Idris Barn

Customer rating

1.9★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Hot tub
Off road parking
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Games Room
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

8 Customer Review(s)

Paul
October 2025

“The appearance and cleanliness of this property left a lot to be desired.”

Unkempt outdoor spaces, backing onto a scrap yard, external paths were covered in mud and filth making it impossible to access the property without getting muddy - no safe external space for the dogs - so not pet friendly at all. It was scruffy and poorly looked after and wasn’t suitable for rental in our opinion. We could not stay at the property and chose to find an alternative location.

Unkempt outdoor spaces, backing onto a scrap yard, external paths were covered in mud and filth making it impossible to access the property without getting muddy - no safe external space for the dogs - so not pet friendly at all. It was scruffy and poorly looked after and wasn’t suitable for rental in our opinion. We could not stay at the property and chose to find an alternative location.

- Paul, October 2025
Zena October 2025

“Second time at this amazing barn conversion and already booked to return in the summer.”

- Zena, October 2025
Jane September 2025

“We are not usually inclined to leave a poor review but there were too many area that need addressing.”

The property was right next to a plant hire firm that meant tractors and trucks were rumbling past the property from 8 am onwards each day. There was limited hot water for the bath and no WiFi and consequential no tv for the full 5 days of our stay Previous reviews in August noted peeling wall paper, scuffed paint and scruffy outdoor areas. Review responses stated that this would be rectified but our mid September stay showed that nothing had been done. They were keen to blame Skyes for all the issues but it was clearly the owners who had the responsibility of sorting things out. A third of the light bulbs didn't work, the outside area was a slick of black mud and weeds. The hot tub was horridly tatty and we didn't even try to go there. The photos of the property were fictional..no football table, no WiFi or tv, poor location accuracy...all expressed in earlier reviews and nothing done. Our twin room had a security light that was activated by the wind and so little sleep as it was like living next to an overly excited light house. It was meant to be a very special trip for our 88 year old father who lived in the area during the war years. We survived the stay and put on a brave face but would not recommend on any level. Sort it out please as this is not fair on your guests and at least be accurate and honest.

- Jane, September 2025
Jacqueline September 2025

“The property was nothing like the photos shown.”

It was basic and neglected patio door didn't lock the shower didn't stay in the correct position mold in the cubicle. It was overlooking a farming business. The fencing was broken there were weeds everywhere. The WiFi didn't work so the TV didn't work also the oven didn't work. No I wouldn't say that it was worth the money. I have requested a part refund

- Jacqueline, September 2025
Dawn September 2025

“No internet - not fixed whilst there despite regular communication.”

Garden NOT dog friendly, very long grass, shared with another accommodation and fences blow over, therefore not secure. Photographs are very deceiving.

- Dawn, September 2025
Lyndsey August 2025

“Our recent stay at Idris Barn was okay overall, but unfortunately, it did not fully meet our expectations, and I feel some areas need attention.”

Firstly, there was confusion around check-in. Sykes listed check-in as 3pm, but the owner informed us it was 4pm. It would be helpful if this was updated with the booking company to avoid misunderstandings. Similarly, the address provided by Sykes differed from the owner’s, which caused some delays in finding the property. The property itself is located opposite a busy plant hire business, so the main outlook from the lounge and kitchen is of trucks and diggers, which wasn’t what we were expecting from the listing. Inside, the kitchen could benefit from better equipment. There was no grill rack in the oven, no freezer compartment in the fridge (despite the listing stating fridge/freezer), and no kitchen scissors. More cutlery, such as butter knives, would also be useful. The games room no longer has the table football shown in the photos (it appeared broken and stored outside). It may be best to either repair/replace it or remove it from the listing to avoid disappointment. The outdoor areas could do with more care. Weeds in the garden, rubbish and broken items stacked outside, and the small, enclosed fenced area around the hot tub made it feel untidy and less inviting than advertised. The photos on the website suggested more open space, but this has since changed with the airplane portacabin on the grounds. Maintenance is also needed in some parts of the property. The extractor fan in the shower room wasn’t working, and there was visible black mould. The overall cleanliness felt a little lacking, and some rooms (like the lounge and twin bedroom) would benefit from fresh furnishings and redecoration. For example, there’s only seating for three people in the lounge, which isn’t ideal for a family of four. The bathrooms also looked quite dated. Small details like kitchen light bulbs needing replacing and the front door looking worn added to the impression that the property could use a little TLC. In conclusion, while the stay was okay, the property did not quite live up to the photos or description and fell short of what we were expecting, particularly for the price paid. With some updating, repairs, and clearer communication between Sykes and the owner, it has the potential to offer a much more enjoyable stay.

- Lyndsey, August 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful and detailed feedback following your stay at Idris Barn. While we're glad to hear that your visit was okay overall, we're genuinely sorry that the experience did not fully meet your expectations. We sincerely apologize for the confusion around check-in time and the address discrepancy. Clear and consistent communication is essential, and we are working with Sykes to ensure that all booking details—including arrival times and directions—are accurately aligned to prevent future misunderstandings. Your comments regarding the property's outlook and proximity to the plant hire business are noted. We understand that this view may not have matched the impression given in the listing, and we are reviewing the property description and imagery to better reflect the current surroundings and layout. Inside the barn, we appreciate your suggestions regarding kitchen equipment and furnishings. The missing grill rack, lack of freezer compartment, and limited cutlery are being addressed, and we will ensure the kitchen is better stocked for future guests. We also recognize the need for additional seating in the lounge to comfortably accommodate families, and this is being prioritized. Regarding the games room and outdoor areas, we regret that the table football was broken and that the garden appeared untidy. These elements should enhance the guest experience—not detract from it—and we are taking steps to repair or remove outdated features and improve the overall presentation of the grounds. The presence of the airplane portacabin will also be clarified in future listings to avoid surprises. Maintenance issues such as the non-functioning extractor fan, visible mould, and worn furnishings are being reviewed with urgency. We are committed to improving cleanliness standards and refreshing key areas of the property, including the bathrooms and entrance, to ensure a more welcoming and comfortable environment. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify areas for improvement. We’re grateful for your honesty and for highlighting both the strengths and shortcomings of your stay. With the updates and repairs now underway, we hope Idris Barn will soon reflect the quality and charm that guests expect and deserve. Property Owner
Laura August 2025

“We were very excited to come to a converted barn in our beloved Wales as we come every year and save all year for it.”

On our arrival we were disheartened by the outer appearance. Broken furniture, open wire box with wires hanging out, glass on the floor. The football table shown in the site was broken and thrown outside in view. We were shocked at the lack of privacy as there was a hire plant literally in our door step. The noise of tractors and people went on until after 8.30. I took videos of this. When we looked at the hot tub it was directly opposite the plant which had a flimsy fence on one side and the other side half an aeroplane stuck in the garden as some accommodation. A strange ceramic figure was an attempt to obscure this but didn’t. My son who is 10 was in the tub and said there was someone getting dressed and at that point we got out the hot tub which we didn’t use again. Inside the place was not aired so smelt of pets. There was no fridge freezer for food we bought so had to throw away. The seating arrangements in the evening after long days hiking left one of us sat at the table as there was only a two seater sofa and one arm chair. Another arm chair would have helped as we were a family of 4. The master bedroom had two single beds put together and my partners side was awful as all the springs were broken in the bed so he kept on sinking and did not sleep well. The flush in the main bathroom toilet did not work properly. The pictures on the site gave the illusion of privacy but we were literally attached to a main road with traffic which we could hear until late and other people walking past our accommodation all the time. The proximity of the other accommodations was not really reflected in the description of the place. I also took pictures of it as I didn't want another family to be disappointed like us. We will continue to go to our beloved Wales every year just not to that accommodation I am afraid.

- Laura, August 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your recent stay did not meet expectations—especially given how much your family looks forward to your annual visit to Wales. Your feedback is deeply valued, and we appreciate the detail and care with which you’ve expressed your concerns. We sincerely regret the issues you encountered upon arrival, particularly regarding the exterior condition and the lack of privacy. The presence of broken furniture, exposed wiring, and glass is unacceptable, and we are actively investigating how this was overlooked prior to your check-in. Immediate steps are being taken to ensure these hazards are addressed and do not recur. The proximity of the hire plant and the noise disruption you described are also concerning. While we do operate in a rural setting where agricultural activity is part of the landscape, we understand that this should never interfere with a guest’s comfort or sense of peace. We are reviewing our scheduling and fencing arrangements to better shield guests from operational areas and improve overall privacy. Regarding the hot tub placement and surrounding view, we acknowledge that the current setup may not offer the seclusion our listing suggests. We are re-evaluating the layout and screening to ensure future guests have a more private and relaxing experience. The ceramic figure was a temporary solution, and we now see that it fell short. Inside the accommodation, we’re sorry to hear about the lack of ventilation, seating limitations, and the condition of the master bed. These are basic comforts that should never be compromised. We are replacing the mattress immediately and adding additional seating to better accommodate families. The absence of a fridge freezer and the malfunctioning toilet flush are also being addressed as a priority. We take your comments about the listing imagery and description seriously. Transparency is essential, and we are currently updating our site to more accurately reflect the layout, proximity to other accommodations, and surrounding environment. Your photos and videos will be reviewed internally to guide our improvements. We understand how disappointing this experience must have been, especially after a year of saving and anticipation. While we regret that we won’t have the opportunity to welcome you back, we are grateful for your honesty—it helps us grow and do better. Property Owner
Jane August 2025

“Property not as pictured, dirty, dilapidated, in bad repair.”

Overlooks plant hire company which was not mentioned in advert. Aeroplane air b&b in garden - also not pictured or mentioned. Hot tub over chlorinated and burned eyes and throat, games room football table broken. Not a 4* property. Poor customer service from Sykes in response to our complaint about the barn.

- Jane, August 2025

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that your experience fell short of expectations, and we appreciate you taking the time to highlight the issues you encountered. We understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive at a property that did not match the advertised images or description. The presence of the plant hire company and the aeroplane accommodation in view should have been clearly communicated, and we regret that this was not reflected in the listing. Transparency is essential, and we are currently reviewing all property descriptions and imagery to ensure they accurately represent the environment and layout. Cleanliness and maintenance are non-negotiable standards, and we sincerely apologize for the condition of the property during your stay. The concerns you raised—including the broken football table, over-chlorinated hot tub, and general disrepair—are being addressed with urgency. We are working closely with the property owner to ensure these issues are resolved and that future guests enjoy a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained space. We’re also sorry to hear about your experience with customer service. Your feedback has been shared with the relevant team at Sykes, and we are reviewing our response protocols to ensure that concerns are handled with the care and attention they deserve. We understand your frustration and disappointment, and while we regret that your stay did not reflect the quality we strive to deliver, your feedback is helping us take meaningful steps toward improvement. Thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention. Property Owner

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x twin
Bathroom with bath, basin, and WC
First-floor kitchen
First-floor living/dining room
Games room
Oil central heating
Oven, hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, kettle, toaster
Smart TV, darts board, piano, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot and highchair available on request
Designated, off-road parking for 3 cars
Non-enclosed front patio with furniture
Rear patio with hot tub
Three well-behaved pets welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.1 miles, pub 0.3 miles, river 1.5 miles
Note: This property has a good housekeeping bond of £200

The property

Idris Barn is a lovely, detached house situated by the Afon Mawddach river near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, boasting a private hot tub, table football, and piano.

Fairbourne 9.2 miles; Barmouth 10 miles; Machynlleth 16.2 miles; Aberdovey 23.7 miles.

The Dolgellau Properties

The Dolgellau Properties consists of a lovely selection of three houses resting near the quaint town of Dolgellau, of Gwynedd. This pet-friendly collection offers private hot tubs, ample parking, and Smart TVs, making it ideal for families or groups of friends and three well-behaved pets, while the surroundings enjoy Dolgellau Park, the afon mawddach river, as well as scenic strolls through the gorgeous landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Treat your loved ones to a meal out with some pub grub at the Stag Inn or indulge in finer dining at Y Sospan – both just a stone’s throw from your properties. Venture a little further afield for the seaside town of Barmouth and walk the Barmouth Pier, admire the Mawddach Estuary, then indulge in a day at Barmouth Beach. Take a short drive to Machynlleth to explore The Museum Of Modern Art, visit Machynlleth Town Clock, and treat your four-legged friends to Y Plas Machynlleth Playground. Scenic adventures in Snowdonia National Park wait to be enjoyed when you book a stay at The Dolgellau Properties.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

DOLGELLAU

Fairbourne 9.3 miles; Barmouth 10 miles; Aberdovey 23.2 miles.

This small, beautiful market town is located in the heart of southern Snowdonia, between the imposing Cader Idris mountain range and the sea. It’s a superb base for a holiday - perfect for combining the many outdoor pursuits on offer in Snowdonia with relaxing days out on the soft sandy beaches of Barmouth, Fairbourne and Aberdovey. The town itself offers a good selection of shops, five pubs and a wine bar, along with a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and two bakeries, that produce fresh bread and cakes each day. Dolgellau is home to over 200 listed buildings, allegedly the highest concentration in the whole of Wales, and the town is also a designated 'cycle break centre' boasting a range of dedicated cycle routes all around the area. Close by is the Coed y Brenin mountain bike trail and this location is ideal for quiet outdoor recreation with superb scenery, mountains, forests, waterfalls, castles and beaches all close to hand.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Dolgellau, North Wales & Snowdonia (Ref. 1177120)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“The appearance and cleanliness of this property left a lot to be desired.”

“Second time at this amazing barn conversion and already booked to return in the summer.”

“We are not usually inclined to leave a poor review but there were too many area that need addressing.”

“The property was nothing like the photos shown.”

“No internet - not fixed whilst there despite regular communication.”

“Our recent stay at Idris Barn was okay overall, but unfortunately, it did not fully meet our expectations, and I feel some areas need attention.”