If you can actually find it at the end of a private and undulating country track, this former Welsh farm and its outbuildings is a rare find, ticking so many boxes for so many house hunters. And as it is the first time it's been on the market for about 80 years, it could be classed as a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity too.
Called Erwsuran, this property is special in so many ways, but maybe the starting point before even discovering its past or pushing open the front door is the astonishing location, nestled into a rocky hollow about a kilometre off a small road that meanders through Snowdonia National Park north of Porthmadog.
The surrounding land, about three acres of which comes with the sale of the house and its outbuildings, is mainly rough pastureland, moorland and exposed rock face, used more recently for sheep farming. The combination of the topography and the position of the property arguably make a perfect place to call home if nature, views and isolation are driving your next house move.
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The elevated position of the cottage and the lack of treetops and buildings around it means a truly mesmerising and expansive countryside view that sweeps down the hillside where it meets the rugged Cardigan Bay coastline dappled with sunlight dancing across the ocean, as it ebbs and flows around the headlands and inlets; bliss.
How could anyone fail to be inspired by this breath-taking, panoramic view that is the ever-changing yet constantly enthralling neighbour that envelops this special property? No wonder then that it has been in the same family ownership for about 80 years and what a wrench it must be to sell it.
Arriving at the location, the landscape will distract you for a while, but the property will wait to be appreciated until you have fully absorbed the beauty that surrounds you. The house is a special property, awarded a Grade II listing in 1999 from Cadw for being 'a well preserved early farmhouse retaining a 17th character, and of group value with its ancillary buildings'.
The listing suggests that the house was built in the late 17th or early 18th century from local stone rubble, with special mention given to its windows, rendered gable stacks and flight of steps leading to the grain loft over a cellar in the south east extension. Of particular architectural merit is the radial arch of long slate voussoirs above the front door, leading into the farmhouse.
Before you fall in love though, be prepared that the house and its four outbuildings that are also mentioned in the listing, need a full and sympathetic renovation project put into place, but make sure when the blood, sweat and tears flow that you look up and see the scenery that will make it all worth it, blanketed in peace and tranquillity.
And any major renovation project timetable should have built into it an occasional day to rest and who would blame a new owner for using that time to explore the hills and mountains that cocoon the property and the stunning coastline that becons at the base of the hills.
The area has an abundance of places to visit and enjoy including Black rock sands, Zip World, Llechwedd, and the tourist village of Portmeirion for days out, a coastline renown for its outstanding beaches and natural beauty, and amenities, facilities and needs for everyday living mainly found at Porthmadog.
The property sits within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park, one of the most beautiful areas of Wales that can offer endless opportunities for exploring, and being within its landscape is the final and maybe most fantastic flourish that this property offers regarding its location.
This breath-taking location makes the future use of the outbuildings a tantalising prospect if planning can be secured to develop one or more holiday lets, that will allow the property pay you back some of the hefty budget you're going to have to dedicate to restoring and reviving it back into a rural dream home.
Make no mistake, this is a meaty renovation project and even aspects such as access to the farm via the track for machinery and materials needs to be considered. But the house has surely already captured a renovator's heart not just with its location but with the oodles of character that remains inside and the potential that oozes out of every stone.
Inside the main house there are flagstone floors to find, exposed beams to bring back to their former glory, and a remarkable range stove still in situ within the former kitchen that includes a large bread oven.
The ground floor currently consists of a living room, kitchen and pantry and up the period staircase to the first floor gets you to four rooms with semi-vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, with two boasting the addition of period cast-iron fireplaces.
Within the grounds are four further buildings of variable structural conditions but all have potential if planning and listed building consent allows their renovation - some could be incorporated into the transformation of the main house, some could become annexe accommodation for extra members of the family or holiday lets.
The estate agent selling the property states that adjoining the rear of the farmhouse is a two-storey building, linked by a single-storey building, which would lend itself to being merged with the farmhouse to create a charming and spacious property, subject to planning of course.
The second outbuilding currently offers three rooms on the ground floor and a large space on the first floor. Outbuilding number three is a single-storey outbuilding in a semi-derelict state that includes only a portion of the roof remaining, and has three rooms inside.
Finally, to the west of the farmhouse, are the stone ruins of a large building, essentially comprising three ground floor rooms. The outbuildings have been included in the listing because of 'group value with the house, creating an assemblage of 17th century upland character'.
Of course being so remote as well as the thought of peace and a perfect rural retreat that the house offers, thoughts for some potential buyers may turn to facilities. According to the estate agent, the property has a private drainage system and has use of an existing borehole, with the property otherwise off-grid.
The agent states that as with any planning permission queries and ideas for the property, potential purchasers must make their own enquiries with regards to the availability of services.
The lane leading to the house is another area worth chatting to the agent about, who says Erwsuran has the benefit of a right of way over the roadway leading to the property, and is subject to paying half of costs of maintenance 'from time to time'.
The property and land is going to online auction and as with any property purchase the agent states that buyers must undertake their own due diligence to all aspects of the purchase. For further information about the property, the auction, buyer fees and the legal pack contact Fisher German at the Chester branch on 01244 409660.
Unless withdrawn prior to auction, the property is for sale via online auction ending on Wednesday, October 12, at noon It has a guide price of £400,000 but with such a priceless location and lifestyle on offer, albeit after some hard work, the final selling price of this stone farm, outbuildings and land could be much higher.
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