Betws Garmon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54

Plas Y Coed is a splendid and decidedly generous Country Residence tucked away in a most pleasing setting, standing within some 15 Acres of mature woodland, gardens and pasture including a section of the River Gwyrfai, whilst enjoying a superb southerly aspect looking towards the rugged north face of Mynydd Mawr and the tantalising prospect of the Gwyrfai Valley which, ultimately leads you through to the western slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Situated within the Eryri National Park, this fine dwelling, dating back to the mid 19th century is thought to have originally been a private fishing lodge of a certain Sir Llewellyn Turner and subsequently changed hands and function down the years, eventually becoming a hotel and then a private residence. The present owners of some 13 years now, have undertaken custodianship whereby they have transformed the dwelling into a beautiful home they’re now proud to call home. It’s been a labour of love and a long journey for sure but it’s obviously been worth it! The immediate gardens to the south have been landscaped too with a two-tiered patio from where you can sit back and enjoy not only the views but the tranquility of the location. The peace may be interrupted on occasion whenever the Welsh Highland Railway passes by on the far side of the river, but we’re sure you wont mind that at all and may even find it quite evocative! The journey of transforming Plas Y Coed has been an ongoing project, renovating, re-modelling and modernising the interior to provide comfortable and contemporary accommodation with a room for all occasions. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its general presentation, layout and attention to detail and of course, there’s still evidence of its past heritage with a fine entrance hall, open fireplaces, picture rails and some covings. This is a practical home definitely suited to a large family and offers the prospect of being a business also. In addition to the main accommodation is a self-contained 1 bedroomed annexe (within the same footprint), thereby lending itself as a holiday let to generate additional income. The main residence could also be used as a B&B, using the two en-suite bedrooms 2 & 3 without any further modifications if so desired (subject to any necessary consents etc). Most rooms are generously proportioned, the lounge enjoying a deep bay window and focal fireplace with wood burning stove leading through to a library and in turn through to what could be argued as the most appealing room, and that is the kitchen! This fine room will serve any house chef handsomely (includes bi-fold doors) where sitting adjacent is a more formal dining room. Beyond is the summer room and with its patio doors, offers the best of views and ultimately invites you onto the patio when the sun makes an appearance. There’s the practicalities of a dedicated utility room too. There are five bedrooms located on the first floor, six if you include the dressing room with three of them enjoying modern en-suite facilities however, the master bedroom definitely steals the limelight with its spacious dimensions its rolled top bath. Plas Y Coed comes fully double glazed and is served by a dual central heating system – a commercial wood fired boiler arrangement and a separate oil fired boiler (both independent). Externally, the property is approached along a long private driveway culminating in a spacious off road parking and turning area, sufficient for several vehicles. A purpose made wood store sits adjacent. The garden consists of a generous lawn with well-stocked flowerbed and shrubbery borders as well as the two-tiered patio together with greenhouse. Further parking is located to the rear where you’ll find a stone built garage and garden store. The pastureland stretches out from the house for some distance and includes some superb mature oak trees. The woodland runs behind and to the sides of the house, climbing steeply up the hillside whilst the riverside section of land (to incorporate half of the river) is a designated SSSI site and is currently left as nature intended, allowing wildlife to thrive. The rural hamlet of Betws Garmon is located within the Gwyrfai Valley, roughly mid-way between the Royal town of Caernarfon and the village of Beddgelert, an area noted for its beautiful countryside and rugged mountains. Local amenities can be found in nearby Waunfawr, roughly 2 miles north together with an award winning public house (hosting a micro-brewery), whilst the main shopping town of Caernarfon and coastline is approximately 7 miles distant, making this a rural yet perfectly accessible retreat. The area is perfect for walkers and climbers, with easily accessible walks covering Mynydd Mawr, the Nantlle Ridge and Yr Wyddfa - there is a wealth of cycle tracks/public footpaths in the locality as well as lakes and mountain streams to be discovered and explored. Caernarfon town, with its impressive 13th century castle can be reached in under 20 minutes by car and offers the usual supermarkets but also numerous independent traders and cafes and bars within the historic castle walls. There's also the benefits of a theatre and arts centre, the Welsh Highland Railway and a wealth of leisure facilities too.