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Glanrafon, Melin-y-Wig

Guest Rating
Rating
5.0
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
5.0
out of 5
Sleeps up to 5
Bedrooms: 3

Glanrafon is a stone-built detached cottage in Melin-Y-Wig, Denbighshire, sitting directly on the banks of the River Clwyd in a woodland glade. Formerly two workers' cottages from a long-gone woollen mill, it has been sympathetically renovated and loved as a family holiday home since 1963. The owner now opens it to guests who appreciate genuine peace and quiet.

The half-acre meadow garden has a summerhouse, swing, BBQ and private sitting areas with river frontage. Tawny owls, barn owls and nightjars are heard after dark. Binoculars and bird feeder seed are provided. The River Clwyd runs past the front door.

 

About Glanrafon

Glanrafon is a stone-built detached cottage in Melin-Y-Wig, Denbighshire, sitting directly on the banks of the River Clwyd in a woodland glade. Formerly two workers' cottages from a long-gone woollen mill, it has been sympathetically renovated and loved as a family holiday home since 1963. The owner now opens it to guests who appreciate genuine peace and quiet.

The half-acre meadow garden has a summerhouse, swing, BBQ and private sitting areas with river frontage. Tawny owls, barn owls and nightjars are heard after dark. Binoculars and bird feeder seed are provided. The River Clwyd runs past the front door. Walks start from the doorstep along the Brenig Way.

Three bedrooms sleep up to 3 guests a king-size double, a twin and a single (note: twin and single are accessed through the double). One ground-floor bathroom has a bath with shower over. The kitchen has a 5-ring gas hob and electric range cooker. A multi-fuel stove warms the beamed sitting room.

Corwen is 8 miles away with Parry's Plaice fish and chips. Ruthin (10 miles) has the Craft Centre and excellent shopping. Bala Lake Wales's largest natural lake is 14 miles away with sailing and watersports. Snowdonia National Park is within easy reach for day trips.

Rated 5 stars across 64 reviews, Glanrafon suits couples and small families who want proper countryside. Book Glanrafon for walking, wildlife and genuine off-grid calm.

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Glanrafon Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Glanrafon during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Denbighshire's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

Croes Derwen
Distance: 2.9 miles (12 min drive)
LL21 9RU
Plas Newydd
Distance: 17.9 miles (37 min drive)
LL20 8AW
Conwy Valley Railway Museum
Distance: 20.3 miles (37 min drive)
LL24 0AL
Brenig Way
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Clocaenog Forest
Distance: 8.8 miles (27 min drive)
LL21 9TU
Moel y Gydros
Distance: 11.8 miles (27 min drive)
LL21 0RN
Rhug Farm Shop & Restaurant
Distance: 5.9 miles (16 min drive)
LL21 0DR
Co-op Food
Distance: 9.9 miles (21 min drive)
LL15 1BP
Ruthin Market Hall
Distance: 9.8 miles (21 min drive)
LL15 1AT
Betws-y-Coed Station
Distance: 20.3 miles (37 min drive)
LL24 0AE
Ruabon Station
Distance: 25.7 miles (48 min drive)
LL14 6DH
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Distance: 52.4 miles (1 hr 23 min drive)
L24 1YD
Croes Derwen
Distance: 2.9 miles (12 min drive)
LL21 9RU
Plas Newydd
Distance: 17.9 miles (37 min drive)
LL20 8AW
Conwy Valley Railway Museum
Distance: 20.3 miles (37 min drive)
LL24 0AL
Brenig Way
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Clocaenog Forest
Distance: 8.8 miles (27 min drive)
LL21 9TU
Moel y Gydros
Distance: 11.8 miles (27 min drive)
LL21 0RN
Rhug Farm Shop & Restaurant
Distance: 5.9 miles (16 min drive)
LL21 0DR
Co-op Food
Distance: 9.9 miles (21 min drive)
LL15 1BP
Ruthin Market Hall
Distance: 9.8 miles (21 min drive)
LL15 1AT
Betws-y-Coed Station
Distance: 20.3 miles (37 min drive)
LL24 0AE
Ruabon Station
Distance: 25.7 miles (48 min drive)
LL14 6DH
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Distance: 52.4 miles (1 hr 23 min drive)
L24 1YD

Is Glanrafon Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
Kids can play in the River Clwyd stream directly in the garden though adult supervision is essential as the river is unfenced. The half-acre meadow has a swing and summerhouse. Binoculars and bird feeder seed are provided. Snowdonia and Bala Lake watersports are both within 30 minutes.
For Couples
Glanrafon is well suited to couples. The king-size double bedroom, multi-fuel stove and half-acre garden with private sitting areas create a genuinely peaceful break. Dark skies bring tawny owls and nightjars after dark. Ruthin has excellent restaurants 10 miles away and Snowdonia is within easy reach for day walks.
Pet Friendly
Glanrafon does not accept pets. This is a strict house rule with no exceptions. Guests travelling with animals will need to find an alternative property. The unfenced river frontage also makes the site unsuitable for unsupervised animals.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Glanrafon

Parry's Plaice Fish & Chips Corwen

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL21 0BT

Ruthin Craft Centre Café lunch and light meals

Located 10 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL15 1BB

The Owain Glynd?r Hotel pub and food, Corwen

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL21 0DL

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Glanrafon

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Glanrafon does not have a hot tub. The outdoor space does include a half-acre meadow garden with a summerhouse, BBQ, patio and private sitting areas beside the River Clwyd.
Is Glanrafon pet friendly?
No, pets are not permitted at Glanrafon. Guests planning to bring animals will need to look at alternative properties.
How many guests can Glanrafon sleep?
Glanrafon sleeps up to 3 guests across three bedrooms a king-size double, a twin and a single. Note that the twin and single bedrooms are accessed through the double bedroom.
What is the layout of the bedrooms?
There is one king-size double, one twin and one single bedroom. The twin and single rooms are reached by passing through the double bedroom, so this layout suits guests travelling together rather than separate groups.
What is the driveway like?
The driveway is narrow and steep at the entrance with a reduced turning area. Low-slung sports cars may find it difficult the owner provides detailed directions and guests are advised to follow them rather than relying solely on sat-nav.
What is the mobile signal and WiFi like?
Mobile signal is very limited at Glanrafon. WiFi and broadband are provided and guests have reported that it is sufficient for WiFi calling and general use.
What is included in the rental price?
Fuel, power, a starter pack for the multi-fuel stove, bed linen and towels are all included in the rental price. Additional fuel can be purchased locally if needed.
Is the river safe for children?
There is an unfenced river to the front of the property which can run fast in certain weather conditions. Children must be supervised near the river at all times this is a firm house rule.

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Glanrafon Reviews

Charlotte
We have just spent a wonderful week at this beautiful charming cottage which is full of original features and character. Glanrafon is the perfect peaceful base to explore this part of North Wales. Hems provided us with excellent directions and communication to ensure we had everything we needed for our stay. We are already planning our return!
Natasha
Fabulous location, characterful cottage, excellent powerful shower. Steep drive but we were given excellent directionsinformation from the owner. No mobile phone signal but owner provides excellent WiFi to allow WiFi calling. Look forward to returning again.
We spent another wonderful week here for the second year. It is a magical cottage in the woods to spend a peaceful week, the perfect base for exploring the beauty of north wales. The cottage itself has everything you need and want in a cosy cottage and the owners are lovely! We will be returning in the future
Wow! A beautiful cottage in an idyllic setting. Very calm and peaceful. The owners have thought of everything to make a stay as comfortable and homely as possible. Communication was clear and helpful. We will be back.
We had a lovely stay the cottage had everything you need. The log burner was so relaxing to wind the evenings away, and the stream outside was so calming on a nice sunny day just listening to the water as we sat with our morning coffee.
A very nice place for staying, in the middle of nature. The house is small but cosy and has all you need.
The perfect way to spend a week, a magical cottage with everything you could possibly need. My children had the best time playing in the stream and watching the birds. Beautiful walks in the surrounding area and only a short drive from the stunning views in Snowdonia. The owners are very helpful and attentive. A perfect holiday and we will be returning in the future.
Christine
A wonderful cottage full of comfort and homely charm in a beautiful and tranquil setting, a truly peaceful retreat as well as a great base for exploring the area. The owners were very helpful in providing information and supplying everything needed for a relaxing stay. Couldn't ask for more!
Trevor
The property was exactly as described,in a lovely quiet location, full of character and very well presented. The whole thing was clean throughout and well equipped. We would have no hesitation about staying again or recommending it to friends who were looking for a peaceful retreat.
Maureen Anne
What a cosy and unique cottage. Quiet and peaceful with lots of charm. It felt as if you were in someone's home rather than rented accommodation. Lots of lovely touches everywhere. Shame about the weather but that's Wales for you, nice and green and wonderful scenery. The email conversations I had with Hems were also very friendly. Thank you for the chance of stopping in such a lovely cottage.
Cathryn
We had a wonderful holiday the cottage is idyllic and in a wonderful position. The owner is very helpful. A very relaxing break
Kathryn
We had another wonderful stay at Glenrafron. Its like going home! Beautiful house and grounds is perfect to rest and watch nature. We were able to take the chance to unwind and get away from it all. To top it off, we even had amazing weather which made it even better. Couldnt ask for a better place to stay which is why we keep coming back. Would recommend if you love being close to nature and enjoy peace and quiet!
What a beautiful and relaxing place to stay ! Fantastic communication with the owners
Francis
Everything a holidaymaker would need was provided by the owners. They have thought of everything! Fabulous cottage in amazing surroundings. Hoping to return
The cottage is most wonderful and cosy. I wouldn't change a thing. All the little touches, like tea and coffee and some Christmas decoration gave it that extra special feel to it. Already planning our return! Will recommend for sure!
A little gem of a place set in the heart of Wales. Plenty to do in the local area. If you like walking and stunning scenery this is a place worth visiting. We are very much looking forward to going back. The cottage is very clean and cozy. A nice log fire for when it gets chilly. Amenities were not far away and there was a nice cuppa waiting for when we arrived.
Glanrafon is a beautiful old Welsh cottage in a very tranquil location. It's very comfortable and well appointed. If you like nature peaceful, quiet places walking being off the beaten track, you will love Glanrafon.
Ernest
It is very obvious that this is much, much more than a holiday let. The property has a feeling of homeliness and being loved. The owner gives clear precise instructions for getting to the property,which you can choose to ignore but you will regret it! The cottage is rural so its very dark dark at night with tawny owl , barn owl and even a nightjar to be heard. Sadly when we were herre the weather was very wet otherwise more campifres and just a relaxing chat , a drink and generally chilling. The cooking facilities are excellent. though the microwave isn't digital. A word of caution for those who have a low slung sports car is that the drive may prove to difficult it is initially very steep from the road.There is also a narrow gateway to negotiate it can be done but with caution. My only negative comment, which the owner responded to immediately,was the lack of a slotted spoon, which to be fair if thats the only thing wrong in a holiday to me makes it quite outstanding !
Joanne
A cosy, well equipped Cottage, Bed comfy, magical sound of the Stream running past the Door. Had the pleasure of bumping into Melinywig locals on our evening strolls who were all very friendly and full of suggestions as to places to visit. As it was our first time in Wales we were out everyday touring the beautiful surrounding area and Glanrafon was an ideal spot to return to. However, it would also make the perfect spot to just put your feet up and do nothing other than watch the activity at the Bird Table or a Squirrel demolishing the Acorn Tree. Thank you Hems and Emma for the Milk & Cake on arrival, very welcome after a long journey also the fab weather you organised for us Ha Ha.
Christopher
Beautiful cottage in a beautiful setting! The cottage is very homely and has everything you could need. A truly magical place to stay! We will definitely return and have raved about our holiday so much that my friends have booked a stay for themselves next year! Owners were really lovely to deal with and couldn't of been more helpful. Highly recommend this fab holiday home that really does feel like a home from home.
Victoria
Absolutely beautiful fairytale cottage, its impossible to not be utterly relaxed staying here with the river outside providing a backdrop of gentle water sound and the birds all around. The cottage is so well equipped, well thought out and comfortable and is really well placed to access lots of wonderful places to visit all within an hours drive. We stayed with three children and mostly stayed put, walking around locally and taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor space. We had a fantastic week and will definitely be booking to return again! If youre looking for a tranquil break away to relax this is the perfect place.
Louise
Wonderful week spent at this beautiful cottage in the middle of the countryside! We were very lucky with the weather which definitely helps lots of places to explore close by and further afield. We tended to go further afield as our teenagers wanted different things, therefore most of our day trips were about an hours drive away due to the remoteness of the cottage, but we knew that before we went. Wed love to come back just as an adult couple and make more use of the local countryside and the cottage itself which is very cosy and well equipped. Theres some beautiful countryside walks nearby but we only managed to touch the surface of it. Definitely a place to revisit!
Kathryn
We had another lovely stay at Glenrafon, returning after a week last year. Perfect for relaxing in the beautiful house and surroundings. If you like peace, quiet, nature and fresh air then this has it all. Everything there you could need. Couldnt recommend enough to get away from it all .
Glanrafon is a truly magical place with the stream running through the garden and birdsong all around! The cottage itself couldn't have been more comfortable with absolutely everything thought of that we might need. And daytrips out to the surrounding area of Snowdonia were breathtaking. We were so lucky to stay here.
A very beautiful and comfortable cottage in an idyllic setting. I would highly recommend this property if you want to get away from it all and relax. We had a great three nights there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of walks and places to explore.
Absolutely beautiful location, such an idyllic and tranquil setting. Allowed time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Nature was thriving due to the isolation of the cottage. Close to wonderful villages to visit with lovely walks right by the location. The cottage has such character, was clean and extremely comfortable. Thank you for such an incredible stay Hems! Your communication has made the whole process a great experience! We will be returning!
Jemima
Soul food delivered right here Everything about glenrafon is full of meaning peace and tranquillity The location The house and its bits n bobs The fire The bird table The river The mattressesoh those mattresses! The walks! I could go on and on Book ityoull have no regrets
Sophie
This little haven is one of those places that deserves to be famous, but you like the idea of having it all to yourself, a gem that only you know about, so youre refraining from shouting about it from the rooftops. If you need rest and recuperation, or want to feel a bit like a fairytale character whose singing summons bluebirds to make the bed, then you really ought to book a stay at Glanrafon. We slept SO well, most likely due to the lovely walks in the day and the gentle sound of the river at night. We had a lovely trip into Ruthin and a mooch around the little shops be sure to visit the old bank followed by a delicious lunch at the Craft Centre try the Rarebit!. Fish and chips from Parrys Plaice in Corwen came highly recommended and was a highlight, before spending the evenings playing Scrabble around the fire. Utter bliss. Thank you Hems and Emma for sharing this treasure with us we cant wait to book again.
Christine
Lovely cottage very well equipped, perfect location, so much to do in the area.
Absolutely fabulous cottage . We had a very peaceful stay, everything we needed and more.
Caroline
We've had a fabulous week in this beautiful cottage, done so much and yet managed to relax too. The cottage was absolutely perfect and we didn't want for a single thing. The beds were super comfy and I'm a little jealous of that lovely range cooker!
This cottage truly is a hidden gem ! Rural , quiet , calming just a few things to help you forget everything and recuperate. From the sound of the stream all day long , to the sheep in the field , this cottage is just blissful ! What more do you need than the countryside on your doorstep , with the odd passer by. We read someone had mentioned that the internet wasn't up to scratch , It was fine for us with 3 children , and to be honest , who goes to a stunning cottage to sit on the internet all day?? Hems and Emma are absolutely amazing hosts , nothing is too much for them , if you need anything , they are always a phone call or email away. This cottage has everything you could possibly need , everything has been thought of that you may need for your stay. We really didn't want to leave , after being there for just a day we had already booked to come back next year , that's how amazing it is. Hopefully this review isn't as glowing as it reads so this can just be our hidden gem Thank you so much Hems and Emma.
Andrew
As always, Glanrafon is a beautiful relaxing place to stay Hems and Emma the owners really have got everything covered. You will want for nothing except for a decent internet connection
This was our third time in this cottage and must say once again we had an amazing time here. The cottage is the best one I have ever been to hence we came back for the third time. If you are looking to escape from the madness of the day to day life this is perfect, you are surrounded by nature, every morning you wake up by the sound of the stream and sheep. The cottage is in a lovely secluded area and the minute you drive in and close the gate it feels so private and relaxed, surrounded by the forest and large outside area, where you can have a picnic, go on a swing or have a BBQ. It's just perfect and has everything you would think of. The owner is lovely too, we had a little issue with the shower which has been fixed within the matter of couple hours. Very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend staying at Glanrafon.
Louise
Beautiful cottage in beautiful surrounding. Only issue we had was that it was not long enough as we did not want to leave. Owners were fabulous and cottage was equipped with everything you could need
Kathryn
I really don't know where to start! This cottage is just stunning! It is cosy and homely in every way! The setting is beautiful and peaceful. The owners have thought of everything to make a perfect family holiday. I can't say anymore than, you have to visit this cottage, we were all genuinely sad to leave and can't wait to go back!
This is a lovely, very characterful little cottage in a beautiful area, with loads of things to do nearby.
The second time we have stayed at this cottage. Perfect if its relaxation, peace and quiet you are seeking. The owner is very friendly and helpful too.
Beautifully maintained cottage whose owners have thought of many little touches that add to the comfort of the stay.
We have been a customer of sykes for a while now as we know we will get amazing service and quality. However this holiday has been beyond our expectations. It was amazing. The cottage was charming, comfortable, delightful and had everything we could ask for. We couldn't ask for more. My autistic son loved the fact that it had no one around us and loved the summer shed as he made it is own little house. He loved looking in the river for interesting stones which he thought was fossils. We loved visiting the pigs. My toddler loved feeding the birds and then watching them come to feed from inside the house . She would run back in with excitement when she has finished feeding them. The owners were amazing very helpful, caring and warm. They even contacted us during a storm to make sure we where OK. The little chocolate cake waiting for us when we arrived was a nice sight to see on your first night there, with a cup of tea very yummy. Its just the little things like this which made the holiday amazing.Would love to go again.
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Office Unit 6B, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, LL17 0LJ