Home | Family Times | Boltholes in bloom – where flowers flourish inside and out

Boltholes in bloom - where flowers flourish inside and out

Spring is the season of awakening. Days stretch a little longer, gardens begin to stir, and boltholes feel lighter, brighter and full of possibility. It’s the perfect time to swap hibernation for exploration: muddy boots by the door, dogs eager for the next walk, family games spilling out onto the lawn, and longer days shaped by fresh air and the promise of warmer weather.

From coastal retreats fronted by the big blue and wrapped in acres of green, to design-led houses where florals bloom across walls and fabrics, these boltholes celebrate spring in all its glory. Some invite you to roam, run and explore outdoors; others bring the feeling of the season inside, so even when the breeze still carries a chill, you’re surrounded by colour, pattern and life.

Cae Llyn, Rhoscolyn, Anglesey

Perched above Borth Wen Bach, a beautiful sandy cove on the west coast of Anglesey, Cae Llyn is a springtime dream for families, friends and four-legged explorers alike. The house sits within two acres of gardens that roll gently down towards the sea, complete with a private path leading straight to the beach.

In spring, the grounds come alive. Open lawns are perfect for football matches, hide and seek or stretching out in the sunshine, while tucked-away corners and winding paths invite curious wanderers to explore. A little white bridge arches over a stream, giving the garden a storybook feel – the sort of place children instinctively gravitate towards, imagining secret dens and faraway adventures.

With Rhoscolyn Bay unfurling below and wide skies overhead, days here are shaped by the outdoors: rock pooling at low tide, picnics overlooking the water, sailing and swimming when the mood strikes, then easy returns to the house for lunch or forgotten jumpers. It’s a bolthole that encourages you to arrive well stocked… and then stay put, letting spring set the pace.

This is a picture of the sandy private path leading towards the sea from Cae Llyn

This is a picture of the cottage cae llyn, surrounded by lush green grass, with a little white bridge.

Ty’r Ardd, Pentraeth, Anglesey

Once the gardener’s cottage on a larger estate, Ty’r Ardd remains true to its roots. Set within half an acre of mature gardens just a five-minute walk from Red Wharf Bay, this bolthole wears spring beautifully.

Terraces, patios and grassy lawns create spaces for every kind of day – lazy breakfasts outdoors, children burning off energy, dogs sniffing out new corners, and long lunches that drift into the afternoon. There’s even a small orchard, and with the surrounding area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wildlife is very much part of the experience. Pheasants and red squirrels are regular visitors, adding to the sense that you’re sharing the garden rather than simply staying beside it.

Beyond the gate, the coastal paths of Red Wharf Bay beckon, offering long walks with views across the water and plenty of opportunities for sandy adventures before returning home to warm showers, the wood-burning stove, or a soak in the log-fired Swedish hot tub.

This is a picture of a hot tub under a wooden cover, in a garden with a wooden terrace and green grass.

This is a picture of the garden, with an apple tree, a shaped bush, and grass.

Cadnant Coach House, Plas Cadnant, Menai Bridge

Set within the renowned Hidden Gardens of Plas Cadnant, Cadnant Coach House places you at the heart of one of Wales’ most celebrated garden landscapes. The estate spans around 200 acres, with over 10 acres of restored gardens alone, from woodland walks and river trails to a walled garden just under two acres in size, celebrated as one of the finest in the country.

Spring here feels almost cinematic. Borders brim with fresh growth, woodland paths lead to waterfalls tucked into fairy-glens, and secret corners reveal themselves as you wander. It’s easy to see why this setting evokes childhood classics like The Secret Garden or The Magic Faraway Tree – there’s a sense that something new might be discovered with every turn.

Guests staying at the Coach House have full access to the gardens, and it’s that freedom that makes time here feel so special. Meandering paths, hidden corners and towering trees set the scene for unhurried wandering: the sort that sparks imagination without trying. There’s a particular joy in watching children find their own favourite routes and hideaways, while you find yourself hoping they’ll carry the same sense of wonder home with them that many of us remember from childhood stories, full of secret worlds and faraway places. Inside, the house mirrors its surroundings with characterful interiors, antiques and generous communal spaces designed for shared meals and easy evenings together.

This is an image the gardens, with bushes shaped into pyramids lining a path, surrounded by lush grass

This is a picture of a wooden bench surrounded by ferns

This is a picture of French styled gardens, with shrubbery in distinct borders, and paths inbetween

Glan Towyn, Rhoscolyn, Anglesey

At Glan Towyn, spring blooms indoors as well as out. Just moments from Borth Wen beach in Rhoscolyn, this beautifully designed house draws inspiration from nature, weaving florals, pattern and texture throughout its interiors.

William Morris–inspired wallpapers in the kitchen, floral fabrics across sofas and armchairs, and richly patterned bedrooms create an atmosphere that feels alive with colour. Even while waiting for the air to fully warm, the house captures the feeling of the season: doors flung open on bright days, light pouring in, and views that constantly pull your eye back outside.

The gardens and terraces offer space for outdoor dining, sauna sessions and hot tub soaks, while the beach is quite literally on your doorstep. Inside, the florals and natural textures do the work of spring for you, drawing the outdoors in through pattern, colour and light. It’s ideal for larger groups and families travelling together, dogs included, who want coastal energy, space to spread out and a house that still feels warm, welcoming and full of life.

This is a picture of the living area, which is largely blue, with lots of pattern. The 3 sofas match in pattern and colour, and the rug slightly contrasts but is also a blue pattern.

This is a picture of the kitchen. It has a large kitchen island. The walls have lovely green William Morris wallpaper

The Papered House, Beaumaris, Anglesey

Bold, joyful and full of personality, The Papered House is a celebration of pattern and colour, a fitting choice for spring. Set in the heart of Beaumaris, this townhouse pairs its statement interiors with a beautifully designed garden that feels like an extension of the home.

Each bedroom features its own distinctive wallpaper, creating spaces that feel fresh and individual, while downstairs living areas are flooded with light. Outside, porcelain pathways zigzag between flower beds and shrubs towards a gazebo dining area and fire pit – ideal for relaxed evenings after days spent exploring the town, castle and coastline just moments away.

It’s a bolthole that suits families, friends and even a small dog, offering town life, outdoor space and design-led joy in equal measure.

This is a picture of the bathroom tap, with patterned floral tiles

This is a picture of a sofa at the foot of a bed. The room has floral wallpaper.

Claremont, Llanfairfechan

Overlooking the Menai Strait on Llanfairfechan’s colourful promenade, Claremont greets spring with confidence. This soft pink Victorian townhouse brings together sea views, playful interiors and a sense of seaside nostalgia that feels especially uplifting as the season turns.

Inside, carefully curated wallpapers, tiles and furnishings add energy and individuality to every room, while large windows frame ever-changing views towards Anglesey, Puffin Island and the Great Orme. Outside space at both the front and rear provides room for morning coffees, post-beach rinses and children’s games, with the beach and coastal path only steps away.

From sunset watching to rock pooling and paddleboarding nearby, Claremont offers a lively spring base for families and friends who want colour, character and the call of the sea.

This is the lounge which has a feature wall of cyan floral wallpaper, with pink walls around it.

This is a picture of the front of the terraced house, which is pink and has stairs leading up to it. There is a seating area with cushions in front of the house, pictured with some beer.

Spring Starts Here

Whether you’re roaming acres of gardens, uncovering secret corners with the kids, letting dogs lead the way on coastal paths, or soaking up spring colour from the comfort of a beautifully styled interior, these boltholes are made for the season of renewal.

This is spring at its best – fresh air, flowers beginning to bloom, and places that invite you to step outside, look around, and feel the year opening up again.