Guests say
The Captain's Penthouse in Porthmadog boasts breathtaking views of Snowdonia and a prime location with easy access to local amenities and attractions. Guests have praised the property's comfortable furnishings and the unique charm of the top-floor lounge area. While some minor maintenance issues have been noted, the overall experience is one of enjoyment and relaxation in a beautiful setting.
The property generally meets cleanliness standards, but there have been instances of oversight such as dirty sheets, mould in the shower, and leftover items from previous guests. These appear to be exceptions rather than the rule.
The location is highly praised for its stunning views, proximity to local shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the steam railway. It serves as an excellent base for exploring North Wales.
Guests find the apartment homely and comfortable, with special mentions of the hammock and the lounge area. However, some guests noted issues with bed comfort and accessibility for those with mobility issues.
The apartment is well-appointed with a well-stocked kitchen and comfortable furnishings. However, several reviews mention maintenance issues such as a leaking shower, problematic doors, and a non-functional washing machine, indicating room for improvement.
While some guests were disappointed by the lack of a welcome basket, which is often appreciated, there is not enough consistent information across reviews to accurately assess the overall thoughtfulness in terms of gifts or extra touches provided by the host.
About this property
A beautifully presented third and fourth floor penthouse apartment full of charm and character, set within a historic Grade II listed building dating back to the early 1800s, forming part of the original cobbled harbour in Porthmadog and offering a truly special position with uninterrupted views across the water, the estuary and the surrounding mountains, as well as the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway that winds its way along the harbour below, making this a wonderful retreat for couples, friends or families who want to be close to the coast, the countryside and the many attractions within Snowdonia National Park.
This unique penthouse enjoys exceptional harbour views in every direction, placing you within easy reach of Portmeirion, the sandy coves of Borth y Gest, the scenic routes of the Welsh Highland Railway and the beautiful landscape that surrounds Porthmadog, creating an ideal base for anyone who enjoys gentle walks, local cafés, independent shops, waterfront dining and impressive mountain scenery. Fully refurbished and thoughtfully insulated, the apartment offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout, and although accessed by thirty six external stone steps, the climb is quickly rewarded the moment you step inside, where bright coastal themed interiors, carefully chosen furnishings and the calming outlook over the harbour create an inviting and memorable setting, all styled with a soft nautical palette and sympathetic touches that celebrate the heritage of the building.
The main floor opens into a modern and well designed kitchen flowing naturally into a bright dining area, providing a comfortable space for relaxed breakfasts, leisurely lunches and sociable evenings while still allowing you to enjoy glimpses of the harbour and the ever changing estuary as the tide comes and goes. Two beautifully appointed bedrooms are located on this level, each featuring exposed stonework and their own TV, with the master bedroom offering a luxurious king size bed and breathtaking harbour views that allow you to wake each morning to the peaceful sight of boats on the water, distant peaks on the horizon and the soft sound of the estuary below.
The contemporary family bathroom complements the accommodation beautifully, featuring textured slate effect tiles, a double ended bath, a heated mirror that prevents fogging and a separate walk in shower, all combining to create a relaxing and stylish space that serves the whole apartment. A small internal staircase leads to the upper sitting room, which offers a wonderfully cosy and uplifting loft style living space furnished with bespoke Chesterfield sofas, a welcoming wood burning stove and a gently swaying hammock suspended from the original beams, allowing you to unwind with a book or simply relax in front of the impressive bi fold dormer windows that open the full width of the room, bringing in fresh coastal air and framing spectacular views across the harbour, the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia.
Next to the sitting room is the third bedroom, tucked neatly into the eaves and accessed by stepping over one of the original oak beams that form the traditional A frame of the roof, adding a charming reminder of the building’s history and craftsmanship. The apartment also benefits from direct access to a raised decked courtyard, offering a peaceful outdoor setting with far reaching harbour views, complete with sun loungers and a barbecue, making it a wonderful spot for sunny afternoons and relaxing evenings after spending the day exploring the local area. The location is superb, placing you within a short walk of Porthmadog’s independent shops, galleries, restaurants and tea rooms, with beautiful coastal and woodland walks starting just minutes from your door, including the gentle route to the pretty village of Borth y Gest and onward to the expansive sands of Black Rock Sands which is perfect for families, and with crabbing along the harbour wall and a nearby park, there is plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
Some of the best attractions in North Wales are within easy reach, including the world renowned Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, the remarkable Italianate village of Portmeirion and the historic castles of Criccieth, Harlech and Caernarfon, while the wider Llyn Peninsula offers wonderful beaches, water sports at Abersoch and the traditional fishing village of Aberdaron which provides a perfect day out for those wishing to explore further afield. This beautiful penthouse offers a memorable and comfortable base at any time of year, combining exceptional views, a superb location and thoughtful interiors to create a truly welcoming home from which to enjoy the very best of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.
This beautiful penthouse provides a memorable and comfortable base at any time of the year offering exceptional views a superb location and a warm inviting interior perfect for discovering the very best of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.
The bustling harbour town of Porthmadog lies on the Glaslyn Estuary and enjoys a stunning setting. The gateway to the Snowdonia National Park, Porthmadog is full of individual shops and restaurants, and home to the Ffestiniog Railway, where you can travel by steam through spectacular Snowdonia scenery, to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The pretty village of Borth Y Gest, with its cliffs and coves, is a short walk or drive from the town.
Accommodation
Over third and fourth floors: Three bedrooms: 1 x third floor king-size double, 1 x fourth floor double, 1 x third floor twin.
Third floor bathroom with a double-ended bath, separate shower, basin and WC.
Third floor open plan kitchen with dining area.
Fourth floor sitting room with sea and mountain views and woodburning stove.
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, dishwasher, 4 x Smart TV , WiFi, selection of books and games.
Fuel, power and starter pack for stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent, please bring own beach towels.
Travel cot and highchair on request.
Off road parking for 1 car in communal parking area on first come, first served basis.
Additional roadside parking nearby on first come, first served basis.
Use of shared decked area with table and chairs.
no smoking.
One well behaved Dog accepted (own basket and bowl must be provided).
Shops, pubs and restaurants 4 mins walk.
Harbour/marina opposite.
Beach 15 mins walk.
Note: The apartment is accessed via 41 external stone steps; care should be taken at all times and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Note: The stairs inside the apartment are open tread so children should be supervised.
Note: The fourth floor double bedroom has sloping ceilings and restricted head height, access requires stepping over a large beam.
Note: Check-in 4pm.
Reviews (42)
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Andrew
When we arrived the property was dirty, Iâm not talking cobwebs and spiders as we expected this, as itâs so high up, but dirty sheets, brown stains on double and lots of hairs in twin. Double had been turned inside out to hide. Shower was dirty and with lots of black mould, the door of shower was off rollers on the one side when we arrived, we coax it slowly every time we wanted a shower and even then the door didnât shut properly. 2 pairs of socks were found in property left from previous guests. A lot of the crockery was chipped badly and just not enough for 6 people, we struggled with 4. dishwasher was great but economically not viable with the amount of crockery, would have had to put it on after every meal. No hoover in the property, which had we of taken our dog would have been a nightmare so we couldnât clean. The trunk upstairs by window had had a milky drink spilt down the side of it and was very noticeable. 2bins one in kitchen and one in bathroom both had broken lids so open which encouraged flies. There is very limited space to cook or prepare food, but I had seen this in reviews so expected but didnât realise quite how limited. Itâs such a shame as apartment, furniture and fittings are of high quality but need some love and care, a lot of lights are not working in bathroom, sofas are lovely but dirty and cushions are dirty too. Upstairs by the big window, there is a used plaster in the corner, there were several moths and flys that had been swatted on the lovely window and left on the window. The blind in double has a squashed spider in it at the top. As I said we did have an amazing holiday due to location, we spent a lot more on takeout food than normal due to kitchen issues, and the cleanliness has left a bitter tasteâ¦.this apartment does have the ability to be amazing!
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Mavis
As the access to the overflow side parking advertised was v difficult to navigate in and out of. The double bedroom in the attic area was blocked by a large stone beam. Impassable for some and dangerous for children. Should be classified as a 2 bedroom apartment not a 3.
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Amanda
Pretty much 180 degree view, if not more. Weâve stayed on Snowdon Wharf many times and this property out-beats those as you get to watch the harbour, train station, see the fob and estuary Really spacious property with easy access, extremely comfy bed and great shower (after hubby cleaned the plug hole due to two razor covers preventing it draining). It didnât spoil our stay at all but the property needs some teaspoons (there was just one) and a baking tray would be handy and a long handled sweeping brush too. Parking was not an issue at all. Iâm just sorry I left some bread in the cupboard, I thought husband had emptied itâ¦. we did leave everything else spotless and would definitely return.