Posted on 18/07/2018 by David
Continuing our Cottage Spotlight series, we're delighted to present another unique property. North Wales Holiday Cottages has so many beautiful places to stay, and this series shines a light on a few of the most exciting and unusual ones!
The stately seaside resort of Llandudno in North Wales is famous as one of the best preserved Victorian resorts in the UK. Reminders of its glorious past can be found at every turn, from the imposing wrought iron pier to the town's neo-classical architecture - an eclectic mix of other 'Golden Ages' in our history: Ancient Greece, Gothic France and Renaissance Italy.
Wander through Llandudno and you will see all these styles, many beautifully preserved, despite being almost one hundred and fifty years old.
An historic pedigree
Our spotlight property this week is no exception. Owned by the same family since the birth of the seaside town, Glain Orme is an outstanding example of Llandudno's Victorian architecture - grand inside and out. Located in a commanding position high above the town centre, it also boasts some of the most impressive views of Llandudno’s two bays and town.
In a 1906 edition of local newspaper, the Advertiser, Glain Orme was described as:
Quite the brightest and happiest abode one could live in... As a bright, sunny and cheerful residence, commanding glorious views, it would be difficult, to find its equal.
The entry in the 1st September went on to describe Glain Orme as 'commanding exceptionally fine views' of the local area with no less than 6 counties visible from the house on a fine day - we'd guess modern-day Conwy, Flintshire, Anglesey, Merseyside and Lancashire.
We think you'll agree, whether you love heritage or heady views, Glain Orme is a property that deserves your closer inspection. Why not take a closer look around with our 3D virtual tour of the property?
These stunning tours offer a unique viewpoint on our properties, it's the next best thing to actually being there and will give you a real feel for the property if it's on your shortlist.
Impressive property
As you might expect from its majestic, neo-classical exterior, Glain Orme has an incredibly spacious interior.
Each of the bright and airy bedrooms enjoy the spectacular views that have been gazed upon here for over a century - looking out over Llandudno Bay and the West Shore, to the foothills of Snowdonia. With five bathrooms and an additional five WCs, there's no queuing for the bathroom in the morning either.
Leisure time was important to the Victorians and there's no shortage of spaces to sit back and relax, either for some quiet 'me time' or together with your group.
Choose from the library, the dining room or the sitting room, all elegantly proportioned and, like the bedrooms, looking out across Llandudno and the surrounding area. For those visiting during the warmer months, the front terrace is a real treat, perhaps to enjoy the sea views and cooling breezes with a glass of wine on the patio.
The large kitchen is well-equipped and, if the wide variety of excellent restaurants in Llandudno fail to tempt you, it has everything you need to cook up a delicious meal for your group.
Sleeping up to twelve guests in eight bedrooms, it's the perfect base for a family holiday or with a large group of friends.
Listed gem
It will come as no surprise to learn that Glain Orme, as a fine example of Victorian architecture, is Grade II listed.
It's Glain Orme's association with G A Humphreys, a renowned local architect, that gained it the accolade. Humpreys was an agent of the Mostyn family, the principal landowners in the area, and was instrumental in the design and layout of the resort of Llandudno. Humphreys lived next door in Ardwy Orme and both houses are still in the care of his family to this very day.
On your doorstep
Views, history, style, space... the charms of Glain Orme don't stop there. Although it sits on the slopes of the Great Orme, you're less than five minutes walk from the town centre and promenade and all the amenities they offer.
Some of the best eateries in Llandudno are within a stone's throw of the property. The well-known Seahorse Bistro, cooking up the best local fish and seafood, is just a short stroll. So too is the opulent Osborne House, decked out in turn of the century finery and candlelight.
Family favourites, Home Cookin' and Johnny Dough's offer great value, delicious food and are always bustling and busy with locals and visitors alike. Love your morning coffee? Pop down to Providero on Upper Mostyn Street, get your rocket fuel to go and drink it on the terrace or in the sitting room at the house.
Llandudno and its attractions need no introduction and you'll be spoilt for choice for things to do right on your doorstep. The Great Orme Country Park awaits, with miles of walking routes to explore, but if the feet aren't willing let the tram take the strain or maybe ascend alpine-style on the cable car?
Adrenalin junkies will love the toboggan and dry ski slope above Happy Valley but if you don't like winter sports the views up there are to die for (it's worth the hike)!
Seeking peace and tranquility? Lose yourself in the greenery of Happy Valley and Haulfre Gardens - pleasure gardens created during the Victorian era for the delight of tourists... and still delighting them today.
Further afield
Beyond your doorstep, the thrills of North Wales await you, we're not the adventure capital of the UK for no reason. Within half an hour's drive of Glain Orme are world-class attractions including the Snowdonia National Park, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, watersports at Porth Eirias, Zipworld, and much more.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there's UNESCO-rated Conwy Castle, pretty Betws-y-Coed and the Welsh Mountain Zoo nearby for great days out.
If you decide Glain Orme's the perfect property for your next holiday to North Wales, you can read more and book here.