Nestled in the incredible Snowdonia National Park, this historicĀ cottage is quirky, full of character, and has excellent mountain views. With a unique spiral staircase and a wonderful cottage garden to capture the imagination, Dolwar Cottage is a fantastic hidden gem from which to explore North Wales.
On the ground floor, there is a welcoming living room, with sofas and armchairĀ toĀ sink into and the television perched in the decorative range - still in situĀ from when theĀ room was the original kitchen! With views from the back of the house out across the garden and to the mountains beyond, this is a great space to relax after your day of adventures.Ā
On a lower ground floor level, the kitchen-dining room is equally characterful, with the dining space having a door out to the garden at the rear, dining table to seat four, and two additional stools at the breakfast bar if needed. The kitchen is very well equipped having a washingĀ machine, dishwasher, gas hob, electric oven, fridge and freezer.Ā
Upstairs, the bedrooms, one king size and one double, both enjoy beautiful far reaching views and have original fireplaces intact which make lovely decorative features. Continuing up to the top of the spiral staircase, there is a further room up on the second floor with skylight views, and lots of games and puzzles. The bathroom is also up on this floor, with a stunning corner bath and traditional handheld shower, fantastic for relaxing in peace and winding down.Ā
The garden, nicely secluded with mature greenery, has two separate patio areas, the largest having diningĀ table and chairs, and a smaller one at the end of the garden with bistro table and chairs, great for sitting out and enjoying balmy evenings.
Locally, there is a staggering amount to choose from when planning what to see and do. Llan FfestiniogĀ is a bustling village with local convenience store, historic church and friendly pub Y Pengwern. The larger town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is within easy reach, with it's popular railway, and the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and Zipworld onlyĀ a short distance away.Ā
Whether you love hiking, mountain biking and outdoor activities, or exploring the stunning coastline there is sure to be something for everyone. Mount Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa to use it's proper Welsh name, is less than 20miles distant and the surrounding area offers plenty of walking routes and beautiful lakes amongst the mountains just waiting to be discovered.Ā
Criccieth Beach, Harlech Beach and Black Rock Sands are all roughly 30 minutes away, and with Anglesey just the other side of the mountain, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Please note there is a travel cot and highchair available to use on request, please mention when booking.Ā
Access Info: -Three steps up to the front door from street level -Access to bedrooms via spiral staircaseĀ only - please supervise children at all times. -Doorways are all standard widths
Booking Terms: -Dolwar Cottage is happy to welcome up to 2 dogs, but please ensure that they stay off the furniture and out of theĀ bedrooms. -Children of all ages are welcome at Dolwar Cottage.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property # 11030466
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Located in Blaenau Ffestiniog, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Eryri National Park and Coed Cynfal National Nature Reserve, while Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and Conwy Valley Railway Museum are cultural highlights. Zip World Llechwedd and Y Ganolfan Arts Centre are also worth visiting.
Coed Cynfal National Nature Reserve - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Zip World Llechwedd - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
Llechwedd Slate Caverns - 9 min drive - 7.1 km
Getting around
Talsarnau Station - 11 min drive
Restaurants
āŖLakeside cafe - ā¬6 min drive
āŖPanadda - ā¬9 min drive
āŖY Ring Brondanw Arms - ā¬10 min drive
āŖY Garreg - ā¬10 min drive
āŖKings Head - ā¬6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolwar Cottage pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 30. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at Dolwar Cottage?
As of 25 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dolwar Cottage on 18 Sept 2026 start from AU$360, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Dolwar Cottage?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Dolwar Cottage?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Dolwar Cottage located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Cae Bryn Coed and Coed Cynfal National Nature Reserve. Llyn y Cefn and Cellb are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The cottage was cosy and warm, clean and well equipped. Nice decor and decorated for Xmas (we stayed over New Year). Great location for hill walking. The spiral staircase was impressive but worth noting it goes from the basement through all 4 levels of the house - if you aren't great with stairsyou bring dogs which aren't then it's something to consider. Our dogs did find them a little tricky to navigate down to the kitchen where access is to the garden. Overall we really liked this home!
Ruth
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard
19 Jan 2024
Lovely house, cosy, comfy beds, great kitchen, nice shortbread and Welsh cakes, friendly locals, goo
Lovely house, cosy, comfy beds, great kitchen, nice shortbread and Welsh cakes, friendly locals, good pub nearby.
Richard
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gareth
5 Oct 2024
Was a nice adventure
Very nice spiral staircase, cosy rooms and great location to nearby attractions
Gareth
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
David
12 Sept 2025
Quirky, homely, well equipped
Quirky, homely, well equipped
Nothing, all good
David
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa
3 Nov 2022
Lovely home from home stay, lots of little things made this place special
Lovely home from home stay, lots of little things made this place special. Milk in the fridge when we arrived, Welsh cakes ready and heating was on š
Nothing all was great
Lisa
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2022
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are pleased you found the cottage special :)
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jennifer
30 Sept 2024
Nice location
Nice location for touring North Wales. Kitchen had everything we needed. Very cozy.
There were quite a few cobwebs.
Jennifer
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2024
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for your review. I hope you had fun exploring North Wales and made a few delicious meals in the kitchen!
Had a lovely stay at Dolwar cottage. Enjoyed playing board ganes with the kids and went on a couple of great walks nearby. Cottage clean and beds comfy. Really cosy place to relax. Thanks
Jennifer A.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Joanne
24 Nov 2024
Lovely property in quiet village.
Lovely views from the rear of the property. You definitely need a car to get to places and the local pub isnāt much to be desired unfortunately. However, local people were friendly and the property was very comfortable and warm. We would definitely stay again if we were returning to the area.
Joanne
From a partner site
8/10 Good
John
17 Oct 2023
Lovely quirky little cottage
Location was good
The garden definitely needs landscaping, it was unusable as so overgrown & such a shame as the views would be beautiful from the windows
John
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Maria
16 Dec 2023
This cottage is Wales has been one of the most amazing trips Iāve ever been on.
This cottage is Wales has been one of the most amazing trips Iāve ever been on. The pictures donāt do the location justice! Definitely for a cosy couple getaway. Host is really communicative and lovely. Within decent range of shops and pubs, and of course we had to climb Mount Snowdon (a 45 min drive away) A magical holiday and I canāt wait to go back
Excellent cottage, very comfortable, warm and welcoming.
Very well equipped kitchen, great views and ideal for exploring.
If you are 6ft + like 2 in our party, get used to brushing your head on low ceilings and staircase on the lower ground floor.
James H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Harald
2 Aug 2024
Ideal for a carefree holiday
The accommodation has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You feel welcome upon arrival. The location is great for excursions and there are also beautiful walks from the cottage.
Unfortunately, there is no real shower in the house, you will have to make do with a bath. All the doorposts are a bit low, you have to get used to having to duck.
Harald
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Sarah
6 Sept 2024
A little cottage
The cottage was well furnished with comfy seating and beds.
The garden was overgrown and so we couldn't sit out on the warm evenings.
There was a slight smell of damp coming up from the basement kitchen. This was noticeable after the cottage was shut up for the day.
Sarah
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Hello Sarah,
I am glad you had a comfortable stay and a good nights sleep in the bed. Thank you for your feedback. We are on hand throughout your stay so if you are experiencing nay issues please reach out whilst you are at the property so that we can try and resolve this for you as quickly as possible.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard
19 Jan 2024
Perfect
Great little gem, hidden away yet in a perfect spot. Lovely welcome pack and little details which added to the experience. The space is deceptively big and loved the separation. Beds were excellent and the kitchen well equipped. Lots to love and will come back.
The lack of a traditional shower was not a major issue but we felt the amount of water to fill a bath due to large size of the tub seemed a waste of water (from a sustainable viewpoint)
Richard
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mark
2 Jan 2026
Stayed in this cottage for a week over Christmasā24.
Stayed in this cottage for a week over Christmasā24. Was a last minute booking but after eventually finding the place in the dark we were greeted with Xmas decorations (lit up!), Welsh tea cakes, Prosecco ⦠and a charming cottage. Very clean and well presented with more than enough space for the two of us and our small dog. Awoke to find in the foothills of Snowdonia- Llan Ffestiniog is quiet village and a great base to explore Snowdonia which is what we used it for. The accommodation was great - clean, comfortable and very warm! It would have been 11/10 if it had had a real fire. There is no stand up shower but a fairly large corner bath on the 3rd floor with shower attachment. Kitchen is very well kitted out with all mod cons and a slate floor and granite worktop. No extractor fan but it didnāt seem to get too many fumes from cooking. Gas cooker was great! For what we paid we thought this was amazing accommodation and would have no hesitation in recommending to others. Thanks šš»
Mark
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael
25 Oct 2022
Everything except the lilliputuan proportions
Everything except the lilliputuan proportions. If you're above 5ą½'' you'll need to watch yourself. Kitchen is really nicely furnished, nice tough having both milk and oat 'milk' in the fridge on arrival. Really liked the old fireplaces, comfortable couches. Beds are a bit short if like me you're quite tall, but I wasn't scared that a monster was going to steal my dangling off the edge feet, they were however extremely comfortable and i slept incredibly well.. And the views were absolutely astonishing. .
The bathroom wasn't ideal for me. Low sloping ceiling and my proclivity for banging my head made this room less than ideal. But if you're a normal person who's aware of their own size, I don't think it'd be too much of a problem.
Michael
About the host
Hosted by Finest Retreats
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests