Nant, which means brook or spring in welsh and refers to the small brook that runs past this cottage, is a two bedroom self catering barn conversion in Dyffryn Ardudwy. It's difficult for me to be objective when describing Nant as it's the larger of the five 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 completely 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 structural work including laying the natural slate tiles on our heated floor. Mike, a carpenter from the village, hand carved the oak trusses and glazed gable end. Whilst stonemasons, Charlie and Rich, two brothers and friends of ours, did a brilliant job of the external granite stonework. (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 king-size 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 completely 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 romantic atmosphere.
We've tried to buy 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 powerful 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, making the curtains by hand, restoring some old furniture bought at our local auction, and buying some nice ornaments made by friends and neighbours.
Nant is on the grounds of our farm here at Byrdir. There are lots of advantages to staying 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 favourite pastime of a lot of our guests. 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.
