History of the Plas-y-Nant House

The land at Plas-y-Nant was first acquired by local magistrate and merchant John Rowland's in around 1670.  Records show that in 1671 he built a residence on the site of the present house.  This was the home of John, his wife Frances and their family for many year - certainly until after the death of John Rowland's in 1703.

We have a gap in our history 1796.  The following is an extract from text found at www.sacred-texts.com

"Now Elis' father often talked, he says, in his hearing of 'Gwyddfa Rhita'. Wishing to have some more definite evidence, I wrote again, and he informs me that his father was very fond of talking about his father, Elis o'r Nant's grandfather, who appears to have been a character and a great supporter of Sir Robert Williams, especially in a keenly contested political election in 1796, when the latter was opposed by the then head of the Penrhyn family. Sometimes the old man from Ewybrnant would set out in his clocs (clogs or wooden shoes) to visit Sir Robert Williams, who lived at Plas y Nant, near Beddgelert.

It is clear that the house built by John Rowland's was sold to Sir Robert Williams JP, who was a local politician and magistrate, who extended the house in 1808.  Sir Robert died in 1830.

Another historical gap then exists until around 1870.  The Reverend John Parry had lived in Waenfawr as a boy, and had later become vicar of St. Luke's church in Wolverhampton in England, where he married the daughter of a Birmingham factory owner.  When he retired he returned to the Waenfawr district and found the old house at Plas-y-Nant for sale.  He and his wife were very wealthy following the death of her father, and they bought the grounds and house at Plas-y-Nant.  He demolished the old house, and in 1880 built the house and grounds we now know as Plas-y-Nant.  The original house included the present bar, office, drying room, kitchen and part of the present lounge. John Perry and his wife spared no expense laying out the garden, planting rare trees and shrubs and arranging the lake and waterfall. The kitchen garden and greenhouses were laid out in the former sheep fold of Plas Isa Farm.

He also built stables to the rear of the house (now known as "Everest" and recently converted to bunk barn accommodation).  He also built his private chapel on older foundations.  John Parry conducted service there every morning, and twice on Sunday, for his indoor and outdoor staff and visitors from the village. This chapel is what we now call "The Old Chapel" and many will know as "The Rec".  John Parry died in 1908, and is buried in the Betws Garmon churchyard.  His wife died in 1918, and is buried alongside him in the churchyard. On the memorial tablet, erected by their son Rev. John Morgan Parry, are the words "In memory of Rev. John Parry M.A., who died 1st August 1908, aged 81 years, and his wife Elizabeth, who died 18th May 1918. In thankful remembrance of Elizabeth Parry of Plas-y-Nant, and entirely unselfish and devoted mother. This tablet is place here by here son in gratitude to God for the beautiful example of her wondrous patience, courage and joy"

In 1900 the house was extended and the present dining room and drawing room were added.

Following Mrs Parry's death her eldest son sold Plas-y-Nant to a Mr Stopford, a Birmingham manufacturer, who owned the property until CE Holiday Homes Ltd bought it in 1924.

It appears that there were significant lands associated with Plas-y-Nant. Some records suggest that at this time the Snowdon Ranger was given to the Church of England as a home of rest for clergy and laity. Tan y House and grounds were given as a home for waifs and strays, and the screen and interior furniture of the chape were given to the Beddgelert Parish Church.

The "New Wing" of bedrooms was added to the main house, and the tennis court was built, before World War II. 

After the war central heating was first installed in Everest and "The Rec".  Everest was also modified internally - two rooms known as "Commons" and "Lords" were converted into three rooms known as "Lords", "Middle" and "Lower" temples.

C.E. Holiday Homes extended the lounge by adding a conservatory (known to many as "the sun lounge") between the present bar and drawing room.  This was later replaced with an extension to the lounge.

In addition to the main driveway up to the house, a Bridle Path runs from "The old Chapel" straight down the hill to the main road. Rev. John Parry erected a slate seat on this path, and the seat back is made of an inscribed slab found during the demolition of the previous house.  It reads "In this tranquil retreat lived John Rowland's, in sweet oblivion and blissful barm.  He obtained quiet from the cares of life, as also did his wife Francis.  In the year 1671 he erected this house and place of rest".

Also beside the Bridle Path are several dogs graves.  The earliest is of "Zulu".  The story goes that the dog Zulu was destroyed during the first Great War (1914-1918).  His owner - presumably Mrs Parry - decided that his existence could not be justified due to the extreme food shortages.  He was therefore destroyed and there was one less mouth to feed.

Plas-y-Nant suffered competition from mass tourism, and attendance at Plas-y-Nant declined until the property was closed for business in 1985.   It then lay empty and disused until 1993 when Andy and Andrea Goodall bought the property, undertook significant upgrades, and began to run the property as a small country hostel.

In 2003 Tony and Diane Phillips began working at Plas, and since early 2005 have been the outright owners of the business.

Tony has a long family association with Plas-y-Nant – his father (Stan Phillips) was an excursion leader at Plas in the 1950s, and met his mother (Barbara Phillips - nee Hayes) there.  Tony and two of his brothers were also excursion Leaders in the 1980s before Plas closed down.

Plas-y-Nant provides this information as a service to our guests, but accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided, and advises guests to plan and prepare for their walks thoroughly.

©Plas-y-Nant Ltd 2007