Gwesty'r Conrah Hotel, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
The Conrah was originally the mansion house of the Ffosrhydgaled Estate and is set within extensive landscaped grounds surrounded by Welsh countryside, some four miles from the coastal town of Aberystwyth. Boasting 17 individually styled en-suite rooms, the Conrah offers luxury accommodation with beautiful undisturbed views of the Ceredigion countryside and is a short trip to neighbouring Cardigan Bay and all the facilities the region has to offer.
Rates: Standard double rooms Inc. breakfast start from £80 per night.
More information: conrah.wales
Yr Hen Stablau (The Old Stables), Machynlleth
In the corner of Snowdonia National Park, overlooking the Dyfi Valley, the converted stables of Yr Hen Stablau date back to the 18th Century and have been truly brought in to the 21st century by being made completely energy efficient. Perfect for the sustainable traveller looking for a tranquil break away from it all, the self-catering accommodation offers a unique picturesque setting to explore the nearby Nature Trail to Llyn Ruck which boasts views of the River Dyfi and the South of Pumlumon, which is the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains.
Rates: Low season-£380 per week, Mid season-£550 per week, Peak season-£670 per week
More information: selfcateringcottagewales.co.uk
The Old Post Office, Aberporth, Ceredigion
Aberporth’s Old Post Office offers the type of indescribable views that simply must be seen to be believed. Overlooking the golden sands and clear waters of Aberporth, you can dolphin spot from the balcony as you watch the sun set over the bay with a glass of wine, followed by enjoying the regional culinary delight of freshly dressed crab.
Rates: The Old Post Office can sleep six guests and prices for one week start from £425 during low season to £995 during high season.
More information: theoldpo.com
Hafan Maengwynedd, Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant, Powys (near Oswestry)
Beautifully positioned at the foothills of the picturesque Berwyn Mountains, these 5 star cabins offer a great base for a range of activities including bird watching, mountain biking and walking where visitors can take in the unspoilt and rugged landscape. Built with the environment in mind, using a unique bio-mass system, the cabins and hot tubs are heated by logs harvested by the onsite farm. Protected by gazebos, you can use the hot tubs whatever the weather and enjoy the breath-taking scenery 365 days a year.
Rates: Enquiries can be made through their website.
More information: maengwyneddlogcabins.co.uk
Penygelli Apartments, Newtown
These lovely apartments set in the idyllic rolling hills of Powys, overlook the beautiful rural, unspoilt Mid Wales countryside and create the feeling that visitors are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the real world despite only being a mile away from the historic town of Newtown. With views over the gardens, the apartments offer two dog friendly rooms each serviced by a kitchen and bathroom.
Rates: The apartments start from £150 for two nights.
More information: penygelli.co.uk
One Cat Farm, Aberaeron, Ceredigion
With a philosophy of outside living, One Cat Farm is all about the simple pleasures in life. Think hammock sleeping, star watching, empty beaches and cooking over a roaring fire. Located three miles from the coast and the striking harbour town of Aberaeron, the small site is hidden away with just four unique cabins. Take your morning coffee on to the private verandas and watch the natural wildlife show that takes place over the water which often includes herons and red kites.
Rates: £60 per night midweek midwinter- £115 per night weekend in the summer holidays. 2 night minimum stay.
More information: onecatfarm.com
The Old Rectory on the Lake, Talyllyn
The view from the Old Rectory is something you might never get used to as it is truly breath-taking. Guests are delighted when they open the blinds to see the fantastic sight, from the glacial lake to the imposing crags high above. The Old Rectory offers four en-suite bedrooms and a fine dining restaurant, located within the southern corner of Snowdonia. This imposing Welsh granite site sits on the slopes of Cadair Idris and is the ideal base to hill walk, visit the nearby coast or just relax with a bottle of champagne in the hot tub under the stars and marvel at the ever changing view.
Pricing: From £100 to £120 a night for two people - includes breakfast the next morning.
More information: rectoryonthelake.co.uk
Ynyshir Hall, Machynlleth
Nestled in the Dyfi Valley and adjacent to the Ynyshir RSPB Nature Reserve, is Ynyshir Hall, with its Michelin-starred restaurant and ten luxury rooms. Once owned by Queen Victoria, the illustrious manor’s guest rooms offer splendid views of 14 acres of landscaped gardens and the Cambrian Mountains beyond. Guests can explore a number of sites nearby including the 18th century Dyfi Furnace and waterfalls, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ forestry trail in Artists’ Valley, the sand dunes at Ynyslas estuary and the market town of Machynlleth.
Rates: Rooms start from £200-£550 per night.
More information: ynyshirhall.co.uk
Upper Barn Cottage, Aberangell
Located on the Southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park in the beautiful Dyfi Forest in Powys, Mid Wales, you’ll find Upper Barn Cottage set within 23 acres of lush pasture and woodland. The cottage’s wildlife pond, which has its own small island, is just one of the many views that guests can wake up to. For bird lovers, the cottage’s pet owls are particularly impressive and guests can even fly an Eagle Owl for a truly special experience.
Rates: £280- £750 per week, depending on season.
More information: upperbarncottage.co.uk
Awel Môr Holiday Apartments, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
Located on Aberystwyth sea front, the Awel Môr Holiday Apartments look straight out on to Cardigan Bay. Spectacular sunsets are the main attraction as well as watching the local sea life such as dolphins and porpoise.
Rates: Price is seasonal from £80 to £120 per night.
More information: awel-mor-aberystwyth.co.uk
Lôn Lodges, Rhayader
Situated on a family farm near the Elan Valley Reservoirs, the Lôn Lodges are 5 star luxury self-accommodation each boasting a private spa hot tub where guests can unwind and take in their spectacular surroundings. Each lodge sleeps six people and guests can wake up to views over the family farm and watch the livestock and gambolling lambs and the majestic Red Kites that fly overhead. The evening view is just as impressive for star gazers with the perfectly undisturbed sky line.
Rates: £332 to £898 a week depending on season.
More info: lonlodges.co.uk
Wild Meadow Shepherd’s Hut & Meadow Cottage, Presteigne
Sprinkled with wild flowers and willow hides, Meadow Cottage is perfect for guests that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ecologically built, traditional timber frame cottage sleeps seven and boasts beautiful dark night skies to keep stargazers happy for hours.
Rates: Details available on their website.
More information: wildmeadow.co
