Frondderw Country House

The views from nearly every window were spectacular, with beautiful countryside and a lake. The house was excellent value and a great starting point for exploring. Bala has a couple of small supermarkets and several pubs; go farther to Barmouth for the big beach, quaint shops and houses, and plenty of pubs. We came for a long weekend as a group of ten, with no children, two dogs and five cars. There was enough parking for us, though another car or two would have made it tight. The access road was manageable, but the muddy track could be difficult in rain, mud, snow or ice. It really ought to be concrete or a similar surface. Inside, there’s a huge lounge, separate dining room and big kitchen, with a table where we could all sit together. The kitchen was extremely well equipped, including two ovens, a large fridge, plenty of utensils, cutlery and crockery, plus the essential dishwasher. The well equipped utility room had a fridge, freezer and sink. The secure garden worked well for the dogs. Heating ran throughout, though I couldn’t see any double glazing. Bedrooms were spacious, with a good mix of doubles, singles and bunks. Every main bedroom had an ensuite, all but one with a shower and one with a bath. Towels were supplied, clean and decent quality. Wood and stone floors in much of the house made it easy to keep tidy and looked great too. Just two minor niggles: the Wi-Fi was patchy and streaming a bit slow, even with an upstairs extender, though that’s not surprising in such a big house with thick walls. Some paintwork and woodwork could also use a little TLC. Neither takes away from the house’s appeal.