​Penmaenuchaf unveils first phase of exciting refurbishment

Penmaenuchaf at Dolgellau in the Eryri National Park.

Two of the refurbished bedroom suites.

Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau has completed the first phase of an ambitious refurbishment project.
 
The hotel has unveiled four beautifully designed suites on the top floor, as well as new kitchens, at this charming mountain retreat in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
 
Penmaenuchaf, an ancient, stone-fronted property situated at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris and overlooking the Mawddach estuary, is the latest addition to Seren, and the group’s second hotel in Wales.
 
Owners Neil and Zoe Kedward have led the project with a vision to bring in a new level of luxury to the hotel and offer an enhanced sense of place, which lies at the very heart of their business ethos.
 
They collaborated for the first time with renowned, London-based interior designer, Nicola Harding who specialises in commercial and residential projects spanning the UK and abroad.
 
In order to reopen the hotel and continue trading in early February 2023, the kitchens and front-of-house areas were completed in just two weeks - a result of a motivated, local contracting team who reached such aspiring deadlines and overcame monumental changes and property developments.
 
Having endured a lack of investment for more than 30 years, Neil and Zoe’s goal was to triple the size of the old kitchens and front-of-house service areas. Also, to include a substantial pastry section and wash-up area separate from the main kitchen, to offer an exceptional working space for the team.
 
For the top floor, Nicola and her team were tasked with the challenge of transforming Penmaenuchaf’s five original bedrooms into four spacious new suites.

The new suites have been designed with a ‘home-from-home’ concept in mind and offer a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern design, whilst drawing on the hotel’s rich history and unrivalled setting in the dramatic mountainscapes of Eryri.
 
A rich colour scheme of pinks, reds, blues, purples and greens, delicate, patterned fabrics, wallpapers and traditional quilts create a naturally warming environment.
 
Framed and ornate pieces of antique Welsh lace are hung on the walls, traditional Welsh pottery blends with modern credenzas and beautiful pieces of antique furniture draw on Welsh culture.
 
Seren founder and owner, Neil said: “We’re delighted to have completed the first, exciting phase of our refurbishment work at Penmaenuchaf, with our four newly designed suites now ready for guests to enjoy.
 
“It's been a whirlwind of a time - having worked really hard to get the finance signed off by mid-January, we were only then able to formally appoint our designer Nicola Harding and begin the project.
 
“The design vision was to create a true sense of ‘hiraeth’ - a Welsh term that describes an earnest longing for a place, a home and a feeling – a place that holds some nostalgia deep in your soul. I hope Penmaenuchaf already represents the true definition of ‘hiraeth’, and we hope it’s a feeling our guests fondly take away with them.”
 
The second phase of Penmaenuchaf’s restoration project will begin in January 2024, with the aim of a late spring completion, and will include extensive work to the remainder of the bedrooms and ground floor lounge spaces.
 
It will also set in motion the beginning of a much larger project to restore and recover the grounds and historic gardens.
 
Tucked away in the dramatic Eryri National Park, Penmaenuchaf offers a relaxing, mountain retreat. Steeped in history, Penmaenuchaf is the perfect choice for those seeking to explore the local area rich in Welsh myth and legend, and those looking for both a cultural or adventure stay.
 
Alongside a peaceful getaway in one of 13 uniquely designed rooms and suites, guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience of creative, modern British dishes. Head chef Thomas Hine has created a menu full of flavour using high-quality, seasonal produce, much of which is sourced right from within the national park itself.
 
Spanning 21 acres of breathtaking scenery, guests can nurture body, mind and soul, whether they’re meandering the perfectly manicured gardens, or venturing across the many scenic walking routes that line this dramatic part of the country.
 
Neil and Zoe started their adventure in 2008 with the purchase of Grove of Narberth, which was a derelict country house set in the Narberth hills. Since then, they have steadily grown the business and added venues to become a well-respected and high-quality hospitality operator.
 
Today, Seren is a wholly family-owned business that celebrates Welsh history, culture and community. Seren is the Welsh word for star and the company name represents its passion to nurture and support its teams, encouraging them to shine brightly and make a genuine contribution to the communities in which they are based.