St.Mary's, Tal Y Llyn Near Dolgellau

Gwynedd. Sleeps up to 2

St Mary’s is a beautiful stone-built, detached 15th century church set amidst some of the most stunning countryside in the foothills of Mount Cader Idris, situated across from the shores of the magnificent and picturesque 222 acre Tal y Llyn Lake. This ancient and historic Grade II* listed church has been preserved in all its original glory with only part of the church itself having been converted to provide two comfortable bedrooms whilst the attached vestry has been renovated and offers comfortable living accommodation. You will be in awe of this stunning place from the moment you arrive; St. Mary’s is a hidden treasure and will certainly offer you a holiday with a difference, you will return home with some wonderful lasting memories and stories to tell. The vestry boasts open plan living accommodation with high ceilings and exposed beams and timbers, the comfy sitting area has a warm and homely ambiance with a gas living flame fire for you to sit and relax in front of after a busy day out and about. A well-equipped kitchen area caters for all your needs and the dining area is ideal for that leisurely breakfast or late supper. The two bedrooms are located in the church, go through the connecting heavy oak door and you will be transported back to a bygone era with a sense of peace and calmness. This beautiful church has an amazing Welsh oak roof structure, preserved and complete with a Tudor painted ceiling and stunning stained glass window at one end. Many of the original features remain including the pulpit, the pump organ, font and many of the pews. The ground floor double bedroom is a real marvel, cosy and modern but befitting its surroundings with stairs to the side which access the mezzanine bedroom above with glass balustrades overlooking the church and its pews, here you can really get up close to the beautiful oak roof timbers. Certain conditions set out by the Snowdonia National Park Authority means that a non-standard eco toilet system had to be installed, not something most people are used to but it’s all compliant with 21st century building regulations and is a small price to pay for this wonderful experience. St. Mary’s church stands within an historic graveyard with many ancient gravestones but there are plenty of places outside to sit, from which to admire your surroundings. Sit overlooking the lake watching the swallows fly close by or the wildlife emerging around you. The sunsets lighting up Graig Goch behind you are unforgettable and with the area unpolluted by light on a clear night you can see the Milky way! The walk to the summit of Cader Idris begins on your doorstep, and four miles down the road is the Tal y Llyn Railway which steams down the valley to Tywyn. Discover the Mawddach Estuary which John Ruskin said provided "one of the most sublime views in Europe”, the huge beach at Barmouth provides a great day out and the quaint market town of Dolgellau with its interesting shops, pubs and restaurants is only 11 miles away. St. Mary’s is a perfect peaceful retreat and offers a unique holiday experience anytime of the year, one you’ll want to return to and relive time and time again.