A boutique hotel-turned-family home that overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales
Salty sea air, a fresh breeze, acres of gardens and woodlands, the Snowdonia National Park, plus 10 en-suite, immaculately presented bedrooms — this is coastal living at its finest.


As a regime of remote or hybrid working becomes a viable alternative to the dreaded daily commute, city-based home-buyers have been targeting Britain’s 11,000 miles of coastline in search of peace and tranquillity.
The launch onto the market of Plas Penhelig, on the west coast of Wales, underlines the enduring appeal of a family home by the sea.
Tony Morris-Eyton of Savills in Telford quotes a guide price of £3.5 million for the immaculate Plas Penhelig, which sits high above the quaint coastal village of Aberdyfi / Aberdovey, four miles from Tywyn and 10 miles from Machynlleth, at the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park.
Owned by the vendors for 20 years or more, elegant, Edwardian Plas Penhelig, was built in 1908. It stands in just under 12½ acres of gardens, paddocks and woodland and boasts ‘six different views over the picturesque Dyfi estuary’.
Previously run as a successful boutique hotel, Plas Penhelig has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished by the owners to provide 10,600sq ft of stylish accommodation, including three fine reception rooms, a large dining kitchen, a study, gym and wine cellar, plus 10 light and luxurious en-suite bedrooms.
Thanks to the waters of the Gulf Stream, rare plants and flowers flourish in Plas Penhelig’s sheltered valley, where the hillside is planted with a mass of shrubs, flowers and trees—from peonies and azaleas to camellias, magnolias, lavender, laburnum, lilac trees and a monkey puzzle.
The splendid walled garden is bordered with David Austin roses, orange blossom, Virginia creeper, mimosa and a productive fig tree; a series of Victorian greenhouses is edged with arum lilies.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Plas Penhelig is currently on the market via Savills at a guide price of £3.5 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Aberdovey: What you need to know
Location: Aberdovey is a coastal village located on the northern side of the River Dyfi estuary. There are three train stations situated in the area, including Aberdovey, Tywyn and Penhelig.
Atmosphere: Aberdovey is a beautiful village that has a strong community and is popular with visitors all year round. It benefits from fantastic views across Ynyslas, the Dyfi Estuary, Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Hills. The town has a number of independent boutique shops and cafes on the high street, plus art galleries and a thriving yacht club thanks to the sheltered harbour, which makes it popular for sailing.
Things to do: The famed Aberdovey golf club is certainly worth a visit for any keen golfer, whereas Aberdyfi beach offers long stretches of unspoilt sand. Ynys His Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful place to fully emerge yourself in nature, and spot some of the local wildlife.
Schools: Ysgol Gynradd Penybryn is the local primary school, and for secondary — Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The Hollywood garden designers who turned their hand to a magical corner of Somerset
Caisson House's fifteen abandoned locks were part of the draw for Amanda and Phil Honey, who have created this astonishing garden in the grounds of the former headquarters of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Company just outside Bath. Caroline Donald discovers more; photography by Jason Ingram.
By Caroline Donald Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Published
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyle
Across the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
By Anna White Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published