Review: The Pigsty, Y-Ffor, Gwynedd, Wales

Summary

I would usually describe something like a pigsty as a tiny home, but this one, in the shadows of Snowdonia, was actually a very spacious and unique place to stay – ideal for a weekend away. Perfect for two guests and a four-legged friend, the Pigsty, which is more like a cottage, is modern, stylish and cosy, coming complete with a large bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen and living space.

Located in the wonderful yet rural spot of northwest Wales on the Llyn Peninsula, the Pigsty’s situation means a car is more or less essential to get to the main amenities and the wonderful nature spots nearby.

Location

The Pigsty is located in Llwyndyrys, northwest Wales on the Llyn Peninsula. Trapped between the Irish Sea to the north and west, Cardigan Bay to the south and Snowdonia National Park to the east, it’s fair to say this is a rugged and rural spot. This only adds to its beauty and is no doubt why large swathes of the Llyn Peninsula are classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as this is exactly what it is.

view outside of the pigsty of green fields with sheep in and blue skies — ***Image. The peaceful view from the side door of the Pigsty***

You do need transport to get around with the nearest town around 5-10 minutes down the road where you can find supermarkets and all the usual amenities. However, you don’t go on a holiday to a converted Pigsty if you want to be amongst the hustle and bustle – quite the opposite in fact. That’s what we wanted and that’s what we got. A few beers in the fridge, log burner roaring and peace and quiet outside – perfect.

The great thing about the location is that the pristine beaches of the Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay are just a short drive away, and they are certainly worth a visit! More explained in the ‘things to do nearby section’ below.

Main features round-up:

One large double bedroom
Large bathroom
Kitchen with oven (learn how to eco clean the oven), stove top cooker and fridge (no freezer)
Recycling facilities
Large 12KW wood burning stove
Small dining table with two chairs
Large sofa
TV and DVD player
WiFi (although sporadic)
Essentials – towels, soap, bed lenin, pillows, toilet paper, pots and pans
Parking access right outside

pigsty large log burner fire roaring away with beer in hand and feet up — ***Image: Large log burner roaring and beer in hand***

Features of the Pigsty tiny home

The Pigsty couldn’t be much more peacefully situated. Plenty of greenery, a lovely river nearby and a variety of farm animals mulling around – horses, sheep, cows, goats and chickens were all spotted but not heard once inside.

There’s a lovely aesthetic to the Pigsty as soon as you pull up. Stone pillars, timber cladding and a nice decked area covered by a big overhang that really does make this one a looker in my view. The outside patio area leads to a large glass door which brings you straight into the spacious living and kitchen area.

To the right-hand side of the building is the kitchen which comes complete with sink, fridge, kettle, toaster, oven and electric stove top. It is missing a freezer but this hopefully shouldn’t make any difference to most over the course of a weekend. There’s also a big window directly above the sink so you can wash up with a glorious view of the green field.

Opposite the kitchen is the main living spot with inviting sofa for sprawling out on facing the immensely sized wood burning stove. The slight downside is the small dining table which is just about big enough for two people.

pigsty living room and kitchen area — ***Image: Clean and fresh living area, dining table and kitchen***

We had to give the log burner door window a very good clean as it was thick with black soot, but once cleared up, it was a delight to enjoy. With a huge firebox area to put your wood, the log burner whacks out 12KW of heat which is enormous. Most of the small log burners we encounter in shepherd’s huts are around 4KW and they can pump out the heat, so 12KW was almost industrial standard for us, but it is the only heat source of the Pigsty so the size is warranted.

Moving down the right hand side of the Pigsty you come to a ladder (which leads to a storage spot), then the sparkling bathroom with shower and lastly to the bedroom towards the back of the property which also has a TV.

pigsty living room with poppy the dog on sofa — ***Image: The living area seemed to get the seal of approval from Poppy the dog!***

Things to do near by on the Llyn Peninsula

The afternoon we arrived we explored the local area on foot, including the very nearby river (Afon Erch) that runs more or less through the farm. We walked along the bank and towards the other on-site glamping accommodation, which we didn’t know about, by way of three geodomes which were unoccupied. We retired to the Pigsty for the evening, cooked some food and enjoyed the log burner!

On our first full day we set off in good spirits for Portmeirion having been recommended a trip here by a few people. They obviously weren’t dog owners as when we parked up there was a sign saying no dogs allowed on site! Quick change of plan and we headed towards the beach, of which there are multiple great choices around this part of the world.

Instead of heading a little further south to Cardigan Bay, we ventured a short drive away to the quaint village of Borth-y-Gest.

beach and sea view from borth-y-gest headland with sun in the sky — ***Image: Simply stunning view from the top of Borth-y-Gest footpath looking out to sea***

After parking up near the inland waterfront, we strolled towards the coast to reach the beach. It was a glorious winter’s day and we had a spectacular walk down a great pathway, around the headland and onto the seafront. Thankfully, this beach and walkway was dog friendly and she was having the time of her life! After soaking up the amazing scenary, including the long view back towards the peaks of Snowdonia National Park we eventually walked back to Borth-y-Gest and were lucky enough to get squeezed into the Seaview café. I was ravenous by this point and the food and coffee went down a treat!

Although we didn’t visit on this occasion, the Pigsty is just a short drive away from several lovely villages that are definitely worth a visit – Abersock, Aberdaron, Pwllheli and Criccieth, all located on the southern coast on the Llyn Peninsula.

deserted beach at borth-y-gest looking out to the sea with sun low in the sky — ***Image: Amazing sight – deserted beach down at Borth-y-Gest with the sun shining bright and Poppy enjoying the sand***

Price and communication

Communication with Pryderi and Bethan was great. I asked a few questions before our stay and we were always given prompt replies including a few good recommendations. They also gave very detailed instructions on how to find the Pigsty, which were much needed considering its secluded location! We got to meet the owners on arrival and they were very friendly and welcoming, but conscious to give us our privacy and space. Top marks.

We booked our stay through airbnb but you can also book direct through away-from-it-all.co.uk.