“A Great Opportunity to enjoy a Lovely Holiday at a Realistic Price – But is it for you? A Total Review.”
This review is intended for anyone who does not know the property or the area and wants to hit the ground running. To allow anyone else to skip over the parts they have no interest in and get quickly to those they really want, I am writing an Over View and then including detail under specific headings along with Hints and Tips. If you find any of this of use please tick the “Helpful” box and help me towards my goal, for which I will be for ever grateful.
An Over View in Brief
Tan Bryn 1 is one of two adjacent properties. It is well equipped, clean, has pleasing furnishings and a clever design has made best use of the space available. Dogs are welcome but you would never know that any had ever been there. Its location is central to a delightful village and close to a long beach.
A possible down side for those lacking total mobility or who have a small child, is that it is at the top a flight of external metal stairs - if this does not exclude you then what follows should enthuse you.
Tip
There is a very small difference in height between the top step and the patio – just be aware of it!
Who Goes There?
Almost anyone who can make it up and down the stairs! The two apartments are side by side with a partially shared patio making them ideal for couples who know each other but like some time to themselves. The way the patio is designed means that you can sit together or out of sight of your neighbours and the complimentary internal designs mean that you hear virtually nothing through the walls.
Hint – If you get the choice of either Tan Bryn 1 or 2 go for 1. This has a little extra space which gives you better dining space.
The Immediate Location
The apartments are over a Fish and Chip shop – this should not put you off. There are no tell-tale odours, it only opens on set days and you won’t normally be aware of its presence. On the other hand when you fancy freshly caught lobster or very large cod with masses of tasty chips, it is very handy and the prices will not make your eyes water.
Within a hundred yards you will find a SPAR, a bakery that also sells coffee and cakes, a café, an ice cream parlour, a newsagent, a pizza/sandwich bar, two hotel/bars and souvenir shop. The good news, if you have a dog, is that you can dine in the bars with your pet and can sit outside the others. Another pleasant aspect is that this is not a typical seaside front but a traditional, stone built Welsh village with some very attractive features. The local people are welcoming and there is just enough competition to keep prices at a reasonable level –
Tip - An evening meal for two, (Main courses only), at the Ship Hotel but including a bottle of house wine from around £35 or take your own wine to the Fish Shop and eat Cod and chips for @£5 a head.
The Apartment Itself – what you get.
Off road parking is provided.
At the top of the stair case and to the side of the building is a small balcony with a coffee table and four chairs which is something of a sun trap.
On entry there is a broom cupboard to your right, primarily intended for the cleaning lady but useful to get rid of dog hairs or sand etc. To the left is a spacious bathroom with toilet, hand basin and over-the-bath shower. Unfortunately the bath side is quite high, especially noticeable when getting out and this might be a draw back to the more elderly.
Tips
If you use the balcony table and are re-entering the house for something watch out for the pitched roof overhang on the corner which is low enough for your head to collide with – Ow!
Towels are provided and are sufficient for two but if you like a large bath towel washed in softener – bring your own.
The Bedroom
Next on the left is the bedroom with King size double bed and side tables, a dressing table and free standing wardrobe with draw space. It is comfortable size and warm.
Hint
The pillows are ok but different. I got used to mine but if you have space you might like to take one of your own.
Tip
Collect colourful small stones from the beach in a plastic bag and use this to prevent the bottom of the blind from wafting about when you have the bedroom window open at night. The alternative is small but irritating clicks every time a breeze blows.
Other rooms
The lounge, dining area and kitchen are open plan which is a really clever idea making small areas feel much larger. You can sit four comfortably at the smallish dining table and the lounge area can seat up to five. There is an electric fire if required but largely not needed and a decent television. Wifi is not an option but phone reception is ok.
The kitchen has a full oven and hob, a dishwasher, toaster and microwave and adequate cutlery , dishes and glassware for two. More would be nice as you have to remember to use the dishwasher every night.
All the floors are laminate, a good idea for any spills etc and it also helps to create the feeling of space.
Hint
If you are using the toaster, clean out any crumbs regularly or the fire alarm, sited high on the pitched roof almost above it, will set off at a considerable volume. Standing on a dining chair and wafting a tea towel at it eventually works – but make sure you recognise where it is before you start!
Where to go
Dogs are allowed on the beach to the left and the right of the hotel but not behind it before 30th September. The beach is vast and clean anyway but we thought the right end the best and, since it is a little harder to get to, you can have it virtually to yourself. Great for a beach picnic.
Tip
If you have children, make sure that they understand what erosion means and do not climb under or stand near the edge of the cliffs which can be subject to land falls.
The National Trust which has a large interest in the area has a shop with huge car parking facilities,(free to N.T members), where you can get all the information you need about the many other places and beaches to visit. You can virtually pick any road or path to find stunning views but places you should look out for particularly are: On the North coast; Porthor, (A very beautiful beach but closed to dogs during the main season), Porth Dinllaen (Park and cross the golf links and decend to a the old Ty Coch Inn with some covered outside seating and dog friendly, South Coast; Abersoch (Interesting gift shops and unusual dog friendly café), Llanbedrog, (A nice beach and dog friendly café – National Trust parking).
If the sun shines you can’t go wrong, if not it is a better place to be than most.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time to get this far. If I what I have written has been of any small help, please remember to tick the Helpful box and encourage me to continue – for which many thanks.
- Ian H, September 2015
