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Home | Cottages | Hywel-Sele-Lodge

Unique Self Catering Cottage Above Dolgellau | Hywel-Sele-Lodge

X3
Dog FriendlyHot TubReal Fire
Dolgellau
 
 

As you round the bend of a quiet leafy lane guests are greeted by a real fairytale cottage. Described as a semi-ruinous Tudor-Gothic style this outstanding and unique self-catering property stands guard over the deer park on the famous Nannau estate and provides unique accommodation for guests wanting to explore this beautiful part of Eryri (Snowdonia).

As you can imagine, Hywel Sele Lodge is bursting with history. Hywel Sele famously attempted to assassinate his rebellious cousin Owain Glyndwr during a hunting expedition. Glyndwr, already wary of his royalist relative, was protected from Hywel’s deadly arrow however by the chain mail he wore hidden under his tunic. Glyndwr immediately turned to slay his cousin later hiding his body in a hollow oak tree within the Nannau deer park.

An impressive boarded door set within a pointed arched doorcase opens into the entrance hallway. From here, a turned staircase runs up to the bedrooms, a door to the left leads to the lounge but we’ll go straight ahead into the kitchen diner first.

Oak panelled kitchen units sit on a quarry-tiled floor and are topped by a marble work surface. A more modern oven and gas hob sits in one corner whilst a pretty dinning table and chairs sits next to the exit to the rear of the cottage.

We can walk round through another door into the lounge. This generous space comes complete with log fire, flat screen TV and sumptuous leather sofas. Wooden mullioned windows with arched heads form the shallow canted bay to the front of the cottage. Also on the ground floor is the shower room and WC. This room is small but perfectly formed. The age and listed status of the building means it impossible to have a bathroom upstairs.

If we go round again we can head up the winding staircase to the two adjoining bedrooms. More high arched windows inset with leaded glass shine a patterned light onto a beautiful king sized bed complete with luxurious linen. Oak flooring and exposed stonewalls support a high vaulted ceiling. A second bedroom has a smaller 4 foot double bed within a fascinating oak panelled recess and a window that overlooks the deer park and the forests beyond.

 
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Facilities


Cottage Type
Dog Friendly
Hot Tub
Real Fire
Essentials
Linen
Towels
Cot (cot-linen not provided)
WiFi
High Chair
Central Heating
Inside
2 Pets
Hob
Cooker
Microwave
Fridge
Kettle
Toaster
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
TV
Outside
Off street parking
BBQ
Bike Storage
Private Garden
Additional Information

Wine & Chocolates on arrival
Tumble drier is a washer/drier
DVD player

** Wood-fired Scandinavian Hot Tub. A starter pack of logs is provided for the hot tub. Please note, additional logs need to be purchased to heat the hot tub (available locally). Warming the water will take time and some attention. **
 

Floor Plans

 

Location

 

From the driveway, the amazing façade of the cottage is possible surpassed by the outstanding views over the Cader Idris mountain range to the south. The grand stone gateway next to the cottage leads us east into the walled dear park. Approximately 100 deer live in the park but they are amazingly difficult to spot in what is a varying landscape of hills and deciduous forest.

This ancient deer park was incorporated into the famous landscape park at Nannau in the late eighteenth-century and remains one of the largest and highest areas of designed landscape in Wales. An extensive system of paths and bridleways criss crosses the park, the most popular of which is Precipice walk. Easily accessible from the lodge, this circular walk will take guests around the lower slopes of Foel Cynwch and provides superb views over the Mawddach valley and sea beyond.

The market town of Dolgellau is a five minute drive down the hill and boasts a selection of interesting cafes, restaurants and shops. The internationally renowned Coed Y Brenin mountain biking centre is a 5 minute drive in the down the other side of the hill. The seaside town of Barmouth is about 30 mins to the West and the market town of Bala, famous for its water adventure sports, is 30 mins to the east.

Here's a link for more information on the local area that you might find useful:
Things to do in Dolgellau

 
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Availability

Availability
Guests
Max Adults:
3
Max Children:
2
Max Infants:
2
Maximum number of adults and children is 3
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Summary
Nights
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For
Total Cost (inc booking fee)
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Guest Reviews

 
Aisling
 
27–29 March
 

Wow what a beautiful location and stunning house. Probably one of the most gorgeous locations I have ever stayed in. Slight problem with heating as it was a bit cold when we arrived but the host was very helpful and issue was resolved.

Del
 
6–8 March
 

Hywel-Sele is a beautiful home in stunning surroundings. The access instructions were very accurate, the lodge is well equipped and Dioni Holiday Cottages and Steve were incredibly responsive and helpful. We had a magical stay, and look forward to returning.

Chris
 
16/3/2026
 

Had a wonderful first stay at the lodge, which was steeped in history with an interesting past and stunning views. The lodge is located close to the amenities but remote enough with its private gated driveway off a quiet country lane with sheep as the only neighbours gives you seclusion if you wish and a much needed, relaxing break from the pressures of work!. Although some of the single track roads in the area aren’t for the faint hearted!.

I found the lodge very welcoming and homely, the bed was very comfortable – one of the best i’ve slept in, and I actually slept better here than at home. The log burner was made up on arrival with an additional generous welcome pack of logs and the wine and chocolates waiting in the kitchen were a nice, old school touch and certainly made settling in for the night very easy!.

There were a few minor niggles, which although didn’t spoil the stay I really wouldn’t expect at what was quite a premium price point for the area, the first being the front door lock, which needed something of a knack to wiggle the key in several different positions before it would turn, not ideal to have to figure out in the rain and ultimately not a great first impression upon arrival.

The other is that the small radiators in the bedroom and living area, don’t appear to keep pace with the room heat loss during a chilly, windy night in mid March, the freshly refurbished modern bathroom being the warmest place in the building which is a positive in itself but really should be maintained at the same level in the bedrooms too given the radiators are the only source of heat and comfort should be hospitality 101.

The living room did quickly become comfortable with the log burner blazing, but the main bedroom with its open plan staircase down to the hall & front door felt a little chilly on both nights and i’m glad I didn’t book in mid winter. I appreciate that historic stone buildings with their single glazed wooden frames are draughty and difficult to heat, but even a cheap hot water bottle and the option of a winter duvet would have been a welcome addition for us solo travellers who don’t have anybody to keep us warm :). That said, I would definitely stay again, although now with the benefit of hindsight, I would perhaps choose to book a stay in the warmer months.

Lewis
 
13–15 February
 

We had an amazing stay in this lovely cottage. Very unique building with such interesting history. Endless hiking routes on the doorstep. Instructions were very clear, we could not recommend it any higher. Thankyou

Mel
 
16 - 19 February 2026
 

Such a wonderful place to stay, unwind and soak up the comfort, the atmosphere and of course the stunning views. The Lodge is a great base for trips out to so many towns and beaches as well as offering beautiful walks close by. We will definitely visit again.

Tobi
 
29 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
 

We had an excellent stay. It’s a wonderful location with brilliant views and close to the town for cafés and groceries.

Dominique
 
22–27 Dec 2025
 

Stunning peaceful location, very homely cottage, easy walk out to lovely panoramic locations for dog walks and easy car journey to towns. Fantastic place, will be back

James
 
12–14 Dec 2025
 

A stunning little property with incredible surrounding. On arrival (December) the house was lovely and warm with the log fire made ready to be set alight. One couldn’t ask for a more inviting getaway just as described. The perfect mix of modern amenities with historic character and charm.

ODay
 
28th Nonvember 2025
 

We stayed for a week at Hywel-Sele Lodge in November. The Lodge is stunning and in a beautiful, quiet location, with amazing views and fantastic walks right from the front door.
The weather was a bit mixed, but this wasn’t a problem as the Lodge is very cosy and Dolgellau a short drive away.

Nicholas
 
31/10/2025
 

Another lovely stay, our fifth time, which says it all really. And we’ll be back next year.

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