You're stepping back in time when you step inside this cottage in the ancient market town of Machynlleth. Centuries old, it's built from local stone and sits on a quiet side street in the centre of town – an easy walk from its restaurants, shops and cosy pubs. What it lacks in outside space, it more than makes up for in character, with slate floors, a mix of old and new beams and an antique sideboard in the entrance hall. The layout has been turned upside-down to make the most of the vast, vaulted room above, so you'll find the bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor here, and we particularly love the twin bedroom with its gigantic inglenook. Climbing the stairs, you come to the main living space – a sociable, open-plan room that takes up the whole top floor. Packed with beams, and with oak floors, it's a pretty special room, with a cosy seating area, dining table and modern kitchen. Not known for their large windows, this medieval gem has also had a skylight added to boost the natural light.