Guests say
Guests are enchanted by the stunning views and unique experience offered by Ynys Castell, with its beautiful gardens and spacious layout ideal for family gatherings. The property's location is highly praised, providing a sense of seclusion and bonding. While some guests mention the need for maintenance and improved cleanliness, the overall sentiment is positive, with many looking forward to returning.
Several reviews mention issues with cleanliness, including a stained hall carpet, a smell of wet dog upon arrival, and a general need for dusting. The presence of mice and a dirty shower curtain were also noted, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
The location is consistently lauded for its amazing views and the unique experience of being on an island. The seclusion during high tide is seen as a positive feature that enhances the bonding experience for groups.
The property is described as comfortable and warm, with plenty of space for guests to socialise or find solitude. However, some guests found the mattresses and pillows lumpy, and the bathroom accessibility upstairs was a concern.
Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen and the neat grounds, but note that the property could benefit from additional kitchenware and attention to the barbecue area. Some areas of the house appear tired and in need of refurbishment.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Ynys Castell is a beautiful, unique home on its its very own island off Anglesey, just outside Menai Bridge. This stunning, seven-bedroom abode offers a balcony to soak in the views, a large garden to dine alfresco and a grand interior to unwind in after an action-packed day. This pet-friendly property welcomes families and friends seeking a coastal escape like no other.
Accommodation is ranged over two floors. Downstairs is a contemporary kitchen, utility corridor, dining room, sitting room, three bedrooms (one en-suite) and cloakroom. Upstairs is a large living area split into two, a further four bedrooms (one en-suite) and a family shower room.
The contemporary kitchen is equipped with an electric oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave and toaster. Washing machine and fridge/freeze are in the utility corridor close by. There’s plenty of seating, making dining a convivial pleasure.
The downstairs sitting room is comfortably furnished, there’s a flat screen TV and it is framed by a beautiful large bay window with lovely views.
There are three bedrooms on the ground floor: one king en-suite, one twin and a bunkroom. The en-suite has a bath with hand held shower attachment, loo and wash hand basin. There is also a ground floor cloakroom with a loo and hand wash basin and also a family shower room with shower, loo and wash hand basin.
Upstairs is a large living space. There’s a charming area with sofas, a wood burning stove and large flat screen TV / DVD. And a further area with seating and space to read. There are large picture windows with superb views up and down the Menai Strait. French doors lead out onto a balcony.
This floor also houses a further four bedrooms. A double bedroom with balcony and a bunk room sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom (with bath, separate shower, loo and wash hand basin), a further double and single bedroom.
Outside, there’s plenty of space to explore. Ynys Castell has large mature gardens and patio areas equipped with garden furniture. There are plenty of secret corners to discover and there’s even a slipway down to the Strait. Parking for two cars is available outside the house and there is room for a further two cars at the bottom of the drive (make sure you park above the high water level).
When the tide is right, the bustling town on Menai Bridge is just paces away, packed with independent shops, cafés and great restaurants.
One of two bridges connecting Wales to the mainland is located in this charming town, which is situated right on the edge of the Isle of Anglesey. It's a terrific place to stay while on vacation and for touring this stunning island. The well-known Saint Tysilio, who is commemorated in the 15th-century St. Tysilio's Church, lived on Church Island, off the coast of Anglesey, during its long history, which can be learned about in the Menai Bridge Heritage Museum. Menai Bridge itself has a good selection of stores, bars, and eateries. The Pili Palas butterfly palace, which is a favourite among families, as well as the breathtaking Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens are just a couple of the attractions that make this a great place for enjoyment.
Accommodation
Seven bedrooms: Ground-floor 1 x king with( en-suite bath, shower attachment, basin and WC), 1 x twin, 1 x bunk bed, First floor 1 x double with balcony, 1 x bunk bed both with access to a (Jack and Jill bathroom with bath, walk in shower, basin and WC), 1 x double, 1 x single with basin.
Ground floor cloakroom with basin and WC.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
External utility.
Small living room and dining table.
First-floor sitting room with balcony and wood burning stove.
Snug
Central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, full size fridge and freezer, dishwasher and wine cooler.
Washing machine in utility room.
2 x TV, DVD Player, CD player, selection of books and toys.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Off-road parking for 2 cars and further parking at the bottom of the drive.
Boats welcome.
Large mature gardens with lawned and patio areas with garden furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome (charges apply currently £20 per dog per week).
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 0.6 miles.
Note: The unique island location means that there are areas of cliff face and of course the sea within close proximity to the cottage and guests with young children need to be mindful of this.
The tide stays on the causeway for up to 4 hours, then off for up to 8 hours so arrival and departure times will vary to accommodate the tide.
Note: Check-in is 4pm, check-out is 10am
Nearby points of interest
- Penrhyn Castle
- Caernarfon Castle
- Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
- National Slate Museum
- Great Orme Country Park
Reviews (12)
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Andrew
To watch your access road go underwater, leaving you marooned on the island, is the greatest sense of relaxation. If weâd been stuck indoors all week, I might have listed some faults. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us, so we took full advantage of the outdoors.
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Ian
The house has a slightly quirky feel to it and there are plenty of spaces to go when you want to socialise or just be quiet on your own - both indoors and in the grounds. There are lounge areas both upstairs and downstairs. The kitchen is well-equipped and there was plenty of crockery and cutlery for our needs. We actually found that the inaccessibility of the causeway for two hours either side of high tide quite beneficial in that being cut off for a few hours seemed to help bond everyone together. The property does need a bit of TLC, though, and we were surprised at how dusty/dirty some places were, suggesting several months since proper cleaning. There was no arrival pack, a common courtesy with most holiday properties we have rented in the past, and we were surprised to find scant provision of toilet rolls, black rubbish bags, tea towels and dishwasher tablets. There were bright lights situated in the grounds which seemed to be on all night, which is both uneconomical and damaging to wildlife. Although there are three bedrooms upstairs, the only toilet/bathroom upstairs is the en-suite for one of the bedrooms. Despite those criticisms, we would not hesitate to recommend the property for family get-togethers such as ours.
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Vanessa
It contained everything we needed for a wonderful stay. We had read a couple of bad reviews before we travelled but found everything clean and tidy. Yes there are a few cosmetic jobs that need addressing but nothing that distracted from our use or enjoyment. We didn't realise that the only bathroom upstairs was the ensuite but we managed fine. Amazing grounds very neat and tidy with a host of nooks and seating areas. The outside dining area had a very Mediterranean feel to it. Would love to return.