Ffynnon

Boutique B&B in beautiful southern Snowdonia: good for romantics, families and lovers of the great outdoors

The small market town of Dolgellau lies at the foot of Cader Idris in North Wales. It's a couple of miles from the stunning Mawddach Estuary and a great place to explore southern Snowdonia. Spend your days hill-walking, mountain biking or riding horses along nearby sandy beaches, then count your blessings to be resting up in this townhouse. Owners Debra and Steve have transformed it from Victorian rectory to a chic B&B that's hard to fault. Homeliness gives over to style as upstairs, past stained glass windows, its 5 large bedrooms are as comfortable as many top boutique hotels: pillow menus, crisp white bedlinen, sleek bathrooms and techy stuff are all to hand but not at ferocious cost. You also get the use of a Butler's Pantry - a clever thought for those who need to snack or look after young children.

Wired into all things Welsh, they'll suggest where to go and what to see. Local produce is de rigueur and their beer is excellent. Relax by the fire, help yourself to a drink from the honesty bar, even try their outside hot tub. Everything made us glow.

Highs

• Stylish rooms mixing old and new at affordable prices
• Location: easy to walk into town, head for the mountains or drive to sandy beaches
• The mini guest kitchen and kids' menu is a bonus for those with youngsters
• Friendly owners who are extremely knowledgeable about the local area: Debra works in tourism development
• They're happy to organise house parties and special events, as well as an impressive array of outdoor activities from guided hikes and pony trekking to rock climbing and white water rafting
• Luxe details: fresh flowers, claw foot baths, DVDs, Champagne, gourmet picnics and in-room massages

Lows

• There's no restaurant but they offer light meals and tasty snacks via room service and they offer a booking service for some good local restaurants; if you take the whole house, chef-catered dinners can be arranged
• Sitting at the same table with other guests at breakfast isn't everyone's cup of tea but we rather liked hearing about everyone's plans for the day
• There's only 1 taxi company in the area which can be a problem if going out on Friday and Saturday nights unless booked in advance - a service which Ffynonn is happy to provide
• North Wales isn't the easiest place to get to, so stay a few nights and enjoy the beautiful drive