This Welsh hideaway makes an ideal base for any big-group break – just a mile from the village of Llandegla, there’s lots to enjoy nearby, including footpaths and the ‘One Planet Adventure’ mountain bike trails are literally on your doorstep. The property is situated in the breathtaking Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. Test your stamina with a walk along ancient Offa’s Dyke, which connects Llandegla with the scenic Horseshoe Pass to the south. Other can’t-miss sites include one of the so-called Seven Wonders of Wales, Llangollen Bridge (9 miles) – a favourite spot for white-water rafting, kayaking and fishing – and 4.5 miles east of the town, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop for supplies at Llandegla’s community shop and café, or visit the towns of Wrexham, Ruthin and Mold, all within 10 miles. To complete your schedule of day trips, within 8.5 miles, you can visit the National Trust’s Erddig Hall and Chirk Castle.
Dating from 1725, this spectacular rural residence impresses at first sight. Park on the driveway and pause to appreciate the far-reaching views as you head inside. Hang your coats in the porch, then find the snug-style media room where there’s a Smart TV and sofas so you can enjoy your favourite games in comfort. Further along the corridor, the open-plan social space is sure to be a hive of holiday activity, with an Aga to inspire self-catered meals, a dining suite with garden views, and sofas arranged before another Smart TV. A drinks cooler complements the fridge/freezer in the separate utility room, and on warmer evenings you can open the doors onto the garden for a breath of fresh country air. When it’s time to sleep, five dreamy bedrooms offer flexibility for any large party. On the ground floor, a spacious twin room has zip-and-link beds that can be made up as a super-king-size bed on request. This room has its own Smart TV, and just next door is a stylish bathroom. On the first floor, there’s a super-king-size room with a zip-and-link bed that can be made up as twin beds on request, with an en-suite shower room and French doors opening onto a private balcony. Another twin room has its own Smart TV, and two king-size bedrooms each have their own Smart TV and en-suite shower room. A separate shower room completes the convenience for all.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor space. From the first floor, there’s access to a galvanised balcony where you can settle on a sofa to soak up the views of the surrounding countryside in comfort or venture below the balcony for a game of table tennis. On the ground floor, the main social space opens onto a patio and a charcoal BBQ, and outdoor dining furniture set the scene for al fresco food and drinks. Those with energy to burn off can head to the games room where there’s a pool table, dartboard, Smart TV and bar. Alternatively, chill out in the hot tub beneath starry skies, explore the woods, or head over the road to another enclosed garden complete with its own wildlife pond.