Don't be fooled by the slightly ragged exterior of this Gothic lodge set within thick stone walls just inside the entrance arch to the Nannau estate deer park – once the stamping ground of Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr. Inside it is an ultra-modern holiday cottage, albeit with high arched leaded windows, oak panelling and beamed ceilings... Photograph: PR
Sleeping four in two double bedrooms, it makes a decadent base for a week of deer-spotting, climbing Cader Idris or mountain biking around Coed Y Brenin forest park.
• 01341 247200, dioni.co.uk. From £350 a week Photograph: PR
A quintessential Welsh mountain cottage, this simple whitewashed hideaway was built in the 18th century above the southern end of Bala Lake. Sleeping four, it has everything you need for a rustic getaway (woodburning stove, huge bath for post-walk soaks, great views) but none of the frills you don't (satellite TV, ice maker, hot tub)... Photograph: PR
The setting is key: reached via a steep private track, it looks out over mountains, pastures and pine woods.
• 0844 500 5101, greentraveller.co.uk. From £432 a week Photograph: PR
A grand but homely country house that has been in the same family – the Nanney-Wynns – since the 13th century, Llanfendigaid is the largest of three self-catering properties on the same estate. Sleeping 17, it's just the place for a house party... Photograph: PR
There's an elegant drawing room complete with woodburner, comfortable bedrooms decorated with a mix of antique furniture and modern linen, large bathrooms (with baths to match), and a roomy kitchen. It also comes with shared access to a 28-foot indoor swimming pool. • 01654 710501, premiercottages.co.uk. From £1,870 a week (£110pp) Photograph: PR
In the shadow of the village chapel, with views out across fields and hills, this old stone cottage was once, as the name suggests, home to the village tailor and his family. It's unlikely that they would recognise it today, though... Photograph: PR
Sleeping four, it has undergone a stylish but sensitive renovation that has left the old beams, wooden floors and period fireplaces in place but added central heating, a gleaming modern bathroom, a log burner and a smart, slate-floored kitchen.
• 01865 764087, sheepskinlife.com. From £1,065 a week Photograph: PR
Rugged scenery surrounds this cosy retreat, sleeping six, in Snowdonia national park. Step outside the front door and, beyond the stream-laced garden (with a den in what was once the farm's bakehouse), you're hit by craggy peaks and ancient trees... Photograph: PR
Inside, it's all unretouched farmhouse chic – old dressers set with posies of fresh flowers, gingham cushions and open fires. If you need more space, the neighbouring barn sleeps four more.
• 07989 822049, snowdoniaescapes.co.uk. From £210 a week Photograph: PR
