An exquisite former barn marrying the old with the new, this Welsh retreat could be ideal for an extended family or two families together. Sleeping ten guests, the five-bedroom hideaway near Darowen, 7 miles from Machynlleth, can be divided into two self-contained cottages. Lace up your walking boots or hop on your bikes to explore this enchanting corner of Mid Wales. Drive 5.5 miles to see birds of prey at Falconry Experience Wales or venture 10 miles to the picturesque Ffwrd Fawr Waterfall, in the Pennant Valley. The Glaslyn Nature Reserve (8 miles), set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, is a spectacular upland lake also worth seeing; this has views towards the coast and Snowdonia.
Step into this beautiful barn to find appealing original features, such as exposed stone walls and oak beams, as well as modern touches, such as slate floors, underfloor heating and a magnificent kitchen in the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner. Prepare hearty Welsh meals in here for your party, then dine together with the patio doors open on fine days before lighting the wood burner and watching a little TV. Also downstairs is a second lounge/kitchen/diner, with similar features, which opens into a sunroom where you can relax with a cup of tea to take in the views. There is also a porch, where you can hang jackets and leave shoes, as well as two WCs, one within a boot room. Head upstairs to find the bedrooms and bathrooms. These include three king-size bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room, a twin room and a bunk bedroom. There are also two family bathrooms.
Wander outside to discover the games room, where you can play pool, listen to music and choose books and other games. Light the BBQ out on the patio and soak up the views as you cook supper out in the fresh air or take the children to the play area in the separate enclosed garden next to the barn.