By Robert Dalling
Copyright walesonline
A famous Welsh mansion is still without a buyer – five years after it went into receivership. The historic Plas Glynllifon near Caernarfon was built in the 1830/40s by Lord Newborough, and in 1969 played host to the Prince of Wales Investiture Ball. But the Grade I listed Victorian landmark is in dire need of restoration and investment. Located within Plas Glynllifon Country Park, which is on the A499 between Pwllheli and Caernarfon, the mansion was sold at the end of 2020 after going into receivership following a failed attempt by Paul and Rowena Williams to develop it into a luxury hotel. It was then bought by Manchester-based developer David Savage whose companies also bought Seiont Manor hotel in Llanrug. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here He said at the time that he wanted to raise funds through other investments to carry out the millions of pounds worth of work needed to renovate Glynllifon. But hopes of developing Seiont – which has been closed since 2020 – were hit by planning refusals by Cyngor Gwynedd . Glynllifon was again placed up for sale in 2024 with Sidney Phillips for a freehold price of £2m. And now as we reach the tail end of 2025, there still appears to be no movement on the sale of the once treasured building. It remains up for sale on the property specialist’s website, still carrying the same price tag. It describes the building as being “set in approximately 24 acres of grounds, with 40+ letting rooms, and in need of restoration and investment.” The listing adds: “This is an exciting and rare opportunity for any investor or developer to restore this stunning mansion house to its former glory. “The property was purchased in 2020 by our clients who have now decided to place it on the market due to other business commitments. “Investment and renovation is needed but subject to the relevant planning permissions, the property would ideally suit conversion to a luxury spa, hotel or restaurant, taking advantage of its prime ‘A’ road location and its setting within a stunning country park. “There is also scope to introduce holiday pods to its extensive grounds.” If you would like to express your interest in the mansion, visit the Sidney Phillips website for further information.