Once the former shooting residence of the Earl of Marlborough, this charming Grade II listed cottage in the heart of Snowdonia carefully stitches together history and contemporary design. Original slate floors and a huge inglenook fireplace contrast against modern additions such as the sleek roll-top bath and luxurious hot tub. The kitchen is the heart of the home, where your clan will spend time eating, drinking and playing card games if it tips it down outside. Light the wood-burning stove to keep the chill at bay or warm up with a brisk walk to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog – you’ll get there in under an hour if you go at a decent pace. Spend sunny afternoons in the beer garden of the Pengwern pub, just a minute’s walk up the road, or jump in the car and take the ten-minute drive to the trout-filled Llyn Trawsfynydd. Hire a fishing rod or stroll around the water’s edge, stopping for a well-deserved cup of tea in the café along the way.

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