Cader Isaf

Restored in conjunction with Under the Thatch, on the slope of Cader Idris above Dolgellau, Eryri/ Snowdonia National Park
Guests: 4       Wifi: not available       Pets? Pets welcome (more than 3 contact us upon booking), fee applies

Cader Isaf

more about Cader Isaf

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about the property

Priced for up to 4 staying, sleeps 4. Restored by our good friends Megan and Alan in conjunction with Under the Thatch, on the slope of Cader Idris, and now one of our most popular Eryri/ Snowdonia rentals.

Priced 'per property' with up to 4 guests included at no further charge.

"Since time immemorial, Snowdonia has served as a safe haven from the world, and this newly opened farmhouse is in the happy position of being a remote oasis within it.

On a 750-acre farm, with the nearest house half a mile away, Cader Isaf is king of all it surveys, commanding spectacular views of the Cader Idris mountain range. There's underfloor heating throughout, while outside there are footpaths to the Cregennan Lakes and the Mawddach Trail along the estuary to the sea at Barmouth." The Guardian

In a decade of being sole agents for this property, we've seen guests return time and time again. This  Grade II Listed C17 house is noted as one of the best preserved Snowdonia farms  - it's the perfect location for those who love the mountains, but don't want to be too far from the beach. If the location here doesn't impress you, then little will. 

Note we're also agents for Cader Isaf's sister farmhouse just a couple of fields away - find Cader Uchaf here.

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latest review

The house was full of character with all that you need for a comfortable stay in an incredible location. We enjoyed walks from our front door but also found that so many other parts of beautiful north...

Catherine H, 2024

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good to know

arrival at
16:00
depart by
10:00
guests
4
pets
pets welcome (more than 3 contact us upon booking)
bed layout
Master Double, Double

facilities at Cader Isaf

general
farm or rural location
open fire / woodburner
activities
coastal location - within 5 miles of the sea
cleaning services
washing machine

map - location

in detail

Note there is no WiFi, TV or radio at this property, and although some guests find they have enough phone signal to download emails etc, we cannot guarantee it. If having access to the internet is important we suggest nipping down to Dolgellau town or the excellent George III pub (with food) at the nearby river. 

All windows from the main rooms have good views over the Snowdonia National Park.

Underfloor heating throughout and radiators upstairs, plus two wood-burning stoves. The first basket of wood is provided and further supplies can be bought in Dolgellau.

Ground Floor:

  • Sitting Room / Dining area – comfortable sofa and 2 vintage armchairs, country farmhouse table and chairs, wood burner
  • Sitting Room 2 / 'Y Parlwr' – two comfortable sofas, wood burner
  • Kitchen / 'Y Gegin' - oven/hob, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge.
  • Downstairs loo
  • Spacious hall with traditional slate floor

First Floor:

  • Bedroom 1 – king-size bed,
  • Bedroom 2 - king-size  bed
  • Bathroom – modern generous shower cubicle (no bath), heated towel rail, loo, and handbasin with mirror over
  • Seating area on landing with a little window, perfect to drink in the spectacular views.

Outside:

  • Plenty of parking
  • Acres of beautiful pasture and woodland to explore.
  • Enclosed dog-friendly garden at both front and back of the property.
  •  Locked storage available for bicycles.

local area

  • Snowdonia National Park - you're at its heart!
  • Bwyty Mawddach - locally sourced food with amazing views of Cader Idris - 6 miles / 11-minute drive
  • Bike hire - 5 miles / 10 mins.
  • Dolgellau – Historic town - 5 miles / 10 mins. Dolgellau also has its own free app with historic walks, tourist information etc.
  • Mawddach Trail – under 1 mile to join
  • Coed y Brenin (mountain biking, Nordic Walking) - 7 miles
  • Fairbourne (beach) - 6 miles / 10 mins.
  • George III bar/ restaurant (good & great views!) - 1.5 mile
  • Barmouth (resort, beach etc) - 9 miles / 18 mins.
  • Cader Idris (mountain) - you're in foothills!
  • T H Roberts Coffee Shop, Dolgellau
  • Dylanwad (Cellar Wine Shop, Cafe/Bar) - 5 miles / 10 mins.
  • MoMa in Machynlleth, art gallery
  • Cregennan Lakes - (The National Trust’s) spectacular views of mountains and Cardigan Bay - everyone’s favourite walk direct from the house.

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customer reviews for Cader Isaf

The house was full of character with all that you need for a comfortable stay in an incredible location. We enjoyed walks from our front door but also found that so many other parts of beautiful north Wales were easily accessible.

- Catherine H,
2024

Amazing invironment , great view cosy house. We Just loved it. Walks that start from the house.

- Dominique D,
2024

If you are looking for great views, historic character and unplugged peace and quiet, this is for you! It's an honest, thoughtfully restored Welsh farmhouse, comfortable and cosy, with a fascinating story about its past residents to discover. The days we walked from the house and didn't use the car were the best!

- Sarah T,
2024

This is an amazing cottage in a beautiful location. The cottage was very cosy, warm, spacious with everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Fantastic views from every window and great walking right from the door step!

- Chrissie C,
2024

One of the most wonderfully located cottages we have ever stayed in. Walking from the front door each day to return to a beautifully equipped & furnished house made it a very memorable holiday indeed.

- Lorna D,
2024

Lovely, well-equipped and comfortable cottage in stunning and atmospheric location. Wonderful walks and scenery, we hardly used the car

- Carol S,
2024

The holiday requests were: Wales, no more than two hours drive from home, remote, mountainous, dog friendly, close to the sea, views, a painting location from the front door, multiple reading locations and peaceful. Cader Isaf certainly had it all plus more, including a close by owner who kindly helped us jump start the car when the battery went as we were leaving. I think it was the car telling us not to leave! Will be booking again.

- Mariella S,
2023

Glorious location, well equipped and comfortable cottage! We had a wonderful week of walks up mountains, along rivers, to waterfalls and on beaches. Who could ask for more?

- Elizabeth P,
2023

Lovely week - it’s a beautiful house in an idyllic setting. Really well equipped and comfortable house with stunning views. Highly recommended for a complete getaway!

- Gill A,
2023

Absolutely lovely cottage in an idyllic location. We had a super week, including in the rain. Loved this house and will be back!

- Sandra h D,
2023

What a wonderful location! Cader Isaf is a dream place to stay if peace and quiet, beautiful scenery and nature is your thing. The tucked away location means no one can be seen or disturb you, yet in 10 minutes (by car) you can be at the pub or at the shops in a further 10 minutes. Take all your supplies and hide from the world if you want to! The scenery surrounding the cottage is breath-taking

- Michael D,
2023

This is a high quality, tasteful renovation of a cottage that is immersed in stupendous mountain landscape. During our three night stay we experienced 3 seasons of weather, but when the hail and wind forced us to stay inside, the cottage was warm and cosy with its underfloor heating and two wood burning stoves. The absence of all modern communications in the cottage made for a delightful break from our day to day lives, but when we needed to communicate (by text from nearby) with the owner Meghan for help with a minor problem, she arrived rapidly and sorted it. When planning our walk/scramble up Cadair Idris, we could see from the cottage the route we were going to take - it is that close to the mountains. A lovely long weekend break.

- Michael S,
2022

Simply stunning in every way. Beautiful traditional cottage in amazing surroundings. Couldn’t find fault with anything. Can’t wait to visit again.

- Simon W,
2022

we had the most amazing relaxing time here . the Cottage was perfect in every way and walks were spot on. If you want to get away from it all and drink up the tranquility then stay here. The views of Cadar are mesmerising. we will be back.

- Mukta L,
2022

Beautiful house. Beautiful location. Beautiful area.

- Paul L,
2022

A wonderful place to get away from it all. Fantastic views, great walks from the door and a short drive to sandy beaches. The cottage itself is beautifully decorated and the kitchen particularly well equipped. Perfect for long walks then reading in front of a fire. We will be back!

- Harriet G,
2022

Our stay was idyllic. The cottage was beautifully appointed with everything we needed and more. The property has been tastefully restored and modernized just enough for comfort and convenience whilst maintaining the charm and integrity of the place. The situation was perfect with just the sights and sounds of nature, nothing to detract from the beautiful views and peace and quiet. I would highly recommend and would love to revisit in the future

- Victoria H,
2022

An absolutely fabulous break in a fantastic location. Just peace and quiet with wonderful walks straight from the front door. Warm and extremely comfortable accommodation, could not fault anything about our stay there. We will be planning to come back!

- Valerie L,
2021

Lovely second stay at this cottage - off the grid, no wifi, phone signal or television - bliss. Great opportunity to catch up with long walks in the daytime and nights in front of the log burner.

- Martin O,
2021

Elegantly renovated house with a spectacular view of Cader Idris. Peace and tranquillity.

- Nicholas steel ,
2021

We had such a good break at beautiful Cae Enion. The house is extremely comfortable, warm and cosy and well equipped. It’s completely secluded and peaceful and surrounded by beautiful scenery and walks in all directions. The baby lambs were a bonus!

- Clare T,
2021

We loved our stay at Cae Einion and hope to come back soon. The peace and quiet was just what we needed, with the only sound being the lambs in the surrounding fields. The house was beautiful, spacious, warm, comfortable, fully equipped, tastefully furnished and decorated. The house is situated in a stunning and peaceful location with beautiful views. There are great walks in the area, some right from the house. Would highly recommend.

- Karen B,
2021

We had a wonderful week at Cae Enion. The house was wonderfully warm with the underfloor heating as well as the woodburner to make things really toasty in the evenings. We really appreciated being able to leave the car behind and make the most of really good walks from the door and we loved the sense of being tucked up on the side of the mountains, properly getting away from it all! Such a special place.

- Alison J,
2020

We had another fantastic stay in this beautiful farmhouse. The location is second to none -- the mountain scenery all around makes being here so peaceful. There are so many lovely walks straight from the house, and once you're done, coming back to the cosy house is such a treat. This is one of our very favourite places to stay. Thank you, Megan, for your lovely home, which is so fantastically well-equipped and cosy.

- Charlotte penman ,
2020

We had a fabulous stay at Cae Einion - it couldn't have been in a more prefect location for us - a garden that over looked Cadair Idris - simply stunning! Remote, quiet and views - everything we were looking for. We were lucky to have 3 of our 5 days in September with glorious weather.

- Emma B,
2020

Very comfortable and beautifully finished whilst retaining the sense of the history of this lovely house. The location is perfect with excellent walking and cycling from the doorstep, and the view over Cadair Idris is incredible.

- Sarah-jane watkinson ,
2020

A truly lovely house in a glorious location. No one for miles and views to die for with walks aplenty from the door. We will be back.

- Tanya brown ,
2020

Fantastic location, close to the mountains and the sea. Lovely house, well equipped, with all you could need. So quiet and peaceful.

- Anna G,
2020

We had a wonderful stay at Cae Einion and did not want to leave. We were blessed with perfect weather and enjoyed toadstool and lichen spotting in the beautiful surrounding woodland and went on some of the fantastic walks recommended from the brilliant array of maps and local guides in the cottage. We loved watching the bats in the evening and listening to the owls calling in the woods late at night whilst looking at the stars. The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped - we did not miss reading or hearing about the current news at all! Watching the sunrise over the mountains every morning is a sight we will never forget.Thank you to Megan and UTT for preserving and offering a wonderful piece of history for others to enjoy.

- Lesley R,
2019

A brilliant holiday in a lovely cottage in a fabulous location. We know the area so were able to walk every day and had the good fortune of no rain in the day and some sunny days enabling us to visit beaches as well.

- George Y,
2019

We had a very pleasant stay, the cottage was immaculate and well equipped and just as described. The setting is idyllic. You just have to be very careful with the low doorways, I wasn't!

- Ian P,
2019

Cae Einion was simply bliss. For us it was only an hour away from home, but seemed a world away! Such a beautiful location, in the foothills of Cadair Idris & a perfect few hours were spent sitting reading just glancing up at the hills and the changing weather. We had stunning weather, but it’s Wales & a little bit of rain wouldn’t have stopped us from walking Cadair pony path, the lakes, Abergywnant Woods, walks in Tal-y-Bont, etc. We took all our food with us and only ventured into Dolgellau once for milk- a lovely, friendly town. We can’t thank Megan enough for this wonderful holiday. And the digital detox was perfect.

- Fiona D,
2019

It is not that common to have both an amazing location and a fabulous cottage. Cae Einion truly enables both. Even Storm Hannah did not dent our enthusiasm for waking up to the views of Cader Idris (albeit cloudy), and a multitude of lambs gambolling around the surrounding fields. Having a true digital detox for my 14 and 11 year old (there really is zero mobile signal) meant they actually conversed during the cosy evenings around the wood burner. Even better was the ability to be at a huge dog-friendly beach (Fairbourne) in 15 minutes or the best fish and chips in 20 minutes (Harbourmaster - Barmouth) or multitude of restaurants in Dolegellau. Not forgetting the possibility for walks direct from the front door - helped by the veritable feast of walking books in the cottage. Like many others, wished we could have stayed longer.

- Kieron O,
2019

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage - lovely and cosy, and we enjoyed some walks and stargazing at night. A very relaxing break.

- Davina M,
2019

The cottage was fabulous and the location was perfect, being remote and on the foothills of the mountains surrounded by spectacular countryside. Hard to imagine a better place to stay.

- Nigel M,
2018

We have stayed in so many rural cottages both in the Highlands, Wales and the South West. Cae Einion is by far the loveliest, with clean cosy rooms, comfy beds, incredible views . peace and quiet and many thoughtful touches. Welsh blankets and pillows, walking books and maps, and fascinating local books to read. We just didn’t want to leave!

- Michelle A,
2018

Too short a visit to this beautiful house with spectacular views of Cadir Idris. Peaceful, relaxed and seculded. We didn’t see another soul all weekend. The house has been lovingly restored and you really feel as if you are living in a piece of history, but with all the comforts of luxury mod cons. Loved it!

- El E,
2018

We had a lovely week in this beautiful cottage - the views from every window are amazing and the cottage was very well equipped and spotlessly clean. The beds were extremely comfortable and we enjoyed the wood burner! We hope to return again soon.

- Maxine G,
2018

An all to brief stay in a magical place amongst the kites and the skylarks with the call of the cuckoo as the only background noise. We were entertained by the lambs and their antics. Cottage was full of character, cosy and amazing views of the mountains. Truly a special place, isolated beauty and a escape from our 24/7 technological world. Thank you for sharing this place with us.

- Mary T,
2018

What a fantastic week we had here!!! Cae Einion is a comfortable, well-equipped, renovated farmhouse which offers a wonderful secluded retreat from modern living (no tv/wi-fi), whilst allowing all the modern comforts you'd expect in terms of heating, cooking, bathroom facilities etc. It is a wonderful base to explore the surrounding areas of Barmouth, Dolgellau or further afield, and to undertake walks in the immediate vicinity of the farmhouse. Its location is FANTASTIC! The views of Cader Idris are mind-blowing; to wake to the view of the mountain, and then to see the stars rising above it in the evening, was just so special!

- Gareth W,
2018

We have just spent 4 nights in this fantastic cottage in the middle of the beautiful welsh mountains and the sun shone for the whole time! The cottage was lovely so cozy and comfortable. It truly is a little piece of paradise.. we will be back next year. Thankyou Megan for being so helpful.

- Lorraine C,
2018

We had an absolutely great weekend getaway stay! Lovely cottage in a great area.

- Andreas R,
2018

A fantastic old farmhouse in a stunning location. We really enjoyed our stay at Cae Einion . The house was more spacious than we had anticipated and with underfloor heating on the ground floor and two wood burners was very warm. The kitchen is well equipped . There was pleanty of room for muddy boots and associated walking gear. The fence round the small front and rear outside seating areas is dog proof .A great location for walking in the southern part of the Snowdonia National Park . Liz and John Gallop

- John G,
2018

It is difficult to describe quite how magical Cae Einion is. From the minute we arrived at the gate to drive up to the house, we couldnt quite believe our luck. The views are breath taking from every window up to Cadair Idris and change with every passing minute. Utter peace and quiet, just the gentle music of the stream, tick of the long case clock in the hall and the sheep baaing- absolute bliss! The cottage is divine. Cosy, welcoming and well equipped, decorated beautifully and with oodles of character. There is no wifi or signal but all the better. Complete digital switch off for us and the kids was just what was needed. Our children, aged 9 and 11, actually made up games! (Unheard of these days with the ever present draw of telly and ipads). Meg was also very helpful when we texted her a query. We had to drag ourselves away, but we had fabulous days out walking Cadair, cycling the Mawddach trail and Coed-Y-Brenin as well as sandy fun at Fairbourne and Barmouth beaches. We loved it and cannot wait to come back. Thank you!

- Jennifer O,
2017

Our stay was excellent. The location is superb and incredibly peaceful. The cottage is lovely and very well equipped. We were lucky enough to have some clear skies on our last night and the darkness meant a wonderful hour of star gazing with the bats swooping around above.

- Clare C,
2017

Cae Einion was everything we had hoped for and more. The location is breathtaking. The cottage beautifully appointed. We wish we were still there!

- Karen P,
2017

Exceptional location and a beautifully restored cottage; peaceful and tranquil. Highly recommended

- Mike M,
2017

A fantastic getaway, nothing but sheep, greenfields and mountains to look out on, and the walking is fabulous. The house is classic UTT with lots of interesting family history.

- Gordon W,
2017

The holiday at Cae Einion was excellent and the accommodation excellent too. We were made very welcome by the owner Megan Huggins and will definitely be visiting this property again.Many thanks for a wonderful week at Cae Einion which is a beautiful property with set in stunning countryside. Tony and Pat

- Anthony C,
2017

Immaculately presented in stunning location. Very warm and well kitted out. Privilege to stay in such an historic property.

- Malcolm G,
2016

We have just got back from a beautiful stay at the cottage. Arriving after dark gave us the most wonderful surprise in the morning, the views are breathtaking. Our group have returned home feeling recharged, refreshed and enjoyed a much needed break away from the modern world! It was our first UTT stay but it definitely won't be our last! Already planning a future trip,

- Sophie I,
2016

A lovely house with an amazing setting. Kept in tip top condition, too. A gem in the Welsh mountains.

- Clare D,
2016

We had a great holiday at Cae Einion. The house was lovely and really well furnished. The views were spectacular and the sheep in the garden were hilarious. Our children loved it, the location was great and driving up the mountain every day was an adventure. We'd definitely return!

- Aaron H,
2016

Well Cae Einion is a beautifully restored and furnished cottage in a magnificent location, and timeless in its connection to the local history and landscape. We felt rested and restored after a week immersed in the warmth and homeliness of the house, after days out in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Dolgellau is a wonderful market town, and being so close to Cadair Idris was amazing. It has been the best holiday we have had. Thank you Megan. The house is so comfortable, welcoming and peaceful.

- Kirsty davidson ,
2016

A very comfortable, well appointed house in a near perfect spot. So quiet that we could hear the sheep in the field over the garden wall tearing the grass with their teeth to eat it. A perfect spot for walkers too, no need to drive you can just go from the front door.

- John ashton ,
2016

Our first holiday through Under the Thatch and we found the booking process quick and easy. Cae Einion is a charming old building which has been sympathetically restored and is set in beautiful countryside. The views of Cader Idris from the cottage are simply stunning. There is great walking in the immediate area and we enjoyed returning to this cosy cottage at the end of the day. Thoroughly recommended.

- Derek P,
2016

Lovely rustic traditional cottage in a stunning location. Really enjoyed our stay and climb up the mountain and beaches.

- Tiina hill ,
2016

We had a fab stay in the authentically restored and tastefully furnished Cae Einion. The accommodation couldn't be faulted and it is equipped to a very high standard with every kitchen item you might require plus many books and maps on the area. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the cottage faces the magnificent Cader Idris, which is a wonder to behold outside the front door. We enjoyed great walks every day directly out the back door, including to the estuary. Nearby Dolgellau is an attractive, compact town with interesting history and architecture. Let's keep it a secret!

- Simon A,
2016

We have just returned home having spent 4 wonderful days at this cosy, welcoming and beautiful cottage. The setting is sublime and the chance to escape from the 'connected' world has left us feeling restored and utterly rested - despite busy days spent mountain biking and climbing Cadre Idris. Our teenage daughter was too charmed by the lambs that surround the cottage to miss her mobile, and being able to show her the Andromeda galaxy in a night sky with absolutely no light pollution is just one of the lovely memories we shall take from this unique place. The cottage has been sympathetically restored and is tastefully furnished - we found it to have everything required for a comfortable stay. We cannot wait to return.

- Alison M,
2016

Can't recommend highly enough- Cae Einion is a really special place. The setting is spectacular, the house stylish and yet cosy and the location perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside. We especially loved the nearby precipice walk. The lack of Internet, TV etc meant lots of good conversation and enabled us all to unplug. We will be back.

- Lucy W,
2015

peace and tranquility, beautiful long walks from the doorstep, roaring fires, cosy decor and more...

- Mrs carol eyles ,
2015

Cae Einion is a wonderful place - it has been beautifully restored but retains its sense of history with modern comforts. The views are stunning and the silence is total. The only downside was having to leave.

- Jo H,
2015

This medieval cottage with up to date facilities is a perfect location. We have no complaint The cottage is quiet. The grounds are perfect. The sense of calm is out of this world. This week was a better weeks break than we have had. We arrived with provisions for the week. We explored a little - walked to Dolgellau down the road, through the forests and along the sublime estuary. Picked up some eggs from town and the local vegetable shop arranged us a taxi back as it was late. The beach and seafront buildings at Fairbourne accessed after driving past unspoilt lakes through the mountains in this unspoilt area of Wales - clean and hasn't changed in forty years. I was reluctant to do a review as I don't want it to be too popular! A perfect location for an old fashioned holiday with no electronic disturbances.

- Keith H,
2015

Car Einion is a wonderful cottage for those wanting to get away from the noise and stress of life. You open the front door and look straight out over the mountains. The house itself is clean, comfortable and quiet with wonderful wood burning stoves. We enjoyed our short but very peaceful break here.

- Anna R,
2015

Lovely cottage in idyllic surroundings. Perfect for really getting away from it all. No tv, no radio, no internet - bliss. Of all of the UTT cottages we have stayed in this is my favourite

- Linda E,
2015

I first visited this cottage when I was 10. Back then, it had FIVE bedrooms upstairs, one very primitive bath, and a kitchen that defined basic! Now it has two bedrooms, and every modern convenience....provided without compromising the antiquity and character of this unique building. Some things don't change, though. The setting remains sublime and inspirational: a place to heal and rediscover inner peace. But be warned, if the modern age matters, steer clear. No telly. No radio. No WiFi. No mobile signal ( unless you wander up the hill a bit) and the weather can be.....well.....contrary!! For me, 50 years after first setting my eyes on it, Cae einion remains very special and I can't wait to go back. Bill Jones

- Bill jones ,
2015

We had a truly relaxed break at this wonderful cottage. The attention to detail, decor, furnishings, etc, made this an excellent experience. The log fire was lit for our arrival - as you would expect in early May in the UK, it was not exactly a warm evening. We would (and have) recommend this beautiful cottage in amazing countryside to anyone. No TV, Internet, mobile phone signal, made it even more enjoyable; it's good to talk ;). Thank you Under the Thatch, we will use your site again for our next break.

- Michael H,
2015

"A beautiful, peaceful house. Many thanks." Evans family

-
2014

"Had a lovely week, lots of walks on the hills and the nearby beaches but you can't beat the view of the mountains from the bench in the front garden. Hope future holidays are as good as the first. Many thanks for a great stay." S and A, Nottingham

-
2014