ELTIPS AV R T

But as staycations go, I landed the cream of the crop.

I was staying at the Llanfendigaid Estate on one of the most stunning stretches of Welsh coastline.

And the cowshed in question is now a luxury self-catering holiday home – and an impressive beast she is too. So impressive, in fact, that my dad was there celebrating his 70th birthday.

The estate, at the southern end of Snowdonia’s National Park, is run by William Nanney-Wynn Garton-Jones, whose family have owned it for almost 800 years.

It is close to the spectacular Cader Idris mountain and only half a mile from the sea. It is the perfect place to kick back and unwind.

The cowshed is the oldest building on the site yet its interior is ultra- contemporary, with serious wow factor.

The owners converted it in 2015. It manages to retain all the character and charm of the old buildings but none of the smell, thankfully.

It has a vast open-plan living area, kitchen and dining room and the large windows let in lots of natural light, while allowing you to drink in the sights of the countryside. IF you want to bring home stunning Welsh gifts, check out charming gift shop Rustic Coast in Aberdovey. See rusticcoast.co.uk. FILM fans will love the olde worlde Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn. Built as the town assembly rooms in 1893, itt has been operating as a cinema since 1919. See tywyncinema.co.uk. BRING your walking boots and explore Snowdonia National Park. See eryri-npa.gov.uk for the best mountain walks.

I went for mixed seafood thermidor – smoked haddock, herb crusted mussels, prawns and squid in a creamy sauce. It was divine.

The food was as comforting as the atmosphere in this lovely little restaurant and our evening was made all the more special by the friendly staff and owners.

W We also took a stroll through the coa coastal village of Llwyngwril to meet the colourful knitted creations left by the Llwyngwril Yarn Bombers.