Historic house saved: becomes boutique hotel

A building that has for nearly two centuries played an important role in Wales’ industrial heritage has been converted into a boutique hotel, creating luxurious accommodation for visitors and jobs for local people.

Plas Weunydd, the historic home of the Greaves family who owned the Llechwedd slate mine at Blaenau Ffestiniog from the mid-19th century, now boasts 24 uniquely appointed rooms which visitors can use as a base while exploring Snowdonia – or just as a luxurious get-away.

The boutique accommodation available at Plas Weunydd is stylish and comfortable, with a bar and lounge for winding down after a hard day’s adventuring.

Plas Weunydd’s elegantly furnished rooms are suitable for single occupants, couples, families and even dogs. The rooms reference the building’s links to mining in north west Wales, and are adorned with artwork by local and national artists who have links to Llechwedd.

The hotel sits on the site of Zip World Llechwedd which offers thrill-seeking visitors many opportunities to get the adrenaline coursing. The Llechwedd mine and visitor attraction was acquired by Zip World in 2021 and includes such hair-raising experiences as underground ziplining and trampolining, as well as deep mine tours.

The hotel is also within easy reach of other popular local attractions and activity providers including Antur Stiniog, Surf Snowdonia and Zip World Fforest – making it the perfect base for adventurous tourists.

Plas Weunydd’s transformation comes hot on the heels of the creation of Llechwedd’s luxury glamping site, which offers a unique 5-star glamping experience amidst some of the region’s most stunning countryside.

The glamping site has six 5* safari tents perched on the hills overlooking the area – perfectly placed for enjoying outstanding views of the countryside, as well as offering the perfect location for admiring the stars at Snowdonia’s Dark Sky Reserve.

Now that the Slate Landscape of North West Wales has secured its UNESCO World Heritage status, the transformation of Plas Weunydd is another welcome piece of news for the local economy thanks to the job opportunities being created for local people and the increase in popularity of ‘staycations’ since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

For more information, see www.plasweunydd.co.uk