Self-Catering Tyddyn Goronwy in Snowdonia

Mrs Cunningham

September 2020

The house was lovely, well kept, well equipped, very clean and we had a lovely time.. WiFi was poor, no mention of house being beside a railway line In the description although the trains weren’t frequent or overly disturbing, Description said we would have the use of a swimming pool which wasn’t correct.

Mrs Winstanley

September 2019

Lovely house in a great place in Wales.. Lots of walking can be done from the doorstep with a train station seconds walk away from the house. (You don't notice the noise!) Facilities ok, few issues with showers but reported them to owner on departing. Wouldn't hesitate to go back to Tyddyn Goronwy as we had a great week, despite the awful weather.

Mrs Winstanley, September 2019

August 2019

The house was immaculate, very well appointed, and the complimentary basket was very well appreciated when we arrived at the property.. The property is even better than the photos suggest. The only minor issue which could be addressed simply by adding a trellis or some other natural screening, is that the adjacent camping site has a toilet / shower block immediately next to the house which does takeaway a degree of privacy. Kind regards, Michael Cox.

Mrs Reynolds

May 2019

Our cottage was perfect for 10 friends meeting up for an annual holiday.. We were situated close to Snowdon and Cader Idris for the fittest and a beautiful beach 5 minutes away for the rest. The nearby swimming pool was lovely and warm and often empty. The house had everything we needed. When one person asked for a lighter duvet, it was delivered very quickly. All staff were very friendly. We would all give the house full marks.

Mrs Lloyd

April 2019

There is so much to say about this house and all good - it's under 10 minutes stroll to beach.. A few minutes walk to the train to Barmouth/Harlech. The house itself is well maintained and had everything we needed for our stay. We had three generations staying the youngest was five and the eldest over seventy and each and every-one of us enjoyed it. We hope to return and that in itself says it all. The older children complained about the speed of the Wifi but to us that was a bonus as we got them out and about more.

Mr Jones

November 2018

The house made us all feel right at home, very comfortable and cosy.. We had a great time and made some fabulous family memories

Mr Nott

November 2018

Excellent cottage.. Well appointed, spacious, comfortable and great for a larger group of family or friends.

Mrs Hamson

October 2018

Most enjoyable holiday, great house very warm and comfortable

Mrs Dutton

September 2018

This is a perfect setting for a larger family group, or group of friends vacationing together.. With two comfortable reception rooms, and a spacious dining room, six bedrooms (two en suite, plus two "family" bathrooms and two extra toilets) there is plenty of room for everyone in a large group. The house is decorated and equipped to a very high standard: even in the nicest self-catering house, there is usually one thing you would change or improve -- I can't think of a single thing The weather was wild and windy while we were there, but we managed to find brighter moments for great walks, and the beach is a short stroll from the house. There were some very interesting options for eating out, even within walking distance. Tyddyn Goronwy was a terrific find!

Mrs Holloway

July 2018

A lovely house - we want to pick it up and put it anywhere in the country where we are having a holiday ! ! It met all our varied needs and was so well equipped .

Ms Hoelscher

June 2018

This home was perfect for our three families to share.. It had every amenity that we needed for our holiday, including a helpful welcome hamper of food for our first breakfast upon arrival.

Mr Holmes

May 2018

It was a lovely property and location.. Lots of room for large family with all the facilities a family would wish for. There was no indication in the description that the property was surrounded by caravan sites nor that other facilities available e.g. swimming pool was a short drive away at another site. However this did not spoil our holiday as was out of season but could impact on others staying during high season. The owner was very helpful when we did have a couple of small queries.

Mr Robinson

April 2018

A lovely comfortable and spacious property ideally located for the beach, local pubs and restaurants and general sightseeing.. Our party of 5 adults and 5 children( aged between 1 and 11 ) were more than adequately accommodated in the 3 storey house. There was a very generous welcome pack on our arrival and the information pack provided was very comprehensive covering lots of different subjects. The only downside was the WiFi wasn’t that brilliant but we managed and because of the local terrain it was probably only to be expexcted. The property owner, Sarah Williams, with whom I had 2 telephone conversations, was a very pleasant lady and was able to answer all my questions as well as give good advice. A great holiday was enjoyed by my entire family and I would highly recommend it to anyone who was thinking about it to rent.

Mrs Norris

March 2018

This property is ideal for two families to share.. Great location too.

Rachsimons12

July 2017

The property exceeded our expectations.. The property and all it's facilities, fittings and furniture was fantastic. The only comment would be that it is not made clear the swimming pool is located a mile away. We had a great family birthday get together.

Rachsimons12

July 2017

We booked this cottage for 9 young people (couples and singles). The house was huge and fully equipped to cater and accommodate us all for the week. The outside space had a good quality gas BBQ and large rattan table and chairs. The weather was fantastic which meant lots of trips to the beach and we tried out the ice cream parlour on the front. Wished we could have taken advantage of the log burners but it was too hot weather! Activities we did: Barmouth (10 min drive) Local walks Canyoning Visited Porthmadog Visited port merion for afternoon tea (a highlight!) Took a trip on the steam train from Porthmadog The bedding and bathrooms were very clean and high quality. The kitchen and utility could have been cleaner but we appreciate the quick turn round time. A great house for a memorable holiday for families and groups.

Shan t

November 2016

A family of 5 adults and 5 children stayed at the end of October into November. We found the accommodation to be furnished to very high standards. The facilities were of excellent quality. The kitchen was fully stocked with useful utensils and I was even able to bake two cakes. However I would suggest that you remove the metal utensils and provide plastic utensils if you would prefer metal ones not to be used on that fabulous large stove or griddle. The sea views from the house is amazing in some rooms. The washing machine and dryer being available was also a bonus. The pool being about 2 minutes drive away isn't really an issue. On arrival at the swimming complex you are provided with a fob so that you can access the pool. We had the entire pool to ourselves on our many visits to the pool. The beach is also a 7 minute walk or a 1 minute drive down a lane. It is a clean and stunning sand beach. My children caught crabs and fish. The thoughtful owners of the property even provided buckets, spades and nets. Parking was great and you have your own gated private driveway to the house. I would definetly visit again.

Mrs Sweeney

June 2016

The house is a beautiful, spacious, family home that is very comfortable and well-placed for road/rail and walking down to the beach. We would definitely book this property again and would highly recommend it.

Mr Everard

May 2016

A very comfortable house in a good location.

Mrs Baldaro

May 2016

It was great for our big family gathering, the grandchildren loved the big baths! There was plenty of space and everyone was very comfortable. The heating was so efficient, we were warm all the time and the luxury of log fires was great. It is hard to mention everything, it was just an overall very nice place to stay.

Mrs Bick, October 2016

May 2016

The house is a beautiful, spacious, family home that is very comfortable and well-placed for road/rail and walking down to the beach.. We would definitely book this property again and would highly recommend it.

Mrs Baldaro, April 2016

April 2016

A very comfortable house in a good location..

Mrs Wainwright

February 2016

Tyddyn Goronwy was very comfortable and well maintained. We had a very cosy and warm winter break.

Mr Everard, April 2016

February 2016

Tyddyn Goronwy was very comfortable and well maintained.. We had a very cosy and warm winter break.

Mrs Mead

November 2015

The property was fantastic. Plenty of space, with decor and furnishings of a very high standard. We had a lovely time and are already talking about a return trip next year. The property is a short walk from the beach and very close to the train line for immediate travel. Highly recommended!

Mr Cane

October 2015

This was an excellent house for a family gathering. The availability of a swimming pool was a particular attraction.

Mrs Wainwright, February 2016

October 2015

The property was fantastic.. Plenty of space, with decor and furnishings of a very high standard. We had a lovely time and are already talking about a return trip next year. The property is a short walk from the beach and very close to the train line for immediate travel. Highly recommended!

Mrs Mead, October 2015

October 2015

This was an excellent house for a family gathering.. The availability of a swimming pool was a particular attraction.

Mrs Skinley

September 2015

The layout of the property was well thought out in terms of bedrooms and bathrooms, it ensured space and privacy for the whole party. The outdoor area was very good, incorporating table and chairs, a large garden for the children to play in and ample parking.

Mr Cane, October 2015

September 2015

The layout of the property was well thought out in terms of bedrooms and bathrooms, it ensured space and privacy for the whole party.. The outdoor area was very good, incorporating table and chairs, a large garden for the children to play in and ample parking.

Mr Boyett

January 2015

Beautiful setting, lovely open fires with a shed full of logs to burn, excellent. It was right next to the beech, with amazing views. We were a group of ten and there was plenty room to move around still, the house had a lovely homey feel and flowed through with excellent furnishings. It felt like you were staying in a friend's house, it had everything we all needed, and the welcome pack was lovely. Would love to live there, when we came back to our own home we felt we were in a rabbit hutch. Loved the three floors, also the en suite was lovely as well.

Mrs Skinley, September 2015

January 2015

Beautiful setting, lovely open fires with a shed full of logs to burn, excellent.. It was right next to the beech, with amazing views. We were a group of ten and there was plenty room to move around still, the house had a lovely homey feel and flowed through with excellent furnishings. It felt like you were staying in a friend's house, it had everything we all needed, and the welcome pack was lovely. Would love to live there, when we came back to our own home we felt we were in a rabbit hutch. Loved the three floors, also the en suite was lovely as well.

Mrs Wykes

July 2014

House was great, very spacious and great to relax in after a day out. Lots of things to do in the area - walk to lovely beaches, up to Talybont to see the waterfalls, Lakes nearby and adventure stuff a drive to the North.

Mr Boyett, January 2015

July 2014

House was great, very spacious and great to relax in after a day out.. Lots of things to do in the area - walk to lovely beaches, up to Talybont to see the waterfalls, Lakes nearby and adventure stuff a drive to the North.

Dr Snider

June 2014

Lots of space in this property - large rooms, excellent bathrooms, nicley furnished. The enclosed garden is great for young children. The property is adjacent to the railway station from which it's possible to go on a day away without the car - or to reach the property by rail - nevertheless the trains were hardly noticeable from the property itself. We enjoyed free access to a nearby swimming pool on several occasions.

Mrs Wykes, July 2014

June 2014

Lots of space in this property - large rooms, excellent bathrooms, nicley furnished.. The enclosed garden is great for young children. The property is adjacent to the railway station from which it's possible to go on a day away without the car - or to reach the property by rail - nevertheless the trains were hardly noticeable from the property itself. We enjoyed free access to a nearby swimming pool on several occasions.

Mrs Houseman

May 2014

The house was beautiful and it was situated next to a railway line which gave you options of travel to different parts of the area. It was very quiet and peaceful.

Dr Snider, June 2014

May 2014

The house was beautiful and it was situated next to a railway line which gave you options of travel to different parts of the area.. It was very quiet and peaceful.

Mrs Beal

April 2014

The standard of the house and location was excellent, the area has plenty of places to visit locally and walking distance from the beach. As an extended family group ranging from 8 years to 83 there was plenty of space for everyone to either read, play games,watch the birds in the garden,use the WiFi or just be together. The children found the house just the right size for hide and seek and the garden was big enough to have a good run around.

Mrs Houseman, May 2014

April 2014

The standard of the house and location was excellent, the area has plenty of places to visit locally and walking distance from the beach.. As an extended family group ranging from 8 years to 83 there was plenty of space for everyone to either read, play games,watch the birds in the garden,use the WiFi or just be together. The children found the house just the right size for hide and seek and the garden was big enough to have a good run around.

Mrs Hattersley

October 2013

The house was very homely extremely clean and spacious. The beds were very comfortable. The house was in an excellent position, 5 minutes from the sea with a beautiful beach, there was so much to see and explore in this area. We had a fabulous holiday.

Mr Wilson

October 2013

Beautiful location and accommodation. Private and secluded. Lots of room for the children. We really enjoyed our stay, and would highly recommend the cottage.

Mrs Beal, April 2014

October 2013

The house was very homely extremely clean and spacious.. The beds were very comfortable. The house was in an excellent position, 5 minutes from the sea with a beautiful beach, there was so much to see and explore in this area. We had a fabulous holiday.

Mrs Hattersley, October 2013

October 2013

Beautiful location and accommodation.. Private and secluded. Lots of room for the children. We really enjoyed our stay, and would highly recommend the cottage.

Mrs Prenton-Jones

July 2013

The property was very good; all we hoped for. It was a few minutes from the beach so excellent for a 4yr old and enough space in the garden for play.

Ms Little

July 2013

The quality of the house, very homely and luxurious. Very well equipped and good quality. Bathrooms were amazing.

Mr Wilson, October 2013

July 2013

The quality of the house, very homely and luxurious.. Very well equipped and good quality. Bathrooms were amazing.

Mrs Greenhough

June 2013

Second stay for our group, overall excellent.

Mrs Doran

June 2013

I could not fault the property. Everything was to a high standard. The WiFi worked very well and we enjoyed staying there very much. Ideal for large numbers. Would recommend.

Ms Little, July 2013

June 2013

The property was very good; all we hoped for.. It was a few minutes from the beach so excellent for a 4yr old and enough space in the garden for play.

Mrs Prenton-Jones, June 2013

June 2013

I could not fault the property.. Everything was to a high standard. The WiFi worked very well and we enjoyed staying there very much. Ideal for large numbers. Would recommend.

Mrs Doran, June 2013

May 2013

Second stay for our group, overall excellent..

Mrs Jones

April 2013

The location of the house was great. As a large group with both children and adults the two living rooms worked very well. The welcome pack was the best we have had on such a holiday. A great place to stay and I would thoroughly recommend to everyone.

Mrs Greenhough, May 2013

April 2013

The location of the house was great.. As a large group with both children and adults the two living rooms worked very well. The welcome pack was the best we have had on such a holiday. A great place to stay and I would thoroughly recommend to everyone.

Mr Armstrong

December 2012

Absolutely first-class holiday cottage! Superb location, great views, extremely helpful owner - impossible to fault.

Mrs Moorhouse

October 2012

We love North Wales and the house was in a great location to show our family a good time. Plenty to do with our grandchildren within an hours drive. Property was very comfortable with plenty of room for our family without feeling on top of each other.

Mrs Moorhouse

October 2012

We love North Wales and the house was in a great location to show our family a good time. Plenty to do with our grandchildren within an hours drive. Property was very comfortable with plenty of room for our family without feeling on top of each other.

Mrs Brewster

October 2012

The house was just right for a large family get together, the standard of accommodation was excellent and there was plenty of room to spread out when it rained! Access to the beach was a plus and the train station nearby made travel convenient and the children loved it.

Mr Armstrong, December 2012

October 2012

We love North Wales and the house was in a great location to show our family a good time.. Plenty to do with our grandchildren within an hours drive. Property was very comfortable with plenty of room for our family without feeling on top of each other.

Mr Scola

September 2012

A superb base for our family of 8 adults and 3 babies/youngsters who loved the lawn! Good directions and easy access. The quality of the house, its appearance and facilities added to our general enjoyment of a great family holiday.

Mrs Maher

September 2012

We have spent many years using holiday cottages and this has been the best cottage we have ever stayed in. The standard, comfort, decor, facilities (especially the bathrooms) surpassed everything we could have expected.

Guest

September 2012

We were very satisfied with the whole booking process it all went very smoothly. All of our family loved the house it was very tastefully decorated, lots of room for all of us to spread out. The bedrooms were fabulous and all of the bathrooms and en-suites were clean and spacious. The garden was excellent well kept and maintained with the added bonus of the railway at the back which delighted my grandson! The house was in a fabulous location with mountain and sea views and the fabulous beach a very short walk away. The only downside was the fact that the dishwasher was out of action for 4 of our 7 days and with 11 of us, 3lots of washing up a day was an awful lot of time spent at the sink, which is not how we planned to spend our holiday and looking through the visitors comments book it had been not working properly for sometime.

Mr Kenworthy

August 2012

Spacious accommodation, close to the beach.

Mr Scola, September 2012

August 2012

We have spent many years using holiday cottages and this has been the best cottage we have ever stayed in.. The standard, comfort, decor, facilities (especially the bathrooms) surpassed everything we could have expected.

Mrs Maher, August 2012

August 2012

Spacious accommodation, close to the beach..

Mr McCann

July 2012

Location was good for visiting other places of interest in a beautiful part of Wales. Railway station at bottom of garden provided additional opportunities for getting about, and is in no way detrimental to the location of the property. The house provided ideal, well furnished and equipped, accommodation for our party of 7 adults and 2 grandchildren. The garden was ideal for their evening runabout before bedtime. Hens, sheep and horses next to the farm were also a hit.

Mr Kenworthy, August 2012

July 2012

Location was good for visiting other places of interest in a beautiful part of Wales.. Railway station at bottom of garden provided additional opportunities for getting about, and is in no way detrimental to the location of the property. The house provided ideal, well furnished and equipped, accommodation for our party of 7 adults and 2 grandchildren. The garden was ideal for their evening runabout before bedtime. Hens, sheep and horses next to the farm were also a hit.

ze_Yank

May 2012

The house is beautifully and lovingly done up. All the rooms have their own distinct charm, are very generous with space and ammenities. The views are fabulous, especially from the top floors. The kitchen is big enough to cook for a large group, but too many people in there at once can cramp it up a little bit. Best let the cook(s) do their work and stay out of the way. The dishwasher* played up a bit while we were there, but we managed and it was looked into very quickly by the site management people (* = the only reason I am giving a "good" instead of a "great" for kitchen & utensils). Having both a washer and dryer in the house (also ironing board and iron) are a tremendous help for people staying a week or longer, one can keep the amount of packed clothes down to a minimum. All our contacts with site management/owners and the stafff who serviced the place were friendly and nice. Although situated right next to the train line into Barmouth, one rarely notices the trains unless outside, and even then it is no bother. We used the house to host an evening wedding party and it was perfect! We didn't want to leave! And we will most definitely be back again in the future with extended family. We can most definitely recommend both this house as well as the Barn conversions just 50 meters down the road! And a 10 minute walk or so and you are on the beach!

ze_Yank

May 2012

The house is beautifully and lovingly done up. All the rooms have their own distinct charm, are very generous with space and ammenities. The views are fabulous, especially from the top floors. The kitchen is big enough to cook for a large group, but too many people in there at once can cramp it up a little bit. Best let the cook(s) do their work and stay out of the way. The dishwasher* played up a bit while we were there, but we managed and it was looked into very quickly by the site management people (* = the only reason I am giving a "good" instead of a "great" for kitchen & utensils). Having both a washer and dryer in the house (also ironing board and iron) are a tremendous help for people staying a week or longer, one can keep the amount of packed clothes down to a minimum. All our contacts with site management/owners and the stafff who serviced the place were friendly and nice. Although situated right next to the train line into Barmouth, one rarely notices the trains unless outside, and even then it is no bother. We used the house to host an evening wedding party and it was perfect! We didn't want to leave! And we will most definitely be back again in the future with extended family. We can most definitely recommend both this house as well as the Barn conversions just 50 meters down the road! And a 10 minute walk or so and you are on the beach!

Mr Mccann, July 2012

May 2012

The care taken in preparing this house was much appreciated.. The wifi, and Christmas decorations made a big difference. The heating was generous amidst difficult weather. The bedrooms and bathrooms and stunning!

Mr Craig

January 2012

The care taken in preparing this house was much appreciated. The wifi, and Christmas decorations made a big difference. The heating was generous amidst difficult weather. The bedrooms and bathrooms and stunning!

Guest

January 2012

We would definitely recommend this cottage for large families. The rooms were very luxurious, the ensuite bathrooms and family bathrooms were as good as any hotel. The beach was amazing and the swimming pool nearby was enjoyed by our young children and a good addition to the facilities. We will definitely rent this cottage again.

Mrs Vaughan

November 2011

Everything was great! Fantastic walks on the doorstep as was the train station. We could not have wished for a better place for a holiday break - even the weather was great! This house is like a home from home and we hope that we will return again next year.

Mrs Ward

November 2011

The cottage was excellent, probably the best property we have stayed in. We had plenty of room for the six adults and four children in our party. It was really well equipped and the furnishings, bedrooms and bathrooms were outstanding. We will definitely be back and would recommend this property to anyone with a large party. The beach was five minutes away and the swimming pool was an added bonus which the children enjoyed.

Mr Craig, December 2011

November 2011

The cottage was excellent, probably the best property we have stayed in.. We had plenty of room for the six adults and four children in our party. It was really well equipped and the furnishings, bedrooms and bathrooms were outstanding. We will definitely be back and would recommend this property to anyone with a large party. The beach was five minutes away and the swimming pool was an added bonus which the children enjoyed.

Mrs Blakeborough

September 2011

This was a beautiful large house that allowed my family to spend time together in lovely surroundings. We could all eat together around the large table and relax together in the comfortable sitting room. It was next to the station which meant easy days out as buggies could be pushed onto the train.

Guest

September 2011

We had a wonderfull time in this house. A part of our holiday we stayed with our 3 teenagers. 1 week another family of five(friends) stayed with us. The house is comfortable, has very nice views (sea and mountains) The housekeeper is friendly and is helpfull if anything is not working. The walks on the beach-Shell Island, from the house to the hills and the Snowdon region will stay in our remembrance.

Mrs Vaughan, November 2011

September 2011

This was a beautiful large house that allowed my family to spend time together in lovely surroundings.. We could all eat together around the large table and relax together in the comfortable sitting room. It was next to the station which meant easy days out as buggies could be pushed onto the train.

Guest

September 2011

The house and furnishings could only be described as special.. We've had a number of cottage holidays and the standard of this one beats all others! The house is spacious, and decorated and furnished to a very high standard, the bed and bathrooms were particularly spectacular. We were thrilled overall with our holiday and none of us wanted to go home at the end of the week!

Mrs Talbot

August 2011

The house and furnishings could only be described as special. We've had a number of cottage holidays and the standard of this one beats all others! The house is spacious, and decorated and furnished to a very high standard, the bed and bathrooms were particularly spectacular. We were thrilled overall with our holiday and none of us wanted to go home at the end of the week!

Mr Parkes

July 2011

A fabulous property and a real credit to the owners, one of the best holiday properties we have ever had the privilege to stay in! The welcome pack was excellent too!

Mrs King

June 2011

The accommodation was absolutely first class, very comfortable and spacious. A perfect location near to the beach and the views of Mount Snowdon were amazing. My 18 month old son loved watching the trains pull into Talybont railway station. The complimentary hamper when we arrived was very welcoming and gratefully eaten, especially the delicious welsh cakes. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.

Mr Parkes, June 2011

June 2011

The accommodation was absolutely first class, very comfortable and spacious.. A perfect location near to the beach and the views of Mount Snowdon were amazing. My 18 month old son loved watching the trains pull into Talybont railway station. The complimentary hamper when we arrived was very welcoming and gratefully eaten, especially the delicious welsh cakes. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.

Mr Priest

May 2011

The accommodation was fantastic, exceptional in fact! A genuine home from home with high quality furnishings and in a fabulous location. Without hesitation we will be going back with more family and friends.

Guest

May 2011

This was our first holiday together as grown up siblings and the house enabled us to have a wonderful time whilst the luxury of escaping to our own space if we needed it. The house is beautiful and has been renovated to a very high standard with amazing bathrooms, décor and a homely feel. It was brilliant that fuel and heating was included, although we had a lovely sunny week in March. The family can't wait to go back again!

Mr Priest, April 2011

March 2011

This was our first holiday together as grown up siblings and the house enabled us to have a wonderful time whilst the luxury of escaping to our own space if we needed it.. The house is beautiful and has been renovated to a very high standard with amazing bathrooms, décor and a homely feel. It was brilliant that fuel and heating was included, although we had a lovely sunny week in March. The family can't wait to go back again!

Mrs Shield

September 2010

The cottage is in a great location and perfect for our family 'get together' which included small children. The garden and beach were great for them to run around. The house was perfect for a glass of wine and watching the sea, and there was a pub close enough for a wander into Talybont before closing time. Fantastic!

Mr Critchell

September 2010

A lovely house in a lovely location. Very comfortable and spacious. Excellently done out, comfy beds, fantastic bedrooms and bathrooms. Views to the sea were fabulous. Very convenient for train rides into Barmouth. We had a lovely time, highly recommended.

Mrs Anderson, March 2011

September 2010

A lovely house in a lovely location.. Very comfortable and spacious. Excellently done out, comfy beds, fantastic bedrooms and bathrooms. Views to the sea were fabulous. Very convenient for train rides into Barmouth. We had a lovely time, highly recommended.

Mr Critchell, September 2010

September 2010

The cottage is in a great location and perfect for our family 'get together' which included small children.. The garden and beach were great for them to run around. The house was perfect for a glass of wine and watching the sea, and there was a pub close enough for a wander into Talybont before closing time. Fantastic!

Mr Sandford-Mills

August 2010

The proximity to the sea, just a short walk away, and the great surrounding area.

Mrs Shield, September 2010

August 2010

The proximity to the sea, just a short walk away, and the great surrounding area..