The Barn & The Stable traditional Welsh cottages near Criccieth, North Wales

The lovely driveway to the cottages The cottages and mansion house enjoy beautiful views of Snowdonia, coastal glimpses and a lovely quiet position within the 240 acre Eisteddfa (country) Estate, with its fishing lakes. The properties are approached by a private tree-lined drive and well away from roads. Eisteddfa Estate is steeped in history (See the history page) and has a former Prime Minister's daughter (Lloyd George's daughter Lady Carey-Evans) among its previous owners, her descendents still own and live on the estate. There is a fascinating museum nearby, with lovely walks, that tells Lloyd George's story.

View from the parking area Enjoy the tranquillity and glorious panoramic views over the surrounding mountains of Snowdonia, the pleasant farmland of the estate and the glimpses of the coast at Criccieth.

Although secluded and peaceful, the cottages and mansion are not isolated, being only 1.5 miles from the amenities and beaches of the lovely seaside resort of Criccieth. There are many other beautiful sandy beaches and well-known resorts on the Lleyn peninsula, within easy reach. You can play golf at Criccieth, where discounts are available, and on several other golf courses within 8 miles.

Picture of lake The estate benefits from the newly developed lakes which offer coarse and trout fishing by the day for a reasonable charge. Tackle can be hired. see www.eisteddfa-fisheries.com

There are lots of cycle tracks and paths to explore, including a newly completed route from Porthmadog to Barmouth and beyond.

"The nearest town, Criccieth, is located 1.5 miles away on the southern coast of the Lleyn Peninsula and has the best of both worlds, as far as the weather is concerned. The long arm of the Lleyn shelters it from the worst of the prevailing weather from the west; it also traps the warm waters of the Gulf Stream to create a climate completely different from that of the mountains inland.

Criccieth and the area surrounding it, is full of tourist attractions.
Without leaving Criccieth there is the castle itself to visit, to walk in the footsteps of Welsh history, or perhaps just to look at the view. The book 'Criccieth - A Heritage Walk' by Eira and James Gleasure, and published by Cymdeithas Hanes Eifionydd History Society, is highly recommended to the visitor who wants to know more about Criccieth. It can be obtained from most shops in the town.

On a clear day, and there are many of them at Criccieth, winter as well as summer, you can see St. David's Head in one direction, and St. Tudwal's island in the other - the whole sweep of the Cambrian Coast. Then, two miles down the road, is Llanystumdwy, the boyhood home of Criccieth's most famous son, David Lloyd George. A visit to the Museum and riverside grave is a must, but many people also like to walk along the banks of the River Dwyfor, where the Statesman spent his boyhood days.

The remains of Criccieth Castle are partly of Welsh and partly of English construction, and date from the reign of Llewelyn the Great (1200 -1240), the entrance is opposite Castle Square. A cottage near the entrance has been converted to house an exhibition entitled "Castles of the Welsh Prince" - well worth a visit. If this whets the appetite for visits to other Welsh castles, there are a number of others within easy reach of Criccieth, including Harlech, a short journey by the Cambrian Coast Railway, and Caernarfon, an easy car ride. There are bus services to Caernarfon from Porthmadog and Pwllheli. Other interesting historic monuments in the vicinity, include St. Cybi's Well, about 11/2 miles north-west of Criccieth on the B4354 road; Penarth Fawr Medieval House, between Criccieth and Pwllheli, half a mile north of the A497 road, and the Welsh Slate Museum at Llanberis."

The above information about Criccieth is an extract from the official website.