A stone cottage in the heart of Wales near a lake

Nestled in the Gwynedd countryside, this small stone house has stood the test of time. It has been restored to its former glory thanks to a meticulous renovation carried out by its owners. About ten minutes from Lake Bala, this stone cottage borders Snowdonia National Park in the heart of Wales. Its secluded garden is surrounded by tall meadows and old trees. The renovation respects the original rural architecture, with its rough-hewn stone walls and slate roof.

It has a warm and decidedly romantic atmosphere. The house consists of one bedroom, a kitchen that opens onto the living room, and a bathroom, perfect for a couple.

A stone facade nestled among the tall grasses

The house stands out first and foremost for its low, elongated shape. This silhouette pays homage to traditional Welsh farmhouses. The walls combine exposed stone with a gable clad in wooden planks. The elements have weathered this siding over the seasons. A gray slate roof tops it all off with understated elegance. Two windows with small panes frame the front door. Their white window frames contrast with the gray stone of the walls.

Around the house, the grass grows tall and wild. Gnarled apple trees are planted in this natural, untamed garden. A small gravel patio holds a round table and metal chairs. The front door, painted a deep olive green, contrasts beautifully with the stone. It already hints at the color palette chosen for the interior.

A living-kitchen area centered around the wood-burning stove

Once inside, the living area is centered around a stone fireplace. It has retained its original rough-hewn finish. A brass chandelier hangs above this imposing hearth. A black wood-burning stove has replaced the old open hearth. It efficiently radiates heat throughout the room. Facing the fire, the sage-green velvet sofa looks particularly comfortable. The botanical patterns on the cushions echo those chosen for the bedroom. An antique mahogany sideboard serves as a desk under the window.

The kitchen is tucked away at the far end of the room, featuring a rustic style with its Dublin ceramic sink. Its white ceramic tiles pair with a dark wood countertop. Vintage chrome faucets complete this decidedly vintage setup. The oven and microwave are concealed behind a floral fabric skirt to maintain the rustic feel. This very British detail softens the utilitarian aspect of the kitchen. A small table and two Windsor chairs make up the dining area.

A cosy bedroom with floral prints

The bedroom opens directly onto the living room. A heavy mahogany door, fitted with antique hardware, marks this transition. The bed is complemented by a tufted headboard in a red and green floral print. An emerald-green boiled-wool throw covers the white sheets. Striped pillowcases, edged with ruffles, complete this bucolic decor. A solid mahogany dresser stands opposite the bed.

A gilded, carved mirror hangs above it, giving it the look of a makeshift dressing table. Its built-in bookcase holds cookbooks and travel guides. The window, set into the thick stone wall, has retained its painted interior shutters.

A vintage bathroom in powder pink and soft green

The bathroom embraces a colorful scheme with walls painted in powder pink that complement white subway tiles. Its terracotta floor adds a warm touch to this bathroom. The bathtub is framed by a green wooden panel and bathed in natural light from the room. The original sink, small and deep, rests on a cabinet that’s also green. It almost looks like an antique basin, the kind once found in rustic bathrooms.

An antique-style gilded mirror elegantly frames this green vanity. A striped kilim rug serves as a bath mat. The shower is enclosed by glass doors, and its walls are covered with white tile all the way to the ceiling. A chrome towel warmer keeps the towels warm.

Our take on the decor

This Welsh home tells an old, rustic story without falling into clichés. The color palette is built around floral textiles, green, and terracotta. This is the common thread found throughout every room in this stone cottage. The antique furniture, made of mahogany or wicker, fits perfectly into this very English setting. It blends naturally with more contemporary elements, such as the wood-burning stove. The bathroom, with its powder pink and green, takes a color risk that pays off.

It gives this room a strong identity. The floral fabrics, far from being dated, add to the charm of the place. Chintz has long been a favorite in British and European interior design. The mix of wood types is balanced and well-executed. Nothing here feels impractical or overly precious, despite the presence of many antique pieces. The overall effect is a welcoming and cohesive atmosphere. Here, square footage matters less than harmonious decor.

Get inspired by this very British style

This very English style can inspire our interiors. Floral chintz and 19th-century mahogany furniture are easy to incorporate into our homes. To recreate this ambiance at home, start by visiting flea markets and garage sales, at least when it comes to furniture.

These treasure hunts will often lead you to discover a mahogany dresser or a gilded mirror with a patina. The village flea markets are a great starting point for anyone who wants to recreate this cozy atmosphere at home. When it comes to paint, a sage green or powder pink is all it takes to recreate this English, country-style atmosphere without major renovations.

Between lake and mountains, the wilds of Wales

The house is located in Gwynedd, in northwestern Wales. Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) lies about a ten-minute drive away. This vast natural lake, the largest in the country, attracts hikers and water sports enthusiasts.

Snowdonia National Park, renamed Eryri, stretches right next to it with its rocky peaks. Its lush green valleys create a spectacular landscape. Around the house, sheep pastures and dry stone walls stretch as far as the eye can see.