Briar Bank

Briar Bank is a striking cottage situated in Barmouth, Gwynedd.

Perched above the coast with breathtaking views sweeping across Cardigan Bay towards the Llŷn Peninsula, this impressive hideaway brings families and friends together beside two woodburning stoves, with the seaside and adventures through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) within easy reach.

Wind your way up the driveway and park the car before taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings, with the elevated setting immediately introducing those magnificent coastal vistas.

Dolphins are spotted regularly from the property.

Head inside and make your way into the carpeted sitting room, where the window frames stunning sea views from its elevated position.

Sink into the sofa or one of the armchairs and let the outlook hold your attention, or flick on the TV and settle in for the evening as the woodburning stove glows from its nook.

Continue into the cosy living/dining room, another inviting place to gather beneath the backdrop of breath-taking water views.

Two sofas give everyone space to put their feet up after a day on the coast, while the partially exposed stone surrounding the woodburning stove brings plenty of character to the room.

When appetites call, take a seat around the dining table and recount the day's adventures over dinner.

The kitchen is the hub of the house, where green fixtures add a splash of colour and a skylight draws daylight into the space.

Pull up a seat at the breakfast bar with your morning coffee while somebody gets breakfast underway, using the oven, grill and hob before reaching into the fridge/freezer for tomorrow's picnic supplies.

A Quooker tap and toaster take care of unhurried starts before another day beside the sea, while a cloakroom completes the ground floor.

When evening begins to draw in, head upstairs to choose between four bedrooms.

Wake in the bedroom with en-suite shower room and draw your attention towards a wonderful sea view before freshening up for the day ahead, while three further bedrooms provide restful spaces for the rest of the group.

The family bathroom provides ample opportunity to unwind too, whether you choose a long soak in the freestanding bath or step beneath the walk-in shower for a refreshing start to the morning.

Outside, enjoy the hot tub or gather around the furniture for alfresco dining against an unforgettable coastal backdrop.

The glass balustrade keeps the sea firmly in sight, while the adjoining gravelled space provides another spot to sit with a drink and watch the changing colours over the water.

The essentials are conveniently close, with the shop and pub less than a mile away and the beach a little over a mile from your doorstep.

Spend a day exploring Barmouth, where you can sink your toes into the golden sands, make your way along the Welsh Coast Path with Cardigan Bay alongside you, or take to the water for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.

For a change of scene, travel along the coast to Harlech, under ten miles away, where you can combine time exploring the historic town with walks through the surrounding North Wales landscape and further adventures along this striking stretch of coastline.

Alternatively, venture into Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), where soaring mountains create a dramatic backdrop for walking, cycling and days spent discovering some of Wales' most spectacular scenery.

With Dolgellau also just over ten miles away, there is plenty of opportunity to swap the seaside for a day inland before returning to your elevated coastal retreat.

Come back to Briar Bank in Barmouth to light the woodburning stove, settle beside the sea views and plan another memorable day exploring Gwynedd.