I met Al (Mr Dad Network) when my son was nearly 8. Before that he and I had lived on our own for 6 years.

We loved it! We loved our little home and we loved having so much time together, just the two of us. Our relationship was a very close one and we were certainly never looking for anything to change. We were both very happy and content with things the way they were.

But then I met Al and I realised I was ready for a new adult relationship and ready to let someone else in to our lives. We introduced him carefully and slowly and luckily my son accepted him in to our lives and in to our home.

But… I thought it was vital to protect some of the special time we spent together 1:1 and so we all made a pact that no matter what happened in the future e.g. marriage or siblings, my son and I would always carve time out of our family schedules to spend time together just the two of us.

And that is what we have done. We make sure that we go for dinner together regularly and also book activities for the two of us; abseiling, Go-Ape, ice-skating etc. We focus solely on one another (no phones allowed) and we talk.

We catch up and laugh and enjoy one another’s company without interruption.

My son and I used to go on holiday alone every  year, something we absolutely loved. For the first couple of years Al and I were together, my son and I still managed to do this and always had a great time. Then we were blessed with a second son. The dinner dates and activities continued, although on a less frequent basis, but our holidays as a twosome stopped altogether and we started holidaying as a family of 4.

Then we were offered the opportunity of a stay in North Wales, thanks to Menai Holidays. The trip would take at least 7 hours. Our 2 year old is not keen on car journeys and so we made the decision that he would stay at home for some 1 to 1 time with Daddy while my older son and I spent some 1 to 1 time away together, something we were all apprehensive but excited to do.

I am so glad that we came to that decision. I am well aware that there will be a time when my son will be of an age that he wants to spend more time with his friends and less time with his Mum. Right now, when he is as keen to spend time with me as I am with him, I intend to grab hold of it with both hands and cherish every minute of it.

The 7 hour car journey went quickly due to the chatting, the singing and the snack/sweet sharing. The journey was actually a great way to start the holiday as we had so much time together to talk.

When we arrived at our destination, Nant Gwynant, Snowdonia, we literally could not believe our eyes. We have stayed in many holiday homes but none as wonderful as this. In our experience what you see on the website never matches up to reality. In this case the reality was even greater than the website could ever have portrayed. It was literally like staying in a dream home.

Something both myself and my son felt extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to do.

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Upon arrival we spent the first hour or so just looking around the house, enjoying every room in all its beauty. From the first step in to the grand hallway you know you are in a very special house. The views are simply breathtaking and can be enjoyed from almost every room in the house.

Once unpacked we cooked ourselves dinner in the most stunning kitchen. Everything you could need to cook for your family was readily provided. The owners had thought of everything. I doubt you could find a nicer kitchen to sit at the table in the morning sun. The view will take your breath away.

During the days we explored the Nant Gwynant, somewhere we will definitely be returning to very soon. In the evenings we lit the log fire (again everything provided) and played boardgames in the large, comfortable sitting room.

We could not have asked for better nights sleep! Something every parent wishes for! The rooms were comfortable and had every parents must-have; black out curtains.

Each room also had a very nice an en-suite bathroom.

As a single mother I had to save very hard to be able to take my son away. That meant that the holiday was all the more special and that we always hoped for the house or cottage we had booked, to live up to our expectations, as we knew another holiday wouldn’t be an option for another year. Unfortunately this was sometimes not the case and we were left a little disappointed.

However, this holiday home was spectacular. It cannot be faulted. It is a dream holiday home and we were absolutely delighted with our stay there.

My son and I had the most perfect time away and created memories that will stay with me a lifetime, including a trip down Europe’s longest and faster zip-wire. We both feel very lucky to have had the chance to get away just the two of us and we hope to do the same again in the future.

Without doubt, we are hoping to stay in this house again. The next time with Al and our youngest son too. The house hosts 3 bedrooms, with 2 doubles and a twin so there is plenty of room for everyone.

Be warned, if you stay in this North Wales holiday cottage, you will want to lock the door, hide the key and stay forever.