Penmaenuchaf Hall dates back to the 16th century when records show a small farmhouse, known as Cliffe House, was a dwelling on the estate. Although today the estate only spans 21 acres, it used to cover thousands of acres and was home to landmarks including the Cregennan Lakes, the George III Inn, and the wooden toll bridge in Penmaenpool.
Penmaenuchaf is a beautiful, stone-fronted Victorian mansion house in Eryri (Snowdonia). The independently-owned hotel is nestled within 21 acres of world-class scenic luxury. With a stunning landscape to explore and heritage to discover, Penmaenuchaf is the true definition of “hiraeth”, a nostalgia for the place your soul feels most at home.
Restored with love
House and home to hotel
Our gardens
The gardens at Penmaenuchaf are registered with Cadw for their historic interest as a well-preserved 19th century terraced garden. Our beautiful gardens are carefully maintained by our small but dedicated gardening team, and are delightful year-round. Stroll among the sunken ornamental garden and take a seat between the lavender beds, or explore beyond the pond for paths into the woodland. Wander along the long viewing lawn that overlooks the estuary below and soak up the dramatic mountain vistas that stretch out in front of you.
When winter breaks, the garden bursts back into life with an incredible carpet of daffodils that line the high lawn as you arrive at the house, leading the way for the spring bluebells to follow. The azaleas bring a rainbow of colour each year, and are always in battle with the striking display from the hydrangeas for the most colourful spot in the garden. Virginia Creeper adorns the front of the house as hazy summer days see the return of our beautiful swallows to their nest above the front door to raise this year’s chicks. Autumn turns the woodland and mountain views all around us to a spectrum of bronze and copper.
Grab your walking shoes
Beyond the boundaries of Penmaenuchaf lie a range of walking routes, and you can take a trail straight from the front door.
The Mawddach Trail, which follows the route of the old railway line, will take you straight to the sea while giving you breathtaking views of the valley, while the Panorama and Precipice walks take you high above the estuary for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.
Many of Snowdonia’s most impressive mountains are within easy driving distance and the majestic Cadair Idris is just five minutes away. Lakes, waterfalls and river walks demonstrate the many facets of South Snowdonia while beaches, dunes and headlands pronounce its beauty.
A taste of the North
We’re very lucky to have a wealth of local producers and suppliers providing us with the best fresh ingredients for our talented Head Chef’s adventurous and delicious creations. Our own developing raised-bed garden, while still in its infancy, already provides herbs and some vegetables for the Penmaenuchaf kitchen, and in time will be a wonderful source of sustainable home-grown produce.
Foraging locally for mushrooms and wild garlic, and utilising honey from our very own hives, our kitchen team are focused on using everything they can from our unique location. The opportunities are extraordinary for wild pickings around the house and we hope to develop our knowledge of availability within a stone’s throw of the hotel in the years ahead.
Fishing
An Angler’s Treat
If you’re a keen angler, Penmaenuchaf has four permits that allow our guests complimentary access to fish in the Dolgellau Angling Association waters of the Mawddach and Wnion rivers and Llyn Cynwch. You can expect to catch salmon and trout.
You must have your own fishing licence and equipment, and the season and DAA regulations must of course be observed. Pick up an info pack including maps and fly recommendations from reception.
People
A family at heart
Our team are at the heart of everything we do at Penmaenuchaf and of locally based staff are thrilled to provide the warm Welsh welcome for which Penmaenuchaf is known – “Croeso”. All locally-based, there’s a delightful mix of native North Walians and those who visited and fell in love with the rugged land, and now call it home too. They’re all dedicated to their roles in helping you get the most out of your visit and ensuring that you feel as at home as possible in our mountain hideaway.
Dog-friendly
Four-legged friends
We love our pooches at Penmaenuchaf and you may spot a member of staff with a four-legged team member dutifully following behind. The hotel grounds and the surrounding areas are the perfect places to visit with your canine companion.
We have three dog-friendly rooms, a welcome pack for your pooch, and options for dining with them too.
