Yr Hen Ysgoldy, a neat pet-friendly abode in Machynlleth, Gwynedd.
This former church school is set within Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), boasting a river and pub nearby, countryside views and a toasty woodburning stove, making it a lovely base for friends and families.
Arrive to off-road parking beside the property, with additional space available nearby, then step in from the roadside pavement and into a spacious hallway that offers a warm welcome and practical room for coats, boots or carefully stored bikes.
The accommodation unfolds in a distinctive semi-upside-down layout that reflects the building’s past, with all living spaces designed to be shared and enjoyed together.
On the ground floor, three well-presented bedrooms provide comfortable places to rest, including two twin rooms with countryside views and one king-size bedroom, served by two neatly finished shower rooms that make getting ready simple after days outdoors.
The dining room sits at the centre of the ground floor, a sociable space where a piano adds character and invites relaxed evenings spent together over long meals and conversation, with the kitchen just off to one side, enjoying views across the surrounding landscape that make everyday cooking feel calm and unhurried.
Upstairs, the mezzanine sitting room forms the true heart of the home, a much-loved space with rustic beams overhead, Velux windows drawing in light and mountain views beyond, and comfortable seating gathered around the woodburning stove, creating a warm place for everyone to unwind together with a book, film or quiet chat as the fire glows.
The open mezzanine layout enhances the sense of space and connection, making it easy to relax while still feeling part of the group.
Outside, the enclosed garden offers a simple spot to spend time in the fresh air, while a bus stop just outside the property makes exploring the wider area straightforward without always needing the car.
When you are ready to head out, Eryri National Park offers unforgettable days of discovery, from tackling the well-known routes of Cadair Idris and taking in sweeping mountain views, to visiting the Dyfi Osprey Project to watch these magnificent birds fishing and nesting from dedicated viewing platforms.
For something a little different, Corris Mine Explorers invites you underground to uncover the region’s slate-mining heritage, following expert guides through vast caverns and tunnels that bring local history vividly to life.
After a day spent exploring this beautiful corner of Wales, return to Yr Hen Ysgoldy, light the stove upstairs, settle into the mezzanine sitting room and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique former schoolhouse.