ABERSOCH IT TO ’EM
Owning an old farm outbuilding in need of renovation that can be transformed into a dream abode or income generating holiday home is a bonus, but if it’s located in one the most exclusive areas in Wales, then it’s a jackpot property.
That’s why this pretty stone threebedroom renovated property is on the market for a guide price of £795,000 – it’s located near the coastline at Abersoch.
This exclusive harbour village is one of the jewels of the Gwynedd coastline, with only around 800 residents and the long, sandy beaches of the Llyn Peninsula as a stunning neighbour.
The pretty village and surrounding area is a popular centre for outdoor sports, especially sailing in the crystal clear waters.
According to property portal Zoopla, the average price paid for a house in and around the village is £455,139 compared to the current all-Wales average of £199,536.
Climb up to Benar Headland, a clifftop location above the village, and the property values soar to well over £1m, with one stunning abode currently on the market for more than £3m.
Back to the cow shed further inland and it’s the mix of incredible panoramic sea and countryside views, the rarity of properties in the area and contemporary interiors that means this former farm building can command a premium.
Called Y Beudy, the English translation is a cow shed or a barn that houses cows.
But there’s no sign of any cute black and white Friesian cows in this building now, they have been moved on, leaving a contemporary and tasteful interior design that complements the property’s past but is firmly in the present.
Approaching the house, the first element of the property that will strike a potential buyer is the home’s elevated position.
This results in a panorama of uninterrupted views, a vista of spectacular Welsh countryside sweeping down to the ocean at Abersoch.
The building’s position resulted in thoughtful design when the property was undergoing its renovation. It’s an upside-down house to ensure the views fill the windows when the owners are awake on the first floor.
So the bedrooms are on the ground floor, and there’s a spacious openplan first floor dedicated to cooking, dining and lounging that opens out onto a terrace balcony.
This upside-down design ensures the views can be accessed to their maximum.
And if a new owner is keen to take this connection to the views even further, according to the estate agent selling the property, there is planning in place to extend the balcony even further, more than doubling it in size.
Currently the terrace can easily seat eight for a spot of al fresco dining and there’s easily enough room for some sun loungers too, but with an extension to this outdoor space, there will be room for many fabulous parties too.
The property comes with about 0.50 acres of land and boasts special, sunny spots that have been landscaped into terraces and one of these is a vast slate shingle area around the front entrance.
In fact, the entrance of the former cow barn is a characterful introduction to the property, with a charming honey-toned, restored stone facade offering a visitor a front door to the ground floor or steps up to a front door on the first floor.
On the ground floor, directly off the entrance hall, can be found the master bedroom that has an ensuite and access to the views directly from the pillow via a Juliet balcony.
Next along the hall is a stylish and spacious family bathroom boasting a free-standing roll-top bath and double walk-in shower.
The slate floor reminds a visitor that the property is in an area of Wales renowned across the world for its slate production, mainly on people’s roofs but sometimes on their floors too.
Through the hall to a large family room.
This area is perfect for social gatherings or equally for quiet time reading or doing homework.
On the other side of the space is access to the two remaining bedrooms and a private sun terrace beyond them.
This floor also has a utility room and stairs up to the first floor, so noone has to brave the weather going out of the ground-floor front door, up the external stone steps and in through the first-floor front door. Phew!
At the top of this internal staircase is the reason why the upside-down design is a winner; this entire floor is a very special space.
A new kitchen sports a classic Shaker-style with traditional metal handles but has the integrated modern appliances for a masterpiece to be created in this space.
And what better place to enjoy the fruits of the cook’s labours but on the very inviting terrace, accessed via french doors from this end of the
room. Watch the sunset over your soufflé or the sunrise over your cereal.
For days when the weather is the boss outside, there is ample space for dining inside and the raging storms can be marvelled at through the patio doors or one of the many windows.
At the far end of the room there’s a comfortable seating area that is bathed in sunlight, when it’s available, through roof windows.
The space feels light and spacious, not just assisted by the windows and french doors and white wall decor, but again by clever design with the ceiling extending up into the original roof space to create a double-height room.
There is ample parking at the property, just please not in front of the windows to block those special views!
There’s also plenty of parking for people, with maybe the most inviting space to park a deck chair, other than the balcony, being located to the side of the property.
Here, it appears that the vast, raised patio area has been cut into a rocky outcrop, meaning the area is sheltered by a most intriguing mini “cliff-face”, all adding to the character and charm of this unique home.