Garth Gell

an astounding and secluded Eryri/ Snowdonia mountain location between Dolgellau and Fairbourne/ Barmouth beaches
Guests: 6 Wifi: not available Pets? Strictly no pets allowed

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about the property

Priced for 2 staying, sleeps 6

There are few locations in the UK more beautiful than here at Garth Gell near Dolgellau in the Snowdonia National Park of North Wales. Here you will find utter peace and seclusion. Restored by a pair of the best conservation architects in Britain this 1805 farmhouse had sat empty for decades before being brought back to life with considerable effort and much love.

This farmhouse is so far up the mountain that it is beyond the last electric pole, and sits, as it has for 200+ years, without any mains electricity. Water comes from the spring. There is no central heating, but an oil-fired AGA and two modern wood-burners. There are enough solar panels for lighting and charging phones, but apart from that, this is an entirely rustic low-tech experience - no television, wifi or modern appliances.

Nestled on 25 sheep-grazed acres, Hafod promises peace and privacy. Yet, it's just minutes from an ancient RSPB woodland, 15 minutes to sandy beaches (Barmouth), and a quick drive to historic Dolgellau town.

Garth Gell is a truly special place - but note that it doesn't have central heating and although it has an oil-fired Aga and two woodburners it'd be a cottage only for the hardy in winter months.

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latest review

We found the cottage was charming. It is in a very beautiful location and it was very well presented and appointed. The historic location made for some brilliant exploring and we were able to walk to...
Will F, 2026

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good to know

arrival at: 16:00
depart by: 10:00
guests: 6
pets: strictly no pets allowed
bed layout: Master Double, Double and the Double only

facilities at Garth Gell

bathroom

bath

general

farm or rural location

secluded location

open fire / woodburner

no pets

infants

young children welcome

map - location

travel info

Due to the remote location, you'll need a car – the nearest bus stop is a 20-minute walk, and 5-minute drive away.

in detail

There is no wifi but we found our phones had some (limited) signal at one end of the house (tested on 02 and EE)

Hafod is a truly special place - but note that it doesn't have central heating and although it has an oil-fired Aga and two woodburners it'd be a cottage only for the hardy in winter months.

Downstairs:

Cegin Fawr: large wood burner - note our photo of the inglenook was taken before a substantial woodburning stove was installed

Snug: wood burner, dvd collection

Kitchen: fridge-freezer, small gas stove, oil-fired AGA

Upstairs:

Master bedroom: King double bedroom showcasing the 'walk-through' concept that leads to the other bedrooms

Bedroom 2: Double bed

Bedroom 3: Small double bed

Bedroom 4: Two single beds

Two bathrooms, both with bath and WC

local area

Dolgellau – Historic town - 5 miles / 10 mins
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 with internet access (good & great views!) - 1.5 mile
Barmouth (resort, beach etc) - 9 miles / 18 mins.
Cregennan Lakes
Cader Idris (mountain) - you're in the foothills!
Dylanwad (Cellar Wine Shop, Cafe/Bar) - 5 miles / 10 mins.
T H Roberts Coffee Shop, Dolgellau
MoMa in Machynlleth, art gallery

customer reviews for Garth Gell

We found the cottage was charming. It is in a very beautiful location and it was very well presented and appointed. The historic location made for some brilliant exploring and we were able to walk to the high hills from the house. All in all it was a really good weekend...

- Will F,

2026

We had a great stay at Garth Gell. The host was very organised with useful information and everything was presented beautifully. The property is situated in vast farmland with amazing views and spectacular scenery. We loved the unique style of the interior and it felt very cosy and homely. The beds were so comfy with lovely Egyptian linen. It was so quiet and peaceful we could only hear sheep. Kathleen responded quickly to all the questions to ensure everything was perfect. Highly recommend.

- John G,

This place surpassed all our expectations. It is truly magical. We spent a wonderful week there with our kids over half term -we felt so relaxed, nobody wanted to come home.... The remote location and the stunning scenery have to be seen to be believed. The surrounding area has so much to offer - we walked, cycled and went to some of the incredible beaches. After long days out, it was a treat to come back to such a beautiful base - the cottage is immaculately fitted out and very tastefully decorated. We really switched off and relaxed and were able to connect as a family. The owners were super helpful and showed that they genuinely care for their guests. Thank you!

2025

This is a fabulous farmhouse in a really amazing location. We thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend here in the peace of the Welsh countryside. Beautiful furnishings, great open fireplace. Please note that the huge main bedroom does not have privacy (no door) unless there is no-one in the adjacent room! A few other inaccuracies in the notes provided but in no way did this detract from our enjoyment.

- Karen E,

2024

We had a fantastic stay - the scenery is incredible and the house is delightful. Feels genuinely away from it all and very relaxing. There’s loads to do in the area but the many walks are the star of show. Would definitely come again. - Mike

We really had the very, very best weekend. It was utter heaven, we walked, we talked, we ate, we drank and we laughed but most of all we felt very lucky to be there…Everywhere I looked, it looked like a still life that I wanted to photograph… Soft sheets, plump pillows, beautiful wine glasses - we loved every moment.

A breathtakingly beautiful spot - and we loved it. Wonderful walks, straight from the house, and evenings spent drinking red wine, playing games and watching DVDs. A very happy week with our three teenagers.

- Becky B,

2023

Wow what a find! We had a truly amazing few days in this unique place. The house and surrounding area was so beautiful – a feast for the eyes during the day and even at night with shooting stars and starry skies. We slept so well in our lovely beds after lots of long walks and chatter around the kitchen table. There is so much to do and to enjoy not doing and the top tips the hosts gave were great. The house is stunning, cosy and atmospheric and we were grateful for the clear instructions about the off-grid experience we were to expect (and what not to expect). We didn't want to leave, but back home now feeling fully recharged and wondering if it was all just a dream ... Thank you for sharing this magical experience with us. - R

Garth Gell

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