Nant

Nant is a two bedroom barn conversion in Dyffryn Ardudwy with a small brook running past the cottage

Nant, which means brook or spring in welsh and refers to the small brook that runs past this cottage, is a two bedroom barn conversion in Dyffryn Ardudwy. Its difficult for me to be objective when describing Nant as its the larger of the two self catering cottages that we let out ourselves here on the farm. But I hope you’ll agree when I say they’re nicely furnished and decorated.

Using local craftsmen to completly rebuild an old disused barn, has meant that we’ve been able to use as much natural and local material as possible. Nick and Adam did most of the structrual work including laying the natural slate tiles on our heated floor. Mike, a carpenter from the village, hand carved the oak trussees and glazed gable end. Whilst stonemasons, Charlie and Rich, two brothers and friends of ours, did a brilliant job of the external granite stone work. (I was allowed to help with the unskilled but backbreaking work of fetching the stones from the fields)

The cottage comprises a ground floor twin bedroom in addition to a kingzize double in the ‘grogloft’ or eves of the barn. The living area downstairs has a small kitchen where we’ve tried to include everything you’ll need including a combination oven, hob and dishwasher. The oak folding doors which span the south facing gable end of the cottage can be opened up completly to make the most of the view of the fields and mountains on the far side of the brook. The underfloor heating provides more than enough heat but we’ve also installed a cast iron log burner to help create that romatic atmosphere.

We’ve tried to by the best fixtures and fittings possible. Including hand made brass lamps, oak furniture and real leather sofas. The bathroom too has been kitted out with a powerfull thermostatic shower and expensive taps etc. But more importantly perhaps we’d like to think that we’ve invested some time and effort into smaller projects like renovating an old cast iron radiator for the bathroom, makeing the curtains by hand, restoring some old furniture bought at our local auction and buying some nice ornaments made by friends and neighbours.
 

On the Farm
Nant is on the grounds of our farm here at Byrdir where we also run a small B&B. During the summer months, when the B&B is open, we’ll try and persuade you to join us for a cooked breakfast in the main farmhouse free of charge. Although you’re naturally free to stay in bed and cater for yourselves if you prefer. There are lots of other advantages to staying here on the farm. It’ll give you a chance to get involved in things like feeding the pigs, collecting the chicken eggs and meeting the ducks. Throwing a stick for our border collie, Dell, seems to be the favorite pastime of a lot of our guest. Great views in every direction. Views over the Cambrian Coastline and its sandy beaches a mile to the west, Snowdon and her friends are to the north and you are naturally encouraged to explore the rugged Rhinnog Mountains that climb up behind the cottage to the east.


Location
The other attractions associated with Snowdonia are all close by. Historic castle and golf course in Harlech, narrow gauge steam railways in Porthmadog and Talyllyn, slate and copper mines in Bleuna and Beddgelert as well as more adventurous pursuits like kite surfing, white water rafting and mountain biking etc. Let me know what you fancy and I’ll point you in the right direction.

 

Prices and Availability

For more photos and a full list of prices and availability go to http://dioni.co.uk/nant/

The Accommodation