History

Ty Isaf: The Story Behind the Stone

A place shaped by time, restored with care

There’s something about Ty Isaf that you feel the moment you arrive. It might be the quiet weight of the thick stone walls, the way the oak beams curve with age, or how the wind whistles gently around the corners like it’s known this place for centuries.

This isn’t just a cottage. It’s a story—one that began more than 400 years ago, and one we’ve been lucky enough to step into.

A Home Rooted in Welsh Soil

Built sometime in the 1600s, Ty Isaf has stood through storms, sunshine, and more history than we’ll ever truly know. Its original purpose may have been humble—a small farmhouse or rural dwelling in the shadow of the mountains—but its bones were strong. The thick stonework, likely gathered from the land itself, speaks of a time when homes were built to last, not to impress.

Over the centuries, families came and went. Fires were lit in the great inglenook. Children likely raced in and out of the low-silled doorway. The same path you take down to the beach may have once been used to fetch seaweed or salted fish. There are whispers in the walls, if you listen carefully.

Breathing New Life into Old Stone

When we found Ty Isaf, it hadn’t forgotten its past—but it needed care. Our goal wasn’t to modernise it beyond recognition, but to respect what was already here while making it comfortable and welcoming for guests.

We kept the heart of the house—the inglenook fireplace, the oak beams, the sense of stillness—but we added a light-filled modern extension, a place where people could gather, cook, and look out toward the sea.

Every decision was made with love: to preserve, restore, and honour the character of the house while offering the comforts and warmth we’d want for our own family. And yes, that includes gas central heating, a modern kitchen, and Wi-Fi—because even in a place this old, we know a few modern luxuries go a long way.

Stone by the Sea, Heart in the Hills

One of Ty Isaf’s most magical qualities is its location. From the first-floor balcony, you can see the sea shimmer in the distance. You can walk from mountain path to sandy beach in a single afternoon. You can open the window at night and hear nothing but wind, birdsong, and the occasional soft bark from a contented dog.

It’s this in-between feeling—between past and present, mountain and ocean, adventure and rest—that makes Ty Isaf feel like something rare.

Our Story, Now Shared With You

We’re just the current chapter in Ty Isaf’s long story. And now, we’re opening it up to you. Whether you come to walk, to write, to run on the beach with your dog, or to curl up by the fire, we hope you’ll feel that sense of belonging, of time slowing down.

Because Ty Isaf doesn’t just give you a place to stay—it offers a sense of continuity. A grounding. A deep exhale.

From the stone underfoot to the stars overhead, you’re welcome here.