Minafon | Cottage in Llangynog, United Kingdom

Minafon, the former village post office, is an exquisite 140-year-old semi-detached stone cottage, set in the centre of Llangynog in Powys. This delightful and spacious dog-friendly cottage has been carefully modernised to retain original features where possible, whilst providing a country cottage feel throughout with many contemporary comforts. Minafon (meaning "edge of the river") is traditionally styled with a log burner, exposed ceiling beams, a winding wooden staircase, a characterful attic bedroom and a book nook, where you can read and take advantage of the record player and selection of vinyls on offer. Arranged over three floors, it offers homely accommodation, suitable for couples, friends, or a family, welcoming four guests and two well-behaved dogs. Brimming with character, the cottage offers a welcoming sitting room, leading into an airy dining room with mountain views, opening into the bright country-style kitchen with a Welsh dresser, offering vistas of the garden and the far-reaching mountains, and a back door leading out to a sunny patio, with plenty of room for your four-legged companions. The main bedroom, on the first floor, boasts a luxurious king-size bed, log-effect fire, beams and enjoys a scenic outlook over the village to the spectacular mountain scenery beyond. The second bedroom is a charming attic room with exposed purlins, sloping ceilings, and a skylight offering a captivating view; as well as a comfy double bed, a 3-foot single bed is provided for variable sleeping options. Both bedrooms are serviced by a modern first-floor bathroom overlooking the nearby hills. A wonderful addition to this unique cottage is a cosy snug, accessed just off the first-floor landing area; this makes the ideal spot to sit and finish that book, write, draw or game at the antique writing bureau, chill by taking advantage of the record player and selection of vinyls or just have some peace and quiet, all while enjoying the beautiful countryside views in the relaxing chair or window seat provided. The cottage is a stone's throw from Llangynog's historic New Inn pub, where you can dine alfresco from early until late or enjoy an evening drink under a parasol and watch the sun go down behind the mountains. Minafon's location in the stunning Tanat Valley makes it a superb base for walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and climbers, with the excellent Revolution Mountain bike facility on the doorstep. The Mick Extance adventure in the village provides opportunities for other high-adrenaline thrills and spills including off-road experiences. For those wanting a calm but stunning walk, a trail leads from the cottage in the other direction to St Melangell's Church, one of the remotest churches in Britain. You can also enjoy a trip to Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales near Bala, or Lake Vrynwy, both of which are home to a wide selection of water sports including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. as well as cycle hire and fishing. Lake Vrynwy has a RSPB centre and several signposted nature walks. The cottage is also within easy reach of several charming towns, including Bala with its famous glacial lake, lakeside steam railway, opportunities for abseiling and white-water rafting and nearby golf course, Llangollen with its wonderful canal and steam railway, Oswestry with its delightful market and antiques centres, and the medieval market town of Shrewsbury. Snowdonia National Park is just 20 minutes away, with Mount Snowdon, Barmouth and some of the North Wales beaches, Coed y Brennin and Beddgelert mountain biking trails, the Zipwire centre and steam train lines at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the Roman town of Chester all around an hour's drive away, so whether you love mountains, beach, walking, cycling, canals, rail, golf, water sports, nature, shopping or eating and drinking you are well located. However you decide to spend your holiday, Minafon is a fantastic base to be enjoyed at any time of the year.
At the base of the Milltir Cerrig mountain, in North Powys's rolling farmland, is the little village of Llangynog. The town is great for leisurely strolls along the River Afon Tant, and nearby is a stone-built church where you can learn about the area's history. The New Inn offers breathtaking views of the Snowdonia Mountain range and dining options, and a short drive will take you to a well-stocked Post Office where you can stock up on supplies. For an action-packed day, head to the mediaeval market town of Bala, where you can go climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking on the glacial lake. The tallest single drop waterfall in England and Wales, Llanrhaeadr Waterfall, is also easily accessible. Alternatively, you can cross the border into Shropshire and see Shrewsbury, a town with a rich history and a Grade I castle. This is a stunning area of the nation and is a great starting point for exploring Shropshire and the rest of North and Mid Wales.