More about Pen Y Bont Farmhouse, Bala (the location)

Situated in a superb location on the edge of Lake Bala, yet within just minutes walk of Bala town with its many amenities including swimming pool, quaint local shops, cosy and friendly pubs and award-winning restaurants.

All within easy walking distance from Pen Y Bont Farmhouse are:
- Snowdownia National Park, wonderful countryside and lakeside walks, from the doorstep.
-Bala sailing club - 2 minutes walk, daily and weekly membership available.
-Bala Watersport hire centre, 10 minutes delightful lakeside walk, canoe, windsurf and dingy hire available.
-Bala Lake Railway (Steam train),2 minutes walk.
- Leisure centre with swimming pool, 10 minutes lakeside walk.
- Bala Town, 10 minutes walk, quaint local shops, supermarkets, award-winning restaurants as well as several take-away options, and numerous cosy and friendly pubs.
- Cycle hire locally in Bala, and numerous cycle routes (try the circular route around Bala Lake, with a local pub, The Eagles at Llanuwchllyn serving delicious home-cooked food for a well-earned break or lunch).

Snowdownia in North Wales is a big kids adventure playground. Full of activities including walking, cycling, mountain biking, sailing, white water rafting, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking, canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling , clay pigeon shooting, bushcraft, go karting and many more.

Snowdonia is one of the most ancient and beautiful areas in Europe. It is truly a place of breathtaking beauty that no one can fully comprehend until they have visited the area. It is a land rich in opportunities for adventure, activity and discovery.

The Snowdonia National Park is the largest in Wales, and covers about 840 square miles.

Snowdon is 3560 feet high, the highest peak in Wales and England. Its slopes are a volcanic jumble of screes and cliffs rising to razor-edged summits and have fascinated walkers and climbers for centuries. The new Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre is due to open in summer 2008.

Within the Snowdonia region are mountain, moor and sea, rocky peaks and green hills, wooded valleys and sublimely beautiful estuaries.

The unique beauty of Snowdonia is that you can spend a morning on a Blue Flag beach and walk the stunning hills in the afternoon. Where the mountains meet the sea, along the Dyfi, Mawddach and Dwyryd estuaries are charming little resorts and villages, mostly with names impossible to pronounce!

This dramatic scenic diversity is equally matched by an absolute wealth of outdoor activities. Go walking or wildlife watching at nature and bird reserves. Enjoy canoeing and many other watersports. Head for the hills on horseback, mountain or quad bike. It all is here waiting for you.

These outdoor pursuits are available to you on the doorstep from Pen Y Bont Farmhouse. In particular, Bala Lake for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing. The National White Water Centre for rafting is but a few minutes drive. The Mecca of mountain biking is at Coed y Brenin nearby. The forest trails are varied to suit all abilities.

Pen Y Bont Farmhouse (the cottage)

Pen Y Bont Farmhouse provides a high standard of accommodation in a 300 year old Welsh farmhouse bursting with charm and character, within the Snowdownia National Park. The five bedroomed farmhouse retains many original features including exposed beams and wood burning stoves in inglenook fireplaces. Pen Y Bont Farmhouse is a larger than average property sleeping up to 9 guests in five first-floor bedrooms (a sofa bed in the downstairs living/games room will sleep a further 2 guests if required).

Ground Floor
Kitchen with original Oak beams (as built 300 years ago and still with some original bark visible from the oak tree!). This is a fully fitted modern kitchen with double sink, hob with extractor, oven, microwave oven, dishwasher, fridge etc. It is fully equipped with everything you will need to self-cater for all the guests. Dining table with seating for up to ten.
Snug with wood burning stove in small Inglenook Fireplace. Original Oak beamed ceiling. Children love to discover the "Secret" staircase up to the first floor rear landing (Note: this rear staircase is steep, narrow, dark and winding).
Spacious Hallway with master staircase to first floor.
Downstairs shower room with spacious shower, toilet and sink.
Third living/games room with a selection of games. Sofa bed will accommodate a further 2 guests (total 11 guests) if required.
Lounge with magnificent Inglenook Fireplace with original slate mantel. Original Oak beamed ceiling. This is a lovely room in which to to relax at the end of a fun-filled day. The room is large with comfortable furnishings. There is a fantastic wood burning stove ideal for warming yourself at night as you relax in the peace and tranquility that the property offers. Television (satellite with freeview), DVD player, Video player and CD player are provided, as are a good selection of DVDs, videos and CDs.
First Floor
Bedroom 1 - large comfortable bedroom with king size bed. En-suite shower room, toilet and sink. Lake views from two windows.
Bedroom 2 - comfortable single bedroom, overlooking the front and with lake views.
Bedroom 3 - comfortable single bedroom, overlooking the front and with lake views.
Bedroom 4 - character twin bedroom with original exposed beams, window to the rear grounds.
Bedroom 5 - large comfortable bedroom, with king size bed and single bed. Window facing the castle mound.
Main Bathroom - with sink, and including bath and shower.
Toilet. Full modern central heating system with radiators in all rooms, fully controllable by guests. The Grounds -
Ample parking within the grounds for up to 8 cars.
Enclosed private gardens, South facing, with patio area, garden furniture and BBQ.

Shady woodland area and stream.
Views of Lake Bala and open countryside.
Within the grounds of Pen Y Bont Farmhouse lies the listed ancient monument of "Castell Gronw" (Gronw Castle). Castell Gronw is listed as a medieval castle which dates back to approx 1202, situated on the South bank of the River Dee, where it leaves Bala Lake. Whilst nothing remains of the original 800 year old castle structure, guests have exclusive private access to the Motte And Bailey site. Guests are welcome to climb the Motte which lies just to the West of the Farmhouse (to the right of the aerial view on the photo), and enjoy the fine views from the top of the surrounding countryside and over the North end of Bala Lake. All in all a beautiful farmhouse in a superb location for a great activity or relaxing holiday to suit all the family.