Investor submits plan for castle mansion left empty for over 40 years

Plas Gwynfryn hotel was hit by a devastating fire in the 1980s

A PROPERTY investor has submitted plans to redevelop a ruined castle style mansion that closed as a hotel when it was gutted by fire forty years ago. Grade II listed Plas Gwynfryn at Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth, was built around 1876.

The property was once home of MP Ellis Nanney who was narrowly and famously defeated by Lloyd George in 1880. It later became a wartime hospital, an orphanage and later a hotel.

But the mansion was gutted by fire in 1982 and since then has fallen into further disrepair. Conservation group Save Britain’s Heritage named Plas Gwynfryn as one of the UK’s most “at risk” historic buildings a decade ago.

The property went on the market with estate agent Dafydd Hardy in 2018. Now property investor David Taylor, of DM Property Group Limited, based in Lancashire, has submitted plans for the site. Mr Taylor is a director with a string of companies including brand Passion Stays, which owns apartments for group stays in Liverpool.

At Plas Gwynfryn the investor wants to develop the mansion into an apartments development. It would include 22 one or two bedroom flats. There would also be a 25 unit rear extension.

A planning statement said: “This is a rare opportunity to bring an historic building back to its former splendour, this will require a large investment and the skills of experienced craftspersons to enable this to happen.

“The design intent it to have the building fully restored keeping most of the external character and to provide apartments in the main building and either cottages in the existing side/rear building or alternatively studio apartments.

“To the rear we would like to alter an existing 1950s/60s extension to increase the accommodation and possible add facilities for the residents. Part of the development it is proposed to have as residential serviced accommodation to allow for short stay guests this would also increase the viability of the development and allow more people to share this idyllic location.

“After restoration there would be potential for the site to be used for wedding venues subject to planning approval. We are extremely excited to be involved in bring this property back to life and look forward to discussions with planners and archaeological departments.”

The application will now be considered by planners and heritage body Cadw.