Dog-friendly Cottages in Wales

The stunning location of Gorsddu is just one of its surprises when you arrive. You can’t tell by looking at this beautifully restored property that the original house, built before 1840, was the size of, what is now the living room. What was once a cowshed added in about 1901, is now a fitted kitchen. Records show that the owner’s great, great, great grandfather purchased the property in 1848 for £65 and it has been painstakingly built and renovated by the family using mostly their own home grown oak. Now the luxurious house of Gorsddu boasts huge panoramic windows from the spacious sun room that looks out over the eastern edge of the rolling Cambrian Mountains known as the ’roof of Wales’. You will probably want to while away many hours with a pair of binoculars and a drink and soak up the stunning scenery. From mid April to mid June you will often hear the plaintive call of the cuckoo.

The hamlet of Llanwrthwl, nearest to Gorsddu, lies on the River Wye south of Rhayader. From here you can take a walk, part of the National Trust Abergwesyn Common know as the Llanwrthwl Horseshoe Walk which starts at the church taking you through mountain moorland and peat bogs. The National Cycle Trail also passes through here, and with the Élan Valley cycle path close by, this area really is a haven for cyclists. The property is also well accommodated for keen cyclists, with a lockable shed for storage of up to seven bikes, and it also acts as a drying room.

To the north west is the RSPB nature reserve called Carngafallt, a heather clad hill with slopes covered in ancient hanging oak woodlands. Legend says that King Arthur’s dog, Gafallt, left his paw print in a stone somewhere on Carngafallt. It was also here that a hoard of bronze age gold jewellery was found, now in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. In the churchyard next to the parish church of St Gwrthwl in Llanwrthwl is a huge standing stone.

The region is also home to spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Rich with rare wildlife, including the magnificent Red Kites, the area offers wonderful walking and some of the best mountain biking routes in the British Isles. Nearby Rhayader, about six miles, also renowned for being the canoeing capital of Europe, is best explored on foot where you should take time to discover the variety of independent shops and crafts where you’ll find everything from gifts to the essentials. There is a good choice of places to eat, where you can try traditional Welsh dishes and home cooked comforts, and for a friendly evening out, there are pubs in every direction each with its own welcoming atmosphere. There is also a convenience store, petrol station and cafe situated just two miles down the road from the property, so guests are within easy reach of essentials!

Other places to visit nearby include Wales’ most central town Llandrindod Wells, known locally as ’Llandod’ it was developed as a spa town in the 19th Century. Builth Wells, the interesting market town now famous for the annual Royal Agricultural Show and numerous smaller shows and fairs throughout the year. LLanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, also has lots going on including the wacky events of bog snorkelling and Man Versus Horse marathons. Shop 2½, pub and restaurant 6 Miles.

Guests will fall in love with The Barn at Gelli Newydd, its setting but also the wonderful design and finish, crafted with the finest materials and maintaining the ambience of a luxury Welsh Barn. Beautiful local Welsh larch cladding and natural stone encapsulate a slick and welcoming barn perched high on a hillside above Trefriw, between Conwy and Betws-y-Coed. The Shaker Kitchen Company kitchen is the focal point of a fabulous house, with open plan living and capacious living/dining room, the ideal focal point for friends and family to gather, here we have the perfect setting to enjoy views across the stunning Conwy valley below. The luxuriously appointed downstairs bedroom makes this suitable for different generations and can be set up as Superking or singles on request - meaning ultimate flexibility for your party. Welcoming 3 dogs with enclosed rear garden, this is a place for families and friends to gather and holiday in fantastic surroundings. There are two good pubs, a café, and restaurant, all within walking distance (approx. 15 mins down the hill and slightly longer on the way back up!). The Finnish wood fired hot tub is the perfect place to relax & enjoy a glass of bubbly under the stars.
This is a charming, unspoilt part of beautiful North Wales is a region rich in outdoor action and adventure, from the world’s first inland surfing lagoon-Surf Snowdonia, zip wires at Zip World, high ropes, and cavern trampolines, to the many forest walks, mountain bike trails, hills, lakes and rivers for which the area is rightly famous for. People travel from all over Europe to have a go on Zip World - booking is vital. Join scenic footpaths straight from your doorstep, go onwards and upwards from the cottage and you’ll come to two lovely, little-visited lakes, Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant. Trefriw has a vibrant heart, so expect a friendly welcome at the post office/shop, the award-winning butchers, the fantastic working woollen mill, in the two pubs, and in the brasserie and local café. Trefriw is blessed with two of the most spectacular lakes (Geirionydd and Crafnant). Both lakes lie in the most stunning surroundings and offer different facilities. Geirionydd offers watersports for everyone (paddle and powerboating) whilst Crafnant is a much more peaceful environment. The community lead project Trefriw Trails has 8 waymarked trails which are suited to all ages and abilities for walking and cycling.
This property can be booked with The Farmhouse (ref QC1739) and The Bothy (ref QC1740) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

This detached cottage is ideal for friends and family wanting to get together. Set in a rural location yet only a short drive to amenities. There’s plenty of space for all the family to relax inside with spacious kitchen dinner leading on form here into the lounge, with vaulted ceilings and cosy log burner. Outside you’ll find a covered terrace area with seating a great area to take in the peaceful surroundings, not forgetting the private wood fired Hot Tub perfect no matter the weather.
Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Snowdonia National Park, this makes a great base from which to explore the area. The historic town of Bala is just over 2 miles distance and has a wide range of cafés and eateries and welcoming pubs, a leisure centre with swimming pool and sports hall. There are water sports both on the lake and close by at the White-Water Rafting Centre, as well as a golf course. The area is a mecca for bike enthusiasts with an abundance of trails to explore. Also within easy reach are the sandy beaches of the Cardigan Bay Coast, just 23 miles away at Barmouth.

In a rural setting but located just five miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley, Maes Rheidol is a detached property, furnished and equipped to a very high standard. With all rooms on the ground floor and with the added bonus of a conservatory and outdoor hot tub in the patio garden, you can enjoy relaxing in this wonderful location.

Picture yourself sitting on a sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay watching dolphins, cycling down country lanes, walking in the hills, or just strolling through one of many market towns. You can escape life’s hustle and bustle and enjoy this region in so many ways. It’s the perfect location to book a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a short break or a weekend away.

The dignified Victorian resort of Aberystwyth with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier is close by, as are the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and lakelands. Take a stately meandering train ride on what was once a working link between local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley terminating at Devil’s Bridge. Here you can choose to go and see the three bridges over the river, or visit some of the other attractions such as the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder.

When you have finished exploring, the cottage is within half a mile of a gastro pub. Come and stay at Maes Rheidol and immerse yourself in all that this part of Wales has to offer, you won’t be disappointed.

Escape to the enchanting Ceredigion coastline and discover the epitome of seaside living at Great Tree House. This stunning bungalow, nestled within its own private grounds, promises an idyllic retreat with breathtaking sea views. Just a leisurely mile away lies the picturesque seaside village of Llangrannog, adorned with charming pubs, inviting cafés, and a sandy beach that beckons you to unwind. Great Tree House is not just a holiday home; it’s a haven of comfort, meticulously designed by professionals to offer you the ultimate West Wales experience.
Spread across one level, this beautiful property boasts two outdoor decking areas accessed via the bi-fold doors in the living room that provide the perfect vantage points for taking in the panoramic sea views. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a barbecue dinner with the sun-kissed horizon as your backdrop. The extensive grounds are fully enclosed, making Great Tree House a peaceful haven for both children and your four-legged family members, should you choose to bring them along. Inside, you’ll find that no detail has been overlooked.
Great Tree House is beautifully furnished, exuding warmth and charm at every turn. It offers all the creature comforts you desire, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as it is memorable. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace with a good book or gathered around the dining table for a sumptuous meal, this holiday home envelops you in a cosy ambiance.
For those looking to explore beyond the confines of this coastal retreat, Llangrannog is just a short drive away. Here, you can indulge in the vibrant village life, sample local delights at the charming pub, stock up on essentials at the village shop, or bask in the sun on the sandy shores. The central car park makes accessing the village and beach effortless. But the wonders of Ceredigion don’t stop there. Venture further afield, and you’ll discover an array of day trip opportunities to vibrant towns like Cardigan, New Quay, and Aberaeron. Explore their unique attractions, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, exciting adventures, or simply a tranquil escape, this impeccably designed holiday property offers it all. Don’t miss the chance to experience coastal living at its finest.