Embedded into a hillside, nestled within its own woodland, stands this handsome house that towers above the driveway that climbs towards it, and what a first impression it makes.
A Gothic-style stone and slate house emerges through the trees and shrubs, rising up out of the gorgeous Snowdonia countryside to command attention, and it is easily given.
Like a fairytale mansion from a fantasy book or a magical home in a Hollywood movie, the house is an enchanting mix of bold character and striking features, from the twin turrets to the delightful integrated balcony from which you can enjoy spectacular rural views.
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High above the Llugwy river valley and amongst the Gwydir Forest, the robust and substantial mansion is called Tyn-Y-Coed and is thought to date back to about 1877. And like any magical and mesmerising, sprawling Gothic house it has a sweeping, meandering driveway that wanders through trees to the house that's surrounded by a delightful woodland garden.
Ancient oak trees stand guard as the mature shrubs offer pretty colours and a variety of shapes to soften the site. The large lawn offers abundant space for garden parties and alfresco dining and even the potential for a swimming pool, as the landscaping of the land has been very successful in creating a flat area on the side of a hill.
The surrounding woodland provides a blanket of nature around the house but there are open spaces too, with the land at the rear, above the house, opening up into a less enclosed area offering the best place to admire the spectacular Snowdonia views towards Blaenau Ffestiniog.
This area can also offer a secret mini football pitch, hidden by the trees but flat enough to ensure that one team doesn't get the advantage of the ball rolling down a slope and into the net.
There's your own bluebell woodland, small ornamental ponds teaming with wildlife, and the stables have been converted into garages. After a wander around the woodland and about 2.73 acres of land, the Gothic house is calling you home to explore inside, but not before an appreciation of the attractive facade of stone walls and red sandstone window surrounds encasing a variety of window shapes.
The roofline should grab your attention too, and not just because it houses two delightful turrets but because its varying heights, shapes and angles all add to the unique design of this house - this is not a standard country mansion, this is a slice of fairytale dreams.
Now that you are close to this amazing house the addition of a terrace at the front of the property becomes apparent and it's a fantastic bonus to the site - a private and peaceful place at the base of the building to sit and look out over this stunning location.
Of course the front door is an arch that leads to an inner stone arch - this is a house full of charm after all. The entrance is a stone built room that is handy for muddy boots and firewood storage and gives a first impression that this is a classic country house that is looking for an owner to connect with and be enchanted by its location as well as its unique looks.
From the spacious hallway that reminds you that this home is a Victorian house via the carved staircase, classic tiled floor, dado rails and cornicing, there are four reception rooms to discover.
The drawing room can probably claim to be the poshest reception space with a bay window that happily welcomes a baby grand piano as well as views out over the side lawn, a high ceiling boasting a rose and feature cornicing, and picture rail encircling the walls.
There's a limestone fireplace that shows-off with some fancy and fine carvings, and the warm toned wooden floor is said to be made from walnut and pine - sounds good enough to eat as well as visually admire.
But the dining room is making a bid to steal the posh crown and it might just do it with epic oak wall panelling that cocoons the whole space plus an antique, original castellated stone fireplace.
The walnut floor continues but forget about looking down, because the main view is above - a panelled ceiling that is rather remarkable - definitely a fabulous room that has surely in the past hosted some amazing dinner parties and Christmas dinners.
Then into a space called the 'Victorian sitting room' that takes the fancy factor down a few levels. That's not to say this room isn't impressive, it still boasts fine period features, but the soft colour tones, pretty fabrics and patterns, and the duo of windows looking out into the woodland all combine to create a calmer and more chilled ambience in this space.
This house may date back almost 150 years, but the facilities inside are totally modern, wrapped in classic and timeless interior design. The family cook will be thankful that it is not like cooking in a Victorian kitchen, the house offers a five ring gas hob with stainless steel extractor above, built-in Bosch split level ovens, and a plate warmer amongst its modern additions.
The choice of Shaker-style units with traditional metal handles adds a more traditional yet timeless charm from the past, but the amenities are all from the present.
The ground floor also offers a study that is a versatile space to be allocated as a media room, playroom or snug. There's a cloakroom and utility room on this level too. But before going up, find the stairs that go down - into the basement and into either the mini gym or the adjacent wine cellar, or visit both.
The two upper floors of this four-storey beast of a building are dedicated to six bedrooms and three bathrooms. All rooms are generous and all can entice you in with the promise of an outstanding view at the window unique to that space.
On the first floor landing is where you will find the appealing covered balcony, an integral part of the house design and a fabulous addition that means elevated views and fresh air are possible, whatever the weather.
The first floor also offers one of the bedrooms as an extra drawing room, a special space that delights with the dual aspect of the woodland to accompany a more relaxed vibe. Of course this space could easily be an additional bedroom again, but with six on offer across the two floors, it could just as easily remain as a reception space, a more peaceful part of this family home.
The three bathrooms continue the theme of space, with one boasting traditional style that includes a roll-top bath, but they all also have modern facilities that make them 'move-in' ready.
And so to the turrets. One is a fancy addition to a corner bedroom that produces a big bay window that mimics the ground floor drawing room's bay - they are the two rooms occupying this turret.
But the other turret is more exciting because a staircase within it leads up into its roof and an extra, almost secret little space at the top, perfect as a teenager den, unique snug or office. Or it is the place where Rapunzel is most likely to let down her golden hair in the classic fairytale - but why would she, or anyone, ever want to leave this enchanting place?
Tyn-Y-Coed, the Gothic house straight out of a Harry Potter movie, is on the market for offers over £850,000 with estate agents Iwan M Williams, call their Llanrwst branch on 01492 642551 to find out more. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, auction properties, renovation stories, and interiors - join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter, sent to your inbox twice a week.
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