A water feature within a magical garden is maybe something that many house hunters are looking for - something unique that sets the home apart from others. And they don't come much more unique than a cute cottage with an estuary and working toll bridge in the garden. Welcome to Penmaenpool toll bridge and toll keeper's cottage.
If you buy this sweet and characterful abode, with of course amazing waterside views, you don't get the Mawddach Estuary but you do own the historic bridge over it, and you can charge cars and people for using it too.
To say this property for sale is one of the most unique in Wales at the moment is a complete understatement, it is truly awesome - the location, the views, the history, the character, and even the chance to charge any users of the bridge 80p a time.
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Some people can say they have a charming garden bridge over a trickling stream or babbling brook but this is on another level - a landmark bridge that also comes with the toll keeper's cottage, now renovated into a one-bed home at one end of the bridge that is joined by a toll booth and store room opposite.
The bridge was built in 1879 by the Penmaenpool Bridge Company at the hamlet of, you guessed it, Penmaenpool as a replacement for a ferry crossing, and to shorten the journey between the north of the estuary around Barmouth to the south of the water, heading towards Machynlleth. It was officially opened on February 27, 1879.
The agent selling this amazing property, and its bridge, states that the structure links the A493 running along the south bank of the Mawddach to the A496 running along the north and benefits from plenty of repeat custom. Across the toll bridge, there is an additional road to the A496 Dolgellau to Barmouth road.
The former toll keeper's cottage is said to have been added to the site in around 1900 according to Cadw. The bridge structure and cottage both gained a Grade II listing from Cadw at the same time in 1990 for 'special interest as one of very few surviving wooden toll bridges still in operation'.
The bridge is one of the main attractions in the picturesque Mawddach valley, with reviews on Tripadvisor gushing about its old world charm and that crossing it is like stepping back in time.
And to reward you for driving over, and there is pedestrian and bike access too, a cold pint of whatever you fancy and optional yummy food is waiting for you at the George III hotel at the end. But if your vehicle is over 2.5 tonnes there is no way you're getting on it.
The average summer's day is said to see in excess of 200 crossings during opening hours of 8.30am - 6.30pm and payment is taken in the office booth and if reviewers on Tripadvisor are to be believed there is still pedestrian access after opening hours via an honesty box.
The reviews all gush about the amazing views that the crossing gives you access to, and if you're strolling along it rather than driving, stop at the centre and look up and down the estuary for immersive and impressive views that some reviewers say get even better as the sun sinks and dusk arrives.
The toll keeper's cottage is currently owned by Sue and Barry who lived in the property while they settled into the area and looked for a larger home, and have been running it as a truly unique holiday let from 2016, gaining rave five star reviews on Airbnb.
The couple currently work on the bridge collecting fares between 8.30am and 6.30pm, so if a change of lifestyle from being chained to a desk and working for someone else to being somewhere unique as your own boss appeals to you, the bridge might be right up your street - literally. Or you could employ staff if you'd prefer to swan off round the county of Gwynedd instead.
The cottage is well located for visiting guests to explore the stunning scenery of the area. The adjacent cycle track, the Mawddach trail, that used to be the old railway track is perfect for strolls as well as bikes.
The trail is an ideal way to walk the estuary banks for bird watching, especially handy then that the RSPB information centre at Coed Garth Gell is just a short stroll away from the cottage too.
Slightly further afield is the seaside town of Barmouth that includes stunning sandy beaches, and the traditional market town of Dolgellau offering a range of artisan shops and weekly farmers market is only two miles away.
The foothills of the majestic Cadir Idris are on the near horizon tempting you to explore their magnificence and beauty, and the beast that is Snowdonia is just a drive away.
Back at the quaint toll keeper's cottage it's quite incredible to think that the one-bed cutie used to potentially house the keeper and his family - there's a one room kitchen dining and lounge area set up for one or two people with the lounge furniture nestled around a roaring log burner.
There's also a shower room and a double bedroom, and the stripped wooden walls, that remind you that this is a timber built structure, add visual warmth as well as character and charm.
But arguably the best place to be at the cottage is out on the cute little terrace that has the most amazing, expansive and uninterrupted views that sits alongside bridge - the ideal place to relax and watch nature be the most enthralling neighbour, from the water to the sky, the mountains to the wildlife.
You can also watch the occasional car, bike or group of walkers go by too during the day, just make sure you've relieved them of 80p before they get off the bridge.
The wonderful Penmaenpool toll bridge and toll keeper's cottage are undisputed local landmarks and national treasures and to be their next owner and custodian it will cost you £399,950. For further information call Walter Lloyd Jones at their Dolgellau branch on 01341 422278.
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