Centuries in Stone in Snowdonia, Gwynedd

Centuries in Stone Self-Catering

You're stepping back in time when you step inside this cottage in the ancient market town of Machynlleth. Centuries old, it's built from local stone and sits on a quiet side street in the centre of town – an easy walk from its restaurants, shops and cosy pubs.

What it lacks in outside space, it more than makes up for in character, with slate floors, a mix of old and new beams and an antique sideboard in the entrance hall. The layout has been turned upside-down to make the most of the vast, vaulted room above, so you'll find the bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor here, and we particularly love the twin bedroom with its gigantic inglenook.

Climbing the stairs, you come to the main living space – a sociable, open-plan room that takes up the whole top floor. Packed with beams, and with oak floors, it's a pretty special room, with a cosy seating area, dining table and modern kitchen. Not known for their large windows, this medieval gem has also had a skylight added to boost the natural light.

Home truths:
*The accommodation is upside-down, with the bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor
*A cot, high chair and stairgate are available on request
*One pet is welcome to join you
*There's an electric fire with flame effect in the living room
*The home is set on a single-lane side street – you can park for free outside the cottage from 6pm to 8am and use the free car park 200m away (behind MOMA) outside that time