Minffordd House

There can be few homes in Britain that can rival Minffordd House for its fabulous setting. Backed by the brooding hills of Snowdonia, with the charming Italianate village of Portmeirion, made famous by cult 60s series The Prisoner, below and coastline beyond. Offspring-permitting, it's possible to sit for hours in the gardens or on the master bedroom's balcony simply absorbing the inspiring views.

The house itself is the perfect combination of style, substance and comfort. The original features are accessorised with striking artwork and high quality furnishings. It is a haven of tranquility too thanks to its two acres of terraced gardens, much of which were planted by the original owner, the botanist responsible for the subtropical woodlands on the Portmeirion estate. He had a handy commute given that the village with its two good restaurants, fabulous ice cream parlour and often deserted beach is just around 10 minutes woodland walk downhill. The beach is stunning and has miles of sandcastle building opportunities plus safe swimming in low-tide and the swimming pool above. With so much on the doorstep, there's very little need to use a car, making a break at Hafod Cae Maen all the more relaxing as a result.

The impressive interior has large Edwardian windows and is flooded with light, whilst the polished oak floors and wood-burners in antique fireplaces add a cosy feel in winter. There's no expense spared in terms of modern comforts with indulgent Vi-Spring beds in the bedrooms, IPod docks, plasma TVs, Satellite TV, DVD players, WIFI, a wonderfully well-equipped, local slate-topped, kitchen with range cooker, dishwasher, microwave and a cosy wood burner in its dining area (seats 8 plus 2 highchairs). The owners have thought of everything with an incredibly comprehensive list of baby and toddler gear provided, plus a large range of toys, games, books, DVDs and a pretty wooden playhouse to ensure mini guests are easily entertained. The icing on the cake is the optional housekeeping, meal delivery, chef services, pre-arrival grocery shopping and babysitting.

Accommodation Overview:

Minffordd House has a large drawing room with satellite TV, DVD, stereo, toys, games and a wood-burning stove. On the same floor is the library containing wood panelling designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. It features an open log fire, cosy chairs in which to sit and read, a piano and a study with Internet access. The kitchen/dining room offers a fully equipped kitchen with range cooker, dishwasher and microwave as well as a dining area with wood-burning stove and double-doors opening onto the garden. There is also a snug with a small TV, ideal for preparing the menu or keeping an eye on the children whilst cooking or eating. Finally there is a downstairs cloakroom and a drying room with washing machine and tumble dryer. The first floor features two king-size bedrooms with “Vi-Spring beds”, two twin bedrooms (convertible to super king), plus two family bathrooms. Most of the bedrooms feature original fireplaces and windows. The master bedroom houses a four-poster bed and a balcony, perfect for watching the sunset over Portmeirion whilst sipping a glass of Champagne.