Access Statement for Ty Capel

General

Ty Capel Studio is the first floor of what was originally the caretakers cottage for the adjoining chapel. The cottage pre-dates the chapel by some time, we're not sure how long, but evidence of the roof being raised to the height of the chapel was found during recent renovation work. The chapel was constructed in about 1825, and both it and the cottage have been modernised in sympathy for the history, while retaining most of the original construction such as the stone walls, wooden floors, and roofing. The two buildings were combined into one when the chapel was converted in the 1990's, and the complete property is now the full time home of the hosts. Though small, the apartment is completely self contained, with its own front door and small entrance hall. A single flight of stairs leads up to the apartment, featuring the kitchenette, bed/sitting room, shower room, and separate WC/washroom. The ground floor of the cottage, below the Studio, is now the kitchen for the main house. For everyone’s safety and comfort smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises, including the garden. We do not allow pet dogs in the Studio*, and as we now have our own little dog, we no longer have the capacity to board dogs that are unfamiliar to us. Due to the age and size of the property we are unfortunately unable to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users. * We of course permit registered assistance dogs, but please inform us of your circumstances when booking.

Locale

Ty Capel is in Darowen, a small hilltop community comprising about 20 homes and outlying farms. Though access to the village is via single track roads, it is only 2½ miles from the A470, the main north/south route through Wales. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution as there are few passing places, and often sheep in the road. The nearest bus stop is on the A470 in Commins Coch, however the road has a steep hill climb up to the village which ever route is taken, and there is no pathway separate from the road. The closest shop is 3 miles, though this is not open all the time. The town of Machynlleth is approximately 6 miles to the west, and has the closest railway station (about 7 miles from Ty Capel). Taxis are available from several local companies. The room interior can be viewed on our website, and Google Streetview gives a good view of the village of Darowen and the surrounding area. (NB: The StreetView images were updated in June 2021)

Arrival & Car Parking

We ask that our guests supply an ETA so that we can ensure one of us is here to check you in and offer assistance with luggage. We have two private parking spaces on a level gravelled area at the end of the chapel. We will normally ensure one of these is free for guest use if they are arriving by car. On first arrival guests should check in at Ty Capel main door, a blue door with round window, in the front porch. We'll normally spot you arriving, but if not please knock the door for attention. On sunny days, check for us in the small garden next to the parking area! When we are expecting guests it is highly unusual that neither one of us would be at home. Once checked in, access to the Studio is via the wrought iron gate at the end of the parking area.

The rear of the Chapel and the garden area is unlit at night, and extreme care is advised in the dark. We will normally accompany guests the first time, and we provide a torch in the Studio. The gate leads to down two steps on to the paved terrace at the rear of the chapel (where guests are free to admire the view and take a seat to rest a while under the conservatory canopy), and a further 3 steps down at the other end lead to a short gravel path to the Studio door. There are a further 2 steps up to Ty Capel Studio entrance door. An automatic sensor should illuminate your approach to the door if arriving after dark.

Studio Main Entrance and Stairs

A key is always required to open this door from the outside. The key should be rotated clockwise, and the door opens inward. When fully open it is only 68cm wide. The entrance "hall" and stairs are carpeted, guests are asked to please remove outdoor footwear, and leave these on the boot tray provided. Coat hooks are provided for outdoor coats and jackets, on the wall above the boot tray. A fire door opens into this entrance area, and is the fire escape route from Ty Capel kitchen. The entrance area and fire escape route must be kept clear at all times.

The carpeted stairs have a turn half way up, and lead directly into the accommodation area. A small ABC fire extinguisher is located on the end of the kitchenette, immediately to your right as you step off the top stair.

Main Accomodation

The main area is carpeted. The metal framed double bed is made up with two pillows per person and duvet. All bedding is man-made. Blanket/throws are also provided. Access to the far side of the bed may be a little restricted for taller people, as the roof slopes down to 177cm where it meets the wall. A portable electric radiator is also against this wall, next to the window. Central heating radiator is to the right of the window, central heating is normally switched off from May to October.

There are smaller three drawer chests to either side of the bed, with hanging bed-side lamps. A hairdryer is located in the top drawer of the large chest of drawers, which has a reading lamp and small mirror on top.

Hanging space is provided on an open rail with luggage shelf above. A flat screen TV and DVD player are wall mounted facing the bed. TV is supplied via "FreeSat" satellite service. Seating is two tub chairs with cushions, and cushions on the low window ledge, where guests can enjor the view. For obvious safety reasons, guests are requested not to sit on the window ledge if the window is open.

Book shelves contain a range of brochures for local atttractions, a small selection of local OS maps and guide books, some local interest books, and a small selection of DVDs from our own collection. We ask that if guests borrow anything from the book shelves they return them before leaving to ensure they are available for the next guests to enjoy. All areas of the accomodation are pictured on the main area of the website.

Kitchenette

For the preparation of breakfast and snacks, the kitchenette features; a compact table top oven with grill (there is no microwave oven), small fridge, portable plug-in induction hob, toaster, kettle, and sink/drainer. We include some provisions such as tea, coffee, sugar, and cleaning products. Seating is provided by a bistro table with two chairs. Guests may use alternative seating provided outside in any part of the gardens at their own risk.

The kitchenette area has vinyl floor covering. Fire blanket and First Aid kit are located in the cupboard under the sink, and a small ABC fire extinguisher is located at the end of the kitchenette units.

Shower Room & WC

Shower room and WC are separate allowing two guests to use facilities simultaneously. All flooring is lino and a bathmat is provided, with one hand towel and one bath towel per guest. Extra towels are available on request. WC is "en suite" directly off the bedroom area, whereas the shower room is off the kitchenette area. The WC features a washbasin and standard height WC. The frosted window is a long reach over the deep window ledge. There is a mirror and an electric light with electric shaver point above the washbasin, and a wall mounted fan heater above the window.

The electric thermostatic shower has a small step over into the 1000x800mm tray, and features bi-fold glass door. The room has no windows and is equipped with a timed extractor fan which comes on with the low voltage lights. There is a timer controlled towel radiator.

Interior Layout Plan

Laundry

There are presently no laundry facilities available on site. There is a laundry in Machynlleth near the post office. Any guest found to have carried out laundry in the Studio will incur an additional fee of £20.00.

Outdoor Facilities

Please note all outside areas are on multiple levels with steps and uneven paths. All of the outdoor areas available to guests have spectacular views over the surrounding farmland and distant hills. The Studio has a small herb garden backing on to open fields, with a mixed hedge boundary. No seating is presently provided here, so guests are encouraged to use the table and chairs under the conservatory canopy at the back of the chapel, just 3 steps up from the Studio garden.

The chapel has a larger garden area which our guests are free to use at their own risk. It features several benches, including our new bench swing. We also have a firepit available for use though this might be stored in our shed if it's raining! Be aware that it has meandering gravel paths on several levels and some uneven paved areas with seating. A couple of small benches overlook our wildlife pond. The pond is crossed by a wooden bridge that has no handrail, you cross this at your own peril!

There is a rough "utility" area of the garden, beyond the Studio entrance, which guests are strongly advised they should not enter, for it is a favoured stopping spot for our little dog!

Additional Information

If specific requirements have not been covered clearly please telephone 01650 511092, email us, or write to us for clarification.

Contact Information

Marion Burnham
Ty Capel
Darowen
Machynlleth
SY20 8NS
UNITED KINGDOM

Before calling please consider our time zone; GMT in winter, BST in summer.
The local time at Ty Capel is;
Telephone: 01650 511092
0044 1650 511092 from overseas
Fax: Not available
Email: info@tycapel.wales
Web: tycapel.wales
what3words: ///fabricate.committee.cookies
Lat,Long: 52°36′1.9512″N, 3°43′48.7596″W
East,North: 282913,301711
Grid ref: SH8291201711 (short form SH829017)

Hours of operation: Available for enquiries all year except Christmas and for our own holidays.
Please only call at reasonable hours, i.e.: from 09:00 to 17:00 our local time.
We're generally available up to 19:00 weekdays, and 17:00 at the weekends.

last updated: 2nd Jan 2023