Aran

Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Converted stables in the wooded foothills of Snowdonia.

Aran is a tiny, studio cottage in the old stable block of Craflwyn Hall. One in a row of cottages, it sits at the heart of a 200-acre estate in the care of the National Trust. The cottages back onto woodland, with walks from the doorstep.

The door opens into an open-plan living space with all you need for a simple stay: a cosy place to relax, a table for two, a fridge and a microwave. The shower room is downstairs too. Head up steep stairs to the mezzanine and you’ll find the double bed tucked into the roof-space.

Step outside for mountain views and endless space to explore the surrounding landscape. There are benches at the front of the row, shared with the neighbouring cottages.

Beddgelert village is less than a mile away, and another short walk leads to Dinas Emrys. This hill is famous as the site of a legendary battle between two dragons, one white and one red, perhaps the best known of the myths that abound in this area. There are many trails to follow in Craflwyn and Beddgelert, passing waterfalls, lakes, wild heath and wooded valleys, and a path leading to Snowdon’s summit from the next village, Nant Gwynant.