Jenny and Anthony have transformed a remote coastal cottage in Wales, accessed only by a track across three farmers' fields, into a beautiful holiday let. The property, called Cae'n Y Bwlch Isaf, offers exceptional views over Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Portmeirion, and the couple, who live near Norwich, managed the two-year renovation project from 250 miles away.
A Heartfelt Purchase with Practical Challenges
The cottage, which was still a much-loved home but dated and in need of refreshment, captivated Jenny and Anthony. Jenny, an experienced property renovator of mainly holiday lets, knew the remote and draughty cottage with a former barn attached would not make a good family home but could become an enticing rural retreat for guests. This made the purchase feel more sensible to her.
The couple have been coming to the area for decades, with memories of family holidays around Harlech, Portmeirion, Eryri, and the Llyn Peninsula. Jenny committed to learning Welsh, saying: "We would never have bought a second home in a Welsh village, only somewhere remote. When we bought the cottage, I committed to learning Welsh because I would not have felt comfortable owning a house here otherwise."
Overcoming Logistics and Trades Challenges
Running the project from 250 miles away was difficult, and getting trades to visit for quotes was a challenge. Jenny said: "It was quite difficult running the project from 250 miles away so we visited frequently but it was also a challenge to even get trades to go there and look at it to give us a quote - they would have to drive across three fields just to get to us."
The couple found a builder and tradespeople skilled in renovating traditional Welsh buildings, whom they could trust when they were not there. The team also helped by picking up building materials when deliveries were impractical. The project took two years, on and off, due to trades' availability and weather conditions.
Memorable Events and Final Transformation
During the project, Jenny's son Alex held his 30th birthday party at the cottage with about 35 friends. A hot summer brought nearby wildfires and then the natural spring that supplies the house reduced to a trickle, forcing them to buy bottled water. Jenny recalled: "It made for an interesting weekend with so many people!"
The finished cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It includes a ground floor bedroom opening onto the garden, a kitchen with an Aga in the inglenook fireplace, a study, a bootroom, and a first floor living dining room in the attached barn. The interiors feature colour, pattern, and texture, with some family furniture that has been used for decades.
Jenny said: "It's a very peaceful house, a real retreat, and I do think that's partly because you're always attracted by the views, it doesn't matter what window you're looking at, you get sucked into it." The cottage is available to book via Under The Thatch, though Jenny keeps it for family use during winter months due to the tricky track access.
