Award-winning dog-friendly lodge with beach access in Wales
Award-winning dog-friendly lodge with beach access in Wales

The Kites Nest, a dog-friendly wooden pod in Pont-rhyd-y-groes near Pontrhydfendigaid, has availability for summer stays from £522 for two nights. It was named the Sykes Gem Awards 2025 Gold winner in the “Best for Couples” category and holds a five-star rating from Sykes Cottages and its customers.

The cabin was built by My Shired, an award-winning firm that has appeared on Channel 4's George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. Its exterior uses FSC-graded timber, including oak, larch and red cedar, and guests have access to a private drive leading to a studio-style living space.

What the lodge offers

Inside, the property includes a kitchen, a lounge area and an outdoor dining space. The lodge sits close to Aberystwyth, where visitors can find pubs, restaurants, shops and a beach for summer days.

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For those considering other options, Chestnuts at Youlton Lodge in North Yorkshire offers seven-night stays from £860. The cottage, near the village of Tollerton, sleeps six people across three bedrooms and is close to pubs and shops.

Other places to stay

Valley View Cottage in Llanfair Clydogau is another alternative, with seven-night stays from £665 this summer. The single-storey property is set in a secluded rural area and has a spacious balcony with views of the surrounding countryside.

Reviews left by guests highlight the lodge's location, views and welcoming hosts. One customer said: “We have just returned from the Kites nest and were absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity of Laurence and Julie, they are the most genuinely lovely people who's obvious passion for the area and for making their guests feel totally at home and comfortable from the time you arrive to the time you leave.”

Guest reviews

Another guest wrote: “Incredible beautiful stay will be back absolutely stunning.” A third said: “The hosts were faultless - very friendly, helpful, whilst they were always on hand they were non intrusive.” Others added: “Superb. We loved it so much we instantly booked for two weeks next year!” and “Fantastic place to stay, we had a wonderful 5 night stay.”

One review praised the location: “The location is perfect, amazing views so peaceful.” Not all feedback was entirely positive. One customer noted: “The cosiness of the cabin cannot be faulted - comfortable bed and sofa. The cleanliness was ok, a few spots missed - dirty shower tray on arrival, cupboard fronts slightly grubby and crumbs in the microwave. Location faultless - beautiful scenery & wildlife nearby. Cabin private from the owner's house. Lovely walks nearby.”

Another guest said: “I missed not having a table nor oven. Bed exceptionally comfortable and lovely to have a warm bathroom. Outside space was delightful. Owners were very helpful and friendly.”

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