Barcud Cottage
This charming stone-built cottage is the oldest building at Cwmcroiddur. Papers have been discovered that mention a Miss Susan Price who left here in the 1600s to sail to America. Its metre-thick walls suggest a building with an even more ancient past.
Called after the Welsh name for the Red Kite, one of the area’s most spectacular birds of prey, Barcud Cottage (pronounced Bar-kid) is the original Cwmcroiddur farmhouse. Four hundred years ago, people and their animals would have shared this Welsh Longhouse through the winter months, kept warm by a fire in the centre of the room. Now it’s a welcoming retreat all year round.
Decorated in Farrow and Ball colours, it still contains part of its original frame of massive oak timbers and retains its connections with a simpler past. Barcud Cottage is cool in summer, cosy in winter and has a quietness only possible in buildings with such ancient and substantial stone walls.
Living Room
This comfortable room has windows to both the front and side, with stunning views of Mallaen Mountain.
There are massive exposed oak beams – part of the ancient structure of the cottage, a dining table and chairs, sofa and armchairs, a TV and DVD player. We’ve put together a ‘toy’ box and a library for rainy days when all you want to do is snuggle up in the warmth. No need to rely on bringing the cattle indoors; these days, the cottage has the convenience of central heating!
Kitchen
The kitchen in Barcud Cottage has all the facilities you’re likely to need. There’s a gas cooker, a fridge, microwave and dishwasher as well as a full set of crockery, glasses and cutlery. Last year, some of our guests spent one rainy afternoon making cookies, which they very generously shared! Even while washing up, you get a sense of the building’s past as you look through windows set deep in the walls.
Bedrooms
Unlike many older buildings, Barcud Cottage has two light and airy bedrooms with excellent views. There’s a double bedroom and a twin, and there’s access to a Zed bed if needed. Duvets, bed linen and towels are provided. There’s ample wardrobe space, bedside lights, central heating radiators and a washbasin in each room.
Bathroom
The bathroom in Barcud Cottage is newly refurbished, with mosaic-tiled walls, a bath with shower and a hardwood surround, a washbasin with mirror and light, and toilet.
