HAVE you ever fancied holidaying with your horse or perhaps pampering your pooch? One jewel situated on the shore of one of the most picturesque estuaries in the UK might hold the answer.

It may be best used to treat your (human) loved one to an experience they’ll never forget, however.

Coes Faen Spa Lodge BB is located on the fringes of Barmouth opposite the bustling seaside town’s iconic clocktower. Wedged between the mountains and the stunning Mawddach Estuary, with sweeping views of the 151-year-old wooden Barmouth Bridge, the stunning hotel boasts one of the country’s finest panoramas.

The building itself hosts a wealth of surprises and pleasing details. It began life as a servants’ quarters in the 19th century but has been brought bang up to date in the last few years since its owners – Sara and Richard – breathed new life into the property.

Sara, a former editor of the Cambrian News, and Richard, an internationally revered engineer and car designer, have combined their unusual skillset to create something rather wonderful in the heart of Meirionnydd, mid Wales.

A combination of Victorian craftmanship blended with the finest 21st-century technology makes Coes Faen an attractive affair.

The stone cliffs behind the spa lodge not only hold the 30-acre private woodland garden but actually tumble into the atrium of the building itself.

The couple considered that water from the cliffs would attempt to seep into house whether they wanted it to or not, so engineered a solution which funnelled the whole process into a show-stopping water feature.

Directly above the cascades you’ll find the largest all-glass ceiling in Great Britain, and in every room you’ll find lighting options and touch sensors that would put several London theatres to shame.

All of the features will be pointed out to you on your initial tour of the accommodation by a member of the conscientious but friendly staff.

The ’spa’ aspect of the spa lodge is not what you might expect. There is no central facility but each of the bespoke six rooms will have built in luxury facilities.

Each makes use of slate from north Wales – famed across the globe – and furniture and gizmos of the highest standard.

In our room, a king-sized wooden bath hand-crafted by a luxury yacht builder in Scotland dominates the room. In another room, depending on your selection, you may well make use of your private steam room, cinema, jacuzzi or outdoor hot tub.

The complimentary top-of-the-range spa products are a welcome detail and, if ordered ahead of time, a vast array of treatments are available in-room.

Thus, relaxed and sweet-scented, you may then make your way downstairs to the the drinks lounge where a wide selection of temptations are available. Whether a fine Italian red or a signature gin produced just a few miles away, there will be a drink to satisfy any palette as you peruse the Tuscan-inspired, but with lashing of Welsh flavour, menu.

Our food was terrific throughout but occasionally elevated itself to exquisite. The scallops and the lamb were the best I’ve ever eaten and despite the high-end cuisine, the room remained very relaxed and comfortable. The breakfast the next morning was hearty and happily set you up for whatever the coming day could put in front of you.

So was the experience faultless? I have no hesitation in saying that as a BB – the owners felt ’B&B’ was too clunky – is of the very highest standard and would highly recommend it.

However, the front of Coes Faen faces onto one of the only roads leading into Barmouth where noisy traffic can be a nuisance. I can’t imagine this would be a problem most of the year but on the hottest day of the year – as it was when we stayed – we had our windows wide open in the stifling heat and the occasional roaring engine did cause a disturbance.

Otherwise, except for maybe a little too much light creeping over and around the blinds in the morning, the room was exemplary and the bed entirely embracing.

The spectacle, the gravitas, the gardens, and the food during our stay could not be slighted but it would be untrue to say it was my finest night’s sleep.

I fully intend to return in a cooler month or for a truly special occasion to explore the rest of Coes Faen’s individually tailored bedrooms.

Oh and for your furrier friends mentioned above? Well horses can enjoy the studiously hygienic stables in the forecourt and the benefits of a warm rain shower and infra-red heat treatment before bedding down on a specialised rubber floor.

Dogs can expect equal pampering and even a sausage thrown in for breakfast if the dog’s owners wish so.

Prices at Coes Faen Spa Lodge BB start from £165 per room per night including breakfast (prices fluctuate depending on which room you choose and at what time of year). Evening meals start from £35 per person.

Coes Faen has a room with step-free access for guests with mobility issues, who are asked to call ahead.

For more information, visit https://coesfaen.co.uk