Hafod Cae Maen, near Porthmadog is privately owned by Paul de Thierry and still used by the family occasionally during the year. It’s surrounded by an acre of fully enclosed, secluded gardens with views across the Dwyryd Estuary, and easy access to woodland walks.
This beautiful house was built in 1919 for the botanist George Henry Caton Haigh, who planted the estate’s subtropical woodlands. The interior work is by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the Welsh architect known chiefly as the creator of the nearby Italianate village of Portmeirion.
The Paw Award
As everyone knows, dogs normally have four paws, so to get a five paw award is super special. Four is an extremely positive Frankie recommendation, any less and it’s just a question of personal choice.
Friendly & welcoming atmosphere
There are two sitting rooms but this was our favourite and where we spent most of our time while staying with our family in this Edwardian villa. There were hard floors throughout the downstairs accommodation with French windows in both sitting rooms opening out onto the extensive grounds. The second floor is wonderfully light and airy with stunning views from the front bedrooms across the bay.
Helpful staff
Although Paul and his family live and work in London, he was always at the end of a message if we needed anything. Prior to arriving, Paul had sent us a comprehensive list of things to do and it made our stay so easy.
Accommodation suitability and cost per dog
The cost was just £20 per dog for the whole stay! Dogs are only allowed on the ground floor but with access to every room. Paul provided a stairgate which made life easy for us as they have the run of the house at home. Freya and Frankie loved the freedom of the extensive gardens which were completely enclosed.
There was no access to water for paw washing before entering the house, something we’re paranoid about and the reason our Karcher jet wash travels everywhere with us. We also bring the dog blaster to dry them off so it wasn’t an issue for us.
Little extras offered
Dog bowls and poo bags could be found in the outside store cupboard, but other than this nothing more was provided for the dogs. There was a welcome basket for the adults, but it was a disappointed Freya and Frankie when they examined the contents to find there were no dog treats!
Location and dog walks
There are lovely walks from the house – although it’s sheep country so around the local fields the dogs were on leads, but just beyond there’s woodland and across fields with lovely views of the bay. Portmerion Village was a short walk away but dogs are not allowed in. We were able to leave Freya and Frankie with the family while we visited but to be honest at £20 per person to enter, we thought it represented poor value for money as there is no access to many of the areas designated for residents of the holiday homes.
A little further afield is Criccieth beach if you want to avoid sand, with Black Rock Sands not far beyond. You need to check whether there are dog areas as some beaches don’t allow dogs from May to September. We discovered Llanbedrog walking trail with stunning views across the Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay, parking in the National Trust car park and eating a lovely restaurant/cafe on the beach.
Frankie awarded Hafod Cae Maen 4 Paws
We’d recommend booking the accommodation directly with Paul, the owner. He was extremely helpful and gave us loads of tips and local information. You can visit his website here.