Gwynedd - Snowdonia holiday house: Harlech

We couldn't believe our luck when we found this property to rent. It has the most unbelievable amount of character in what can only be described as the perfect position with a breathtakingly beautiful view.
A lot of the feel comes from the fact that it is a very lived in family home. The book shelves are full of interesting finds, the kitchen has a wonderful assortment of pots and pans with equally wonderful ways of cooking - with the aga or otherwise. The bedrooms, 2 of which have balconies, make you feel like you could be taking part in an Agatha Chrisite novel, and this is all topped off by the observatory room, which takes eating to a whole new level, especially if the sun is setting over the bay.
In our party there were 4 adults and 3 children (ages 5,3 and 1) and an equally amazing time was had by all. We can't wait to return and would highly recommend a stay at Murmur-y-Don .

We are now returning to Murmur-y-Don for the third time! We love the fact that it is a totally different lifestyle set in such a perfect setting. The house is large and has lots of nooks and crannies for the children to play hide and seek in. There are two bedrooms with balconys overlooking the bay as well as views right along the coast in all directions. Our idea of a perfect day is to return from the beach wet and exhausted to a hot meal (slowly cooked in the Aga) which we eat in the round dining room overlooking the sea. It is ideally situated for mountain climbing (you can see Snowdon from the house) and there is a fabulous ice-cream palour who make different flavours daily. Harlech castle is worth a visit and the village is very quaint with most essential services, post office, bakers, old fashioned sweet shop, indian, restaurants etc. As mentioned the house is rustic-style but I would say ideal for a family and my parents love it too. The access to the beach is via a steep zig-zag path just in front of the house so may not be suitable for some. However if you want to go by car there is a car park in Harlech right by the beach. There is a friendly church in Harlech which hold services every Sunday. Last year we discovered a wonderful restaurant on the way to the beach (towards Shell Island) which served delicious food at affordable prices. It's about ten minutes walk from the house! What more could you ask for? It's Heaven on Earth!

The owners, are very approachable and helpful.

We first discovered this wonderful property seven years ago and were so enchanted by the house and its surroundings that we have returned every year since.

On arrival, the first thing that strikes you is the fantastic view over Cardigan Bay - what a vista! We have spent many happy hours on the west veranda admiring it and - if you can bear to tear yourself away from the views to the west - as the house as gardens on all sides, lovely views can be enjoyed from all points of the compass. Oh, and the sunsets are magnificent too!

The house itself is not only spacious and very comfortable but is a real “home”. If you prefer a modern, minimalist interior and a sleek, state-of-the-art fitted kitchen, then it may not be for you, but we find that the collections of furniture, books and photos, etc. that show that house has been owned and loved by the same family for generations give it a special character which we find very endearing.

The property is handily placed for Harlech (charming place, more akin to a large village than a town but has small shops/eateries/pubs) and as well as having the long, sandy beach almost on the doorstep (via the zig-zag path), there are wonderful walks to be had in the quiet lanes and peaceful countryside of the surrounding area. The small seaside town of Barmouth is a short drive to the south (try Panorama Walk there - stunning views on a clear, sunny day) and to the north Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsular are within easy reach.

We really love staying in this wonderful place and can’t wait to return for our eighth visit!