walks and attractions nearby. Guests have appreciated the thoughtful touches such as wine and chocolate, though these are not guaranteed. While some guests found the cottage to be a perfect holiday home, others noted areas for improvement.
Reviews indicate a mixed response regarding cleanliness. Some guests found the property to be tidy and clean, while others reported issues with dust, dirty kitchenware, and overall grubbiness. The inconsistency in cleanliness has affected guest experiences.
The location of the cottage is highly praised for its proximity to local attractions, the idyllic setting next to a waterfall, and the availability of scenic walks. The narrow lanes and parking challenges are noted, but do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the location.
Comfort levels are varied among guests. Some found the beds and bedding to be disappointing and uncomfortable, while others reported a cosy and warm atmosphere, with a few enjoying excellent sleep. The presence of a wood burner adds to the ambience for some visitors.
Facilities are generally adequate, with guests appreciating the well-equipped kitchen and modernised bathroom. However, there are comments about the need for maintenance, such as fresh paint and updates to furniture. The presence of a wood burner and central heating are positives.
While several guests mentioned receiving wine and chocolate, which they found to be a thoughtful gesture, there is not enough information to determine if such gifts are a consistent offering from the property owners. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed that future guests will receive the same.
About this property
Blaenau Ffestiniog 1.1 miles. Dating from the 1850s, this traditional, stone-built, semi-detached cottage is tucked away from busy passing traffic, enjoying a quiet location next to a natural flowing hillside river, and close to the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. This cosy cottage is an ideal base for touring the Snowdonia National Park and provides comfortable holiday accommodation for a couple, friends or a family. The cottage is adjacent to another cottage of historic interest, the former home of the celebrated poet John Cowper Powys. Retaining some attractive original features and attributes, traditionally decorated in a homely style, this delightful cottage is full of charm and character, exposed stone, ledge and brace doors and an impressive inglenook fireplace houses a woodburner in the cosy sitting room, making it lovely and snug in the evenings during the cooler months, especially after a day on the mountains. Towards the rear of the cottage is the kitchen, well-equipped and with a dining area, and the patio door takes you out to the patio area with picnic table, ideal for alfresco dining or early morning coffee. Upstairs, youll find a cosy triple bunks room with a distant view of the Moelwyn mountains, and a well-appointed double room, where the relaxing sound of the running river makes that morning cuppa in bed a real treat! Completing the cottage is a shower room with a rain shower. Includes a patio area with a picnic bench area overlooking the tumbling waters of Afon Du Bach, quite impressive after a heavy rainfall.
Steep stone steps lead up to a sun deck, which is a wonderful peaceful place to reflect and enjoy a glass of wine, relaxing to the sound of the river, and enjoying a sunny aspect which rounds off a day walking on the mountains perfectly. There are numerous walks from the cottage and many hidden lakes waiting to be discovered with stunning views of Snowdonia to enjoy. As well as a range of independent shops, tea rooms, cafes and restaurants, Blaenau Ffestiniog has so much more to offer. There is something for everyone, whether you are seeking thrills at Zip World Titan (the largest zip zone in Europe), Zip World Caverns and Bounce Below (deep mine zip wires and the largest underground system of trampolines in the world!) or Antur Stiniogs world-class downhill tracks and trails. For a more sedate day, visit Llechwedd Slate Caverns or venture on a journey on the Ffestiniog railway which takes you to Porthmadog and connects to the Welsh Highland railway for a truly unique experience. Miles and miles of sandy beaches and historic castles are all within easy reach. The Italianate village of Portmeirion is 20 minutes' away and your holiday wont be complete without a visit to Snowdon. Enjoy the drive and experience the majestic beauty of the Ogwen valley to Capel Curig and Llanberis on the way. With Snowdonia on the doorstep, and Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula also within easy reach, this is a perfect cottage for a relaxing break, whatever the time of year.
The fascinating old slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is situated in a superb position for exploring the Snowdonia National Park. There is a good selection of shops, pubs and places to eat. The main local attractions include the slate mines - where visitors can take enthralling underground trips to see mining as it was done in days gone by - and the famous narrow gauge Ffestiniog mountain railway which runs for 13 miles through the Snowdonia National Park to the harbour town of Porthmadog. Nearby is Portmeirion village, famous for its architecture and the film set of the cult TV series The Prisoner, plus local beaches, suitable for children, are within easy driving distance.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x triple bunks (queen size below, single on top).
Shower room with quadrant shower cubicle, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Sitting room with woodburner.
Gas central heating with woodburner.
Electric oven with ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Fuel for woodburner available to purchase locally.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Roadside parking on a first come, first serve basis.
Patio and sundeck with furniture.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops 12 mins walk, pub 2 min walk.
Note: There are approx.
15 steep uneven steps to the elevated sun deck and so they may not be suitable for the infirm or young, unsupervised children.
Note: River close to cottage and so dogs and children should be supervised at all times.
Note: Owner would like short breaks to be 3 nights minimum.
Nearby points of interest
- Snowdonia National Park
- National Slate Museum
- Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
Reviews (44)
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Hywel
L.C . Indeed inside and especially out side , the place could be a lot nicer if only this was done, otherwise all good , except for new pillows needed, very lumpy, very quiet area no problem with parking my car either, good heating soon warm up the house, I had a good week there myself, also the brook running down over the rocks was making a very relaxing sound,great, Big towns not to far away, the popular Conwy is about 30 miles, and you got Porthmadog x Bettws y coed very popular indeed with visitors , plenty of places to walk and visit. Some nice pubs in the area for food and drink as well. I visited quite a few of them . Happy holidays Guys, best wishes Hywel the Welsh guy,
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Matt
I travel to wales every year for holidays and hiking in the Snowdon area. We stay in many areas and cottages. This cottage location is great and I generally dont want to give to much negativity on the property but it really does need some TLC and a really good clean. Overall this cootage could get 5 stars everytime with a good deep clean to get it upto standard, some new comfortable mattresses for the beds as they are very uncomfortable and get a gardener in to sort out what could be a magical spot that is covered with moss and overgrown ivy. Thats all it really needs to get it upto standard and this place could be a real winner. We did enjoy our stay here and are not looking for the perfect cottage but left a day early due to the above.
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Joanne
The pile of overflowing bins was offputting and the dumped microwave in the garden was unsightly. Once inside we felt better as overall the property is well laid out, however we had to bleach the shower due to mould and my partner spent a fair while removing dusty cobwebs. The kitchen was very greasy and the curtains all needed a good wash. There was black mould coming through just about everywhere- the place really needs a good paint through. The worst thing however was my partner woke up with fresh bug bites every morning - I received one or 2 myself. We had to clean dog hair from the sofa. All in all it was not a great stay and we're glad to be able to get out every day in to fresh air. The cottage is in a lovely location, such a shame the condition it's in let's it down. We have photos if any of this needs backing up.