Guests say
The Little White House in Bala is a quaint and quirky cottage that offers a convenient location close to local amenities and attractions. Guests appreciate its spaciousness, proximity to eateries, and suitability for large groups. While some guests mention issues with cleanliness and maintenance, the property's charm and the host's helpfulness provide a welcoming stay for visitors exploring Snowdonia.
Cleanliness is generally satisfactory, especially considering the pet-friendly nature of the property. However, some guests have noted areas that could benefit from deeper cleaning and attention to a reported damp smell.
The location is highly praised for its centrality in Bala, with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions like the steam railway and water sports, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
The property provides a cosy atmosphere and is well-suited for large groups. Some guests found the beds comfortable, although there were comments about the need for better quality pillows and the suitability of bunk beds for adults.
The facilities, including a large cooker and adequate kitchenware, are appreciated by guests who enjoy self-catering. However, there are mentions of disjointed kitchen layout, the need for plumbing improvements, and suggestions for property renovation.
There is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided by the host in the reviews, therefore it is not possible to assess this category.
About this property
This attractive double-fronted Victorian townhouse is ideally located in the centre of the well-known lakeside town of Bala, in the Snowdonia National Park. This Bala cottage provides spacious accommodation and retains a number of its original features such as exposed beams, some slate flagged floors and delightful bay windows. This Bala cottage offers a welcoming atmosphere throughout, with a large dining room where everyone can enjoy meals together, meaning that this is the ideal base for families and friends who wish to enjoy time together in one of the most scenic parts of the country. The small town of Bala provides a good variety of interesting shops, pubs, restaurants and the famous Bala Lake which is just a short walk away. Enjoy sailing, canoeing and fishing on this beautiful lake, travel on the lakeside miniature steam railway or simply enjoy a walk whilst admiring the stunning scenery. The renowned National White Water Centre, which offers rafting and canoeing is close by, plus there are excellent golf courses and mountain bike trails in the area. Enjoy day trips to Llangollen, Powis and Chirk Castles and exciting days on the wonderful sandy beaches of Barmouth and Harlech, and visit Harlech's 13th century castle which is a World Heritage Site. This comfortable Bala cottage provides a superb base for an exciting all-year-round holiday.
The busy market town of Bala sits within the beautiful Snowdonia National Park and is located at the head of Llyn Tegid, The famous lake at Bala, is the largest natural lake in Wales and home to a unique fish called the Gwyniaid, which is a relic of the Ice Age. Celebrated as a centre for many fantastic water sports including fishing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and white water rafting.
Accommodation
Five bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x adult bunks, 1 x adult bunks leading to 1 x family room with 1 double and 1 single (can be 3 singles on request) with basin, 1 x family room with 3 singles (can be 1 double and 1 single on request).
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Ground floor basin and WC.
Kitchen with breakfast area Utility.
Dining room.
Sitting room (seats 11).
Gas central heating.
Gas range cooker with double oven and 5 ring hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, Nintendo Wii, WiFi, iPod dock.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cots, highchairs and two stairgates.
Rear off road parking for 2 cars plus roadside parking and public car parks close by.
Bike shed.
Courtyard sitting area with furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes 1 min walk.
Bala Lake and railway 8 mins walk.
Note: There are three steps between the bunks bedroom and family bedroom.
Reviews (12)
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Melanie
If you have already booked, then I would seriously consider transferring the booking to another holiday let. Maybe my standards are too high but I have been holidaying with Sykes Cottages for years and stayed in some wonderful homes, three and four ticks, not necessarily all perfect but well maintained, clean, comfortable, inviting, offering many comforts including more than one TV, more than 1 main bathroom for the number of bedrooms and inhabitants, sometimes a hot tub, use of a swimming pool and sauna and even a BBQ hut. I have sent a detailed complaint with photos to Sykes twice and had the standard email receipt and nothing since. This house is nothing as advertised, the photos on the website are dated and I wish I had paid attention to the fact that the last review was May 2023! Comments in the visitor book are questionable, to say the least. We left early but not immediately because due to physical and mental health issues with some members of my family (we were five and a dog), we couldn't just turn around and go home. This house is dated and riddled with damp, black mould, signs of dry rot, dirt,cobwebs and clutter everywhere...over 100 mugs and cups in one cupboard!!! Yes, it is surfaced cleaned but maintenance is long overdue and one bathroom for 10 people, assuming 2 use the en-suite is not practical and the result of the state of the bathroom, plus the shower is actually dangerous (not a mixer, so scorching hot with unreachable taps once on, as the panel is siliconed into place). The outside area is a builder's yard! There is only one smoke alarm. There are not 3 double beds (zip and link style) but 1 divan and the others are singles pushed together with gaps and different heights. I could go on but basically, this holiday was our annual family holiday of three generations and it was a total nightmare, like a TV holiday swap programme from hell. I can't undo the experience and as a family we can't arrange another until next year, even if we are financially able to, due to commitments. I didn't contact the owner directly to complain about the state of the house, as nothing could be resolved in the week that we were there. I did contact him on the first night via text, to ask about the back door key, which was not in its' allocated place and he said he would contact the cleaner and let me know. By 11 pm I had heard nothing, so barricaded the back door, which was unlocked, with the dog's lead and two paddle boards, confident that our dog would let us if an intruder should turn up. I was given the whereabouts of the key the next evening and found it odd that the owner never asked if everything was satisfactory during these communications! With all past Sykes Holidays, whenever I have contacted cleaners or owners regarding an issue, they have always asked if everything else is OK. I can only surmise that he didn't want to hear my honest answer. This house should be pulled out of circulation and renovated. It needs a completely new bathroom and in my opinion, catering for up to 12 people, it needs an additional bathroom. Needless to say, I won't be booking another holiday with Sykes Cottages, as they haven't responded to my complaint.
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Martin
Cleanliness was as expected for a pet-friendly property and the facilities were more than adequate for the 2 of us (plus our dog).
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Nicole
Lovely big cooker and baked lovely cakes in it as well as our main meals. Even when dish washer full still loads of plate and glasses. Parked one car at the back easy and our people carer parked across from police station any time of day or night we found. So close for steam railway, water sports, swimming pool and a lovely walk way around Bala . Thanks to laminated maps left in welcome book so very easy to find our way. Nice little playground and football area with friendly locals to play with. This was a perfect base for us 2 adults and 3 kids. Would stay again.