‘I’m so glad I took a leap of faith and bought Plas Maenan’
JANE Harris may be the third owner in just three years of a landmark hotel – but she is working hard to ensure her time there will be lucky for everyone.
Less than 12 months after buying Plas Maenan Country House in the Conwy Valley, the former nurse and soldier has transformed the five-star venue.
She is determined to stay the course and has made progress since last December.
This has included recruiting Great British Menu star Jason Hughes as head chef.
The move has already paid dividends in laying the foundations for a fresh reputation based on fine dining and locally-sourced Welsh produce.
Originally from Chesterfield, Ms Harris felt an immediate connection to Plas Maenan from the second she arrived at the Edwardian building, and is determined to bring back its glory days.
However, the vision was not always so crystal-clear, and the dream acquisition almost turned into a nightmare when reality took hold.
“I had only been to see Plas Maenan three times before buying it, so I was not familiar with the area and had no idea what lay ahead,” said Ms Harris.
“It was extremely daunting being in a place that I had never been to before; I didn’t know anybody, and this was a sector that was new to me.
“The hotel was closed, there were no staff, no guests, no suppliers and there was no handover. The building was in disrepair – a serious oil leak had shut down the boiler – and the log fire was obsolete.
“There was so much to do, and I questioned my decision to give up everything at my time in life for this.
“But there was something about the place, and I honestly believe Plas Maenan chose me, not the other way around.
“It was a spiritual feeling, a positive energy, and that combined with these breathtaking views of the valley made me take a leap of faith.”
Ms Harris had been looking for a small project somewhere in the UK – having semi-retired and returned to education to study health, wellbeing and nutrition, she had planned to open a country retreat.
As she admits, the “goalposts moved significantly” when she laid her eyes on Plas Maenan.
What followed has been almost a year of improvements, more than £250,000 in refurbishments and additions – notably Hiraeth, a European and Welsh tapas restaurant, and terraces with underfloor heating.
The country house had seven guest bedrooms when Ms Harris took over. It now has 11.
For Ms Harris, it’s a far cry from her early years.
A former soldier, nurse and a fully-trained teacher, she says demonstrating a toughness, a sensitive side and an ability to transfer knowledge to others has given her a bag of tools to succeed in most sectors and take on the biggest of challenges.
Viewers of the popular TV series The Great Hotel Escape with Gogglebox stars Steph and Dom, which featured Plas Maenan earlier this year, can testify to that, and will no doubt be rooting for Ms Harris as the project comes to fruition.
“It’s been hard work since day one, and very tiring, but I am so glad I went for it,” she said.
“The potential here is enormous, our food is fabulous and the events we’ve held have been wellreceived.
“The restaurant and accommodation will be at the heart of everything and, with the investment, what we have is perfect for weddings and events, as well as our local diners and guests.”
Ms Harris is planning to support the local economy by employing up to 25 staff – more during peak season – and continuing to partner with local producers and businesses, notably in any further construction work.
For now, she’s looking forward to the next chapter in Plas Maenan’s incredible story, and finally enjoying the journey.
“When I came here, I was so focused on purchasing the property I didn’t take the time to soak up the atmosphere and breathe in the air,” said Ms Harris.
“I remember turning around, looking at the view and being taken aback. I hadn’t even looked at it properly. It’s incredible.
“Now I could stand here for hours, days even, and never be tired of it.
“And when I see the Welsh flag flying outside, it makes me so proud. I am not from the area, but I really feel I belong here. North Wales reflects our identity and that will never, ever change.”
She added: “The next 12 months will be about taking things to the next level and breaking through the glass ceiling of £1m in turnover.
“I’m confident we can do it, but more importantly, have a positive impact on the Conwy Valley and beyond, celebrating great food and drink, being part of special days and momentous events, and creating memories.
“Plas Maenan Country House has a rich and important history, but I truly believe the best is yet to come.”