The allure of luxury cottages in Wales

Treat yourself like ancient Welsh royalty by seeking out the most princely and plush stays this Celtic country has to offer. They come with swimming pools and sweeping sea views, with sprawling kitchens and bubbling hot tubs, all to make that escape west of the River Severn one to really remember. This guide is all about finding the most amazing destinations for those luxury cottages in Wales, ranging from north to south in search of creature comforts.

Luxury cottages in Wales’s mountains

You shouldn’t have to look too far to find some mountains in Wales. From the Brecon Beacons to the tips of Snowdon, there are loads crisscrossing the country. What’s more, they now come dotted with deluxe cottage stays and home rentals.

Deluxe lodgings in and around the Brecon Beacons

The Beacons are the mountains that mark the step between South Wales and Mid Wales. They are forged from wide vales and fin-like summits that top out at Pen-y-fan. Market town Brecon is the gateway to all the walking and it’s got a whiff of sophistication itself, what with the grandiose Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery brimming with fossils and Welsh paintings.

Go deep into the heart of Snowdonia

No region of Wales is more untamed than Snowdonia. Great monsters of mountains loom on high but the villages are charming and folksy. A luxury escape here could be the perfect counterbalance to arduous treks up cloud-piercing Cadair Idris and Tryfan.

A regal stay on the south side of Snowdonia National Park

The southern reaches of the Snowdonia reserve aren’t as rugged and wild as the areas around Snowdon itself. Instead of soaring peaks, they come with the verdant hills of the Dyfi Valley and the moss-caked forests of Coed y Brenin. If you’re seeking rustic farmhouses with a touch of luxury, it’s a great region – there are loads of converted barns that have been loaded with hot tubs and swimming pools.

Luxury cottages in Wales by the sea

From Gwynedd to the Gower, the whole of Wales is beset by wild seas and jagged cliffs. Some of the luxury cottages in this Celtic nation could have you waking to the sounds of the waves. Seek them out in the following places.

Sea-view cottages in Pembrokeshire beckon

Pembrokeshire’s towns – Tenby, St Davids – are known for their independent fashion boutiques and fine-dining restaurants. That means you’ll find plenty to love outside of your luxury cottage in these parts, along with the 11 Blue Flag beaches and marine wildlife tours that involve dolphins and porpoises.

Head for the Llyn Peninsula

As it juts out of Snowdonia, the largely untrodden Llyn Peninsula promises some high-class home rentals with privacy and seclusion. The further towards the lashing waves of the Irish Sea you go, the more isolated things become. Near Aberdaron are the most exclusive lettings, with plenty of room to host those heated swimming pools and sprawling kitchens.

The Gower for luxury that’s accessible

The coast of the Gower Peninsula is one of the most accessible in all of Wales. It sits just off the M4 motorway, past Swansea. The drive from end to end is only 30 minutes, but along the way you can stop to breathe the sea airs at Three Cliffs and Port Eynon, where the upscale country homes have big kitchens and shore-view gardens.

Welsh cottages sit in a glorious Welsh landscape

Features to expect in luxury cottages in Wales

Below are just a few aspects of Welsh cottages you can expect when searching for the cream of the crop, ranging from on-site spa baths to quaint architectural touches.

Dog-friendly luxury cottages in Wales

There’s good news for travellers who never leave the dog behind, because many of the top-rated cottages on the Celtic side of the border welcome 4-legged guests. Not all do, however, so check ahead if your chosen place will have the pooch before getting them excited about all those West Wales cliff walks and ball-throwing sessions.

Vernacular architecture in Welsh stays

Many a luxury cottage in Wales manages to capture the traditional look of the region. That could be anything from a slate-topped roof in Snowdon to a squat longhouse with whitewashed walls in Pembroke. Inside, you can look forward to features like crackling wood fires and cosy lounges.

Get a luxury cottage in Wales with a hot tub

Beat the fatigue of Snowdonia and the chilling waters of the Pembroke surf by choosing a Welsh cottage that has a hot tub. It’s a feature that might be more common than you think in the most luxurious of stays. Many houses even put the bath outside, so you can really soak in the Celtic landscape.