My mum and her partner have spent a couple of holidays now at a location near Bala in North Wales - the location in question, Pen Cefn, boasts four properties for rent, each of differing proportions. This year, mum decided to treat me (because I reached the big 40) and my sister and her family to a week long holiday in one of the properties. Having had a superb time, I thought it was time to pass the news on to others.

Address and location

"Pen Cefn"
Sarnau
Bala
Gwynedd LL23 7LG

Tel: 01678 530481 or 530413
E-mail: bevianna@btinternet.com
Website: www.pencefn.com
Proprietors' names: Ian and Bev Moss, Anna Hayward

The nearest town, about five miles away, is Bala (which is just inside the Snowdonia National Park), which is on the A494 road. Pen Cefn, which is a smallhold, plus the cottages, is just above a small hamlet called Sarnau. Although easily accessible by car, it would be very difficult for anyone without some form of transport to reach it - although those keen on biking might enjoy the exercise!

The cottages

There are four of them, depending on the number of people:

Y Llaethdy - sleeps 2/3 and is a single storey semi-detached cottage (it is attached to the main farmhouse). There is one bedroom with a double and single bed. Prices: £178 - £419 per week.

Ty Hen - sleeps 4 and is a detached cottage with a double and twin bedroom. Prices: £240 - £515 per week.

Hafod Las - sleeps 2, and is a detached single storey cottage with just one bedroom, although there is room for a cot for a baby if necessary. Prices: £172 - £413 per week.

Ty Gwennol - sleeps 6, is a detached double storey cottage and has three bedrooms - one double, one twin and one bunk beds (ideal for children or short people!). Prices: £262 - £558 per week.

Prices vary according to the season and are quoted for a week - however, shorter breaks are possible. On the website, it claims that the cottages are only available from February through to October; however, my mum has spent two Christmases at Pen Cefn, so I'm not sure if that is a new rule or if they are flexible. It may well be worth asking.

We stayed in Ty Gwennol, but my mum has also stayed in Y Llaethdy and Hafod Las and thinks that the standard is consistent in all three properties.

Ty Gwennol - what it offers

On arrival, we were met by the proprietors, who were very welcoming and showed us around the cottage. Downstairs, there is a hallway, where the heating and water controls can be found; off to one side is the kitchen and dining room, off to the other is the sitting room (which is actually where I slept, because my niece, who's only two needed a bedroom to herself). The sitting room has two sofas and a chair - all very comfortable, and I should know because I slept on the sofa! There is a small TV with a video recorder (but no DVD player). The kitchen is incredibly well equipped with everything virtually new - pots and pans and cutlery - there's even a pizza slicer and a garlic press! The dining area is in the same room with a table and six chairs and is quite roomy. We had a welcome pack including a home-made cake, tea bags, coffee and milk.

Upstairs are the three bedrooms and bathroom. The double bed room is massive and there is a large amount of storage space. The twin bed room is smaller, but still roomy with ample storage space. The bunk bed room is tiny - the bunks were obviously made to measure - and there is a small wardrobe, ideal for children. The bathroom has a bath and shower, again all very new. Sheets and duvets are included in the price of the cottage, as are towels. Everything, and I mean everything, was immaculately clean. Mattresses are apparently allergen tested at regular intervals.

The cottage is heated by storage heaters and one of those electric fake log burners - but to be honest, we didn't need to use the latter because the weather was reasonably warm.

Like all the cottages, ours had a separate patio area, closed off by gates, which included seating, a table, and a barbecue. There was even charcoal for the barbecue.

On site facilities

There is a small laundry, which is free to use, boasting a washing machine, dryer and tumble dryer, plus free washing powder and fabric conditioner. This room also houses a decent collection of VHS films and books. There is no telephone or Internet connection in any of the cottages; however, there is a cafe in Bala with two computers for those (like me) who can't be without Internet access for a week. Parking is no problem - there is plenty of space.

There is also a communal garden with two ponds (gated for safety) and a washing line - the garden is beautifully maintained and boasts fantastic views over the nearby mountains. Fresh eggs are available from the farmhouse.

Things to do in the area

There is plenty of walking to do along very scenic routes - the leaves were turning while we were there and there were berries in abundance. There is a small steam railway that leaves from Bala and goes around the edge of the lake - ideal for children. Places to visit farther afield (although within an hour or so's journey by car) include Portmeirion, Harlech Castle, Criccieth Castle (and a myriad of other castles), Porthmadog, Barmouth and all sorts of centres for sports such as hand gliding, white water rafting, mountain biking and water sports.

Our experience

We all had a fantastic time. Everything we needed was there and it was exceptionally clean. In any case, cleaning products, including a hoover, is included. The cottage was pleasantly warm and hot water was plentiful. I would have been quite happy to spend all my time there - there are certainly plenty of walks to do in the area. My two year old niece had a great time too - there were chickens, sheep, rabbits and squirrels aplenty and lots of space for her to kick a football around with her dad.

Any disadvantages?

As mentioned, lack of transport is likely to be a problem. And for those who like the night-life, there isn't any within walking distance - a car is needed to reach Bala. However, Bala does have plenty of pubs and excellent restaurants and cafes.

For those who smoke, it is bad news - no smoking is allowed in any of the cottages.

Conclusion

For the price, I thought this holiday was worth every penny - my mum paid £374 for a week in September, which, for six people, is very good value for accommodation that is of such good quality (Tourist Board Grade 4 standard). I would thoroughly recommend Ty Gwennol to anyone wanting a holiday in a beautiful location and I have no doubt that the other cottages are just as good. And the proprietors are very helpful and friendly, which always makes a holiday so much more pleasant - although at no point did they ever intrude. Highly recommended.