High in the hills overlooking the Conwy Valley, where the mountain peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) carve dramatic silhouettes against the sky, Fig Tree and Laurel offer something rather wonderful: a proper escape that offers views like no other. These two converted stone cottages, once stables on the edge of the sprawling Bodnant Estate, have been thoughtfully transformed into stylish retreats where rural tranquillity meets modern comfort.

Each cottage comes with its own private hot tub, positioned perfectly for those evenings when you want to soak under the stars whilst gazing across the valley. The shared heated indoor swimming pool is the kind of amenity that transforms a good holiday into a great one, particularly on those drizzly moments where rest and relaxation are the order of the day. With floor-to-ceiling windows, this spacious pool is a hidden gem in itself, and the perfect addition to this already fantastic offering.

Fig Tree is the larger of the pair, sleeping five across two bedrooms on a single level. It follows a perfectly balanced aesthetic philosophy: contemporary without being cold, comfortable without being cluttered. The main bedroom has a king-size bed, whilst the second offers zip-and-link beds that work as either a super king or twins, plus a convertible armchair bed for flexibility.

Laurel, sleeping four, occupies the former stable block in a charming courtyard setting. The open-plan living space feels deliberately unfussy, with natural textures and muted tones that frame rather than compete with those panoramic views. There’s a well-equipped kitchen complete with Nespresso machine, a boot room that doubles as a workspace, and enough outdoor space that you’ll genuinely use it. The master bedroom features a super king bed, whilst the second has twin singles and west-facing views that make early mornings rather appealing. Both cottages welcome up to two dogs, because let’s face it, this landscape was made for proper walks.

The location delivers that increasingly rare combination of genuine remoteness without isolation. You’re tucked beside working farmland with nothing but birdsong and bleating sheep for company, yet the village of Eglwysbach with its traditional Bee Inn is just a few country lanes away. National Trust Bodnant Gardens sits three miles down the road, whilst Conwy’s medieval castle and Llandudno’s Victorian promenade are both under half an hour’s drive. The surrounding acre of grounds gives children and dogs proper space to let off steam, whilst the EV charger means arriving in your electric vehicle doesn’t require military-level planning.

What makes these cottages work is their refusal to overcomplicate things. There are thoughtful touches throughout, from luxury toiletries to a selection of books and games in the shared utility room, but nothing feels staged or impersonal. The owners, two sisters who escaped to the countryside in 2021, clearly understand what makes a self-catering holiday actually work: excellent facilities, stunning views, and the freedom to spend your time exactly as you please.