The Old Barn. 25mns drive to Snowdonia National Park. 18thC original features, Corwen, Denbighshire

Snowdonia. Sleeps up to 8

The Old Barn (Hen Ysgubor) at Bryn Halen Mawr was converted by us in 2005. We started in the middle and worked our way out to the sides keeping original features where we could. The barn dates back to the mid-1700s and is in a very rural position, high in the hills and way off the beaten track. The main living room, light and airy, has an 18ft (5.4m) high vaulted ceiling with original oak trusses. A glass paneled staircase has been added which leads to the mezzanine gallery. This raised gallery has a view west across the countryside to the forest and is a great indoor spot for sunsets. The barn has been enhanced with many unique features including custom-built doors, staircases and wooden double-glazed windows.
There is a feature contemporary wood burning stove in the main living room. We supply loads of logs. The 3 comfortable sofas are placed to take advantage of nights in by the fire. The French doors on the raised walkway in the living room open onto one of the south facing patios with relaxed seating area and the large garden.
The open plan oak kitchen is well equipped and has ample wooden worktops. The kitchen zone has a five-ring gas hob, double oven, dishwasher, microwave and large fridge/freezer. At the other end of this open plan area there is a big oak dining table seating 8 people. There is a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture in the barn.
The utility space has a washing machine and a dryer and room for boots and coats etc. Off the kitchen/utility is the back door going to the patio dining area and rear garden.
The barn has oil fired central heating. There are tiled and wooden floors to the ground floor with underfloor heating in the main living areas and radiators in the rest of the place.
5 bedrooms (3 doubles with 5ft wide beds, 1 twin, 1 single).
4 bathrooms.
Beds - 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single bedroom are on the first floor. 2 doubles on the ground floor.
Bedroom 1: The main bedroom with double 5 ft wide King size bed. This used to be the old granary, has a balcony and staircase to the rear garden and patio. Next to the master bedroom is a well-appointed bathroom with large double-ended bath, shower, bidet and toilet. From the window next to the bath is a view over the back garden. This bathroom is opposite bedroom 3.
Bedroom 2: The upstairs twin bedroom has two single divan beds (3ft wide) with en-suite shower room/toilet. The twin room is just down the landing from the master bedroom. These upstairs bedrooms have high vaulted ceilings. There are views to the front farmyard and rear gardens from these first floor bedrooms.
Bedroom 3: Nearest to Bedroom 1. This small bedroom along the hall from bedroom 1 has a single bed. It is suitable for a child near their parents' room. The room is small but has an adult size single bed.
2 double bedrooms on the ground floor are at either end of the barn.
Bedroom 4: King size double bed. This has an adjacent family bathroom with bath and is just off the living room.
Bedroom 5: At the other end of the barn. It has French doors with access to an enclosed patio. There are two steps up into the hall from this bedroom to the separate wet-room with shower, sink and toilet. Also, off this small hallway is the study Window and door to the front garden.

Plus Travel cot provided which can be put in any room by guests.

The south facing rear garden is large and has 2 patio areas and lawns framed by tall larch trees. The garden climbs to give the option of rambling up the ‘natural, wild’ areas to some rocks at the top for the views. Many different birds visit the feeders, e.g. greater spotted woodpeckers, goldfinches, siskins, nuthatches and others.

The property is fitted with one stair gate each for 2 staircases. NB: in places there is a step from one zone to the other e.g. from the living area to the dining/kitchen area and to the utility so toddlers would need to be accompanied at all times. Also, there are two steps between the downstairs bedroom and bathroom at the corner patio end of the house. These are the original levels of the barn.

From the barn and the farm yard, there are wonderful views across the fields and valleys, for example, to Clocaenog forest about 2 miles away in one direction and to the Clwydian Hills (Moel Famau) in another direction. Step outside for quiet country walks in any direction. There is a little used bridleway along the track by the barn so just bring your wellies!

Beyond are the fields where our farming neighbours graze their sheep and cattle.
To the side of the Old Barn is an old bridleway, little used.

The front garden, laid to lawn and shrubs, faces the farmyard and is fenced off. It faces the original farmhouse which we used to own and is now owned by our neighbours. Therefore, although this location is in a remote position, the property is not on its own.

We live in the attached self-contained single storey barn next to the Old Barn.

As this is a very peaceful place, the house is not suitable for hen/stag parties.

Parking is close to the side of the barn with access to the back door. It is reserved for the Old Barn and accommodates 4 cars.

Ruthin, Denbighshire is the nearest local town for shopping, pubs and cafes and it has a lovely square with mediaeval wooden-framed buildings. The lakes of Bala and Brenig are in the local area. White water sports are on offer at Bala and the pretty, busy holiday town Llangollen, 15 miles away. Lots of guests visit Snowdonia for its natural outdoor pursuits as well as the adventurous Zipwire, Bounce Below and Surf Snowdonia. Betws-y-Coed is 25 minutes’ drive. The property is about an hour’s drive from many attractions including the North and West coasts of Wales (Porthmadog, Portmeirion, Harlech) Let's not leave out the many castles of north Wales, for instance the stunning Conway castle, walled town and quaint harbour a bit further away.
Travel: if coming from abroad on a fly/drive holiday, the most convenient airports are Liverpool and Manchester approximately 75 and 90 minutes away. If coming from the south, we’re about 10 mns’ drive off the A5. Other detailed directions available.


Located in Corwen, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a lake. Pontcysyllte Aquaduct and Ruthin Gaol are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Caerau Uchaf Gardens and Llangollen Scenic Railway. Rafting offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking nearby.

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