Tyn Llwyn Cornel Eco Barn, Gwynedd

Nestled in the peaceful village of Garreg, Gwynedd is this rustic, detached eco-friendly cottage, Tyn Llwyn Cornel Barn. Renovated using 100% eco-friendly materials, it's the perfect base for walkers, hikers and wildlife-lovers to explore the diverse landscapes of North Wales and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. This property has been built from stone reclaimed from the surrounding land; wood from trees that have fallen naturally; hemp and sheep's wool used as insulation; an 'earthen' floor; air source heat pump. A unique endeavour to showcase the potential beauty of an 'eco home'. Make use of the off-road parking to unpack your belongings and be welcomed by the charming picture-book scene of this stone cottage. Step inside to admire the innovative handy work, with walls made of hemp, floors of recycled slate and a beautiful staircase made out of wood sourced from the nearby woodlands. Wool insulation and air source heating ensures warmth throughout your stay. Get settled into the open-plan living space featuring tall, sloped ceilings, Velux windows and wooden beams; prepare a picnic for your walk or set the table for four and cook up a storm in the well-equipped kitchen, offering an electric oven, hob and fridge/freezer to stock up on local produce. An inviting sitting area hosts quaint decorations and a spacious corner sofa, so start the woodburning stove and sink into the cushions after the day's adventures, whilst you catch up with loved ones or choose a film on the Smart TV. Don't let the rain and mud put you off your walk, as a handy washing machine is ready to go for a quick clean, whilst the tumble dryer is located in the external utility. Guests can also use the utility for storing bikes, boots and walking gear. As the night grows darker, younger guests can climb the stairs to the mezzanine twin room, a lovely spot in the wooden beams overlooking the living area, whilst a bright and airy king-size awaits on the ground floor with an original stone feature wall. Run a hot bath in the ground-floor bathroom to soak tired legs, or rinse off in the walk-in shower, where unique features include a stone basin and slate floors. Take your morning coffee outside to the front patio and take in the rural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to wander into Garreg for an award-winning menu in The Brondanw Arms, a classic Welsh pub with roaring fires and cask ales, whilst Y Garreg Shop and Kitchen sells local produce and fantastic breakfast and lunch options and enjoy delicious pizza and cocktails on a friday and saturday evening. Explore the local area and head to Plas Brondanw, the previous home of Welsh Architect Clough William-Ellis, which is now open to the public with a spectacular garden to explore. William-Ellis is the brains behind the wonderful village of Portmerion, just a short journey away, where you can stroll through a picture-perfect, Italian-style village nestled into Welsh hills overlooking the coast; take the woodland walks, stop for lunch at one of the cafés and pick up souvenir from the village shops. The iconic Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways runs past the edge of the field opposite the property for 14 miles of rural pasture and majestic forests. Catch a ride from just next door in Porthmadog, where there is a variety of shops and eateries and historical stories to discover in the town's Maritime Museum. Journey north from Tyn Llwyn Cornel Barn to Beddgelert, a family-favourite with plenty of heritage to explore; shop for local crafts, second-hand books and art at Tŷ Isaf, cycle or walk the Rhyd Ddu path that can take you up to Eryri’s (Snowdonia) peaks, or take an underground adventure through Sygun Copper Mine. Those seeking a seaside escape can head to Criccieth resting at the top of Cardigan Bay, with the fairy-tale Castell Criccieth, plenty of eateries to taste local seafood or pack your towels for a relaxing day by the sea, making this an an excellent starting point for exploring the breath-taking Llŷn Peninsula. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly holiday home to explore the delights of North Wales, Tyn Llwyn Cornel Barn is the perfect base for you.