Lagoon's Pocket in Snowdonia, Gwynedd

Lagoon's Pocket Self-Catering

The Welsh market town of Bala looks like the front of a postcard, with its lakeside steam train and simply unforgettable mountain scenery. But the jewel of Bala's crown is Llyn Tegid, a sparkling, serene lake that's just a stone's throw from this characterful cottage. Here, days are spent in the fresh air, kayaking on the open water and hiking through wooded paths in Coed y Brenin Forest Park and Snowdonia National Park.

But when your feet need a break, come home to this cottage and make yourself comfortable. A stylish mix of exposed stone masonry, wooden beams and rooms shrouded in natural light, there's no denying that this place is delightfully cosy and utterly charming. Spend summer evenings gathered 'round the barbecue on the back patio, sipping cocktails and admiring the views across the open fields towards Snowdonia's hills on the horizon. In the winter, cuddle up in front of the log burner instead, a cup of cocoa and a good book at the ready. The country kitchen has everything you'll need to rustle up dinner, but with local pubs, cafes, even a quirky bottle shop and an independent theatre on the high street just opposite, you'll surely be tempted out.

Home truths:
*A cot and high chair can be provided on request – please bring your own cot linen
*The bed in the second bedroom can be split into two singles on request
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here
*The underfloor heating is throughout the ground floor
*We'd recommend a car for exploring the area, particularly if you are planning on travelling through the Snowdonia National Park – there's parking on-site
*Your host has a charcoal barbecue set that you can borrow on request, free of charge – but you'll need to pay a £20 security deposit if you'd like to use it
*The majority of the locals in Bala speak Welsh as their first language, so you may want to learn some of the greetings and key phrases