About Us
Please browse through the following to find all the history of Gwynfryn including how we transformed her into the Bed and Breakfast she is today.We take pride in our achievements in establishing one of the best accommodation options in Conwy. Our glowing guest reviews and numerous awards are acknowledgement to this.
History of Gwynfryn
Gwynfryn the name of our B&B is pronounced as it were with a v (Gwynvryn).
Gwynfryn (literally translates as ‘a white hill’ but actually refers to ‘a blessed place’) was built by the Wesleyan Methodists in 1873 as the Chapel House for their superintendent preacher for the Capel Tabernacl, the Chapel to the rear of Gwynfryn.
The Victorian deceptively large detached property is split over 4 floors including the basement.
In 1911 the property was tenanted by the Chief Inspector Edwards of Conwy Police Station and his family. Over the next few decades the Edwards lived there, the ladies all being dressmakers.
The property still contains the original Victorian railings at the front of the property, the only one in Conwy. During the war time, railings were removed from all properties to use for scrap metal, except from Chapels. Gwynfryn’s association & location in front of the Chapel is the most probable reason for this, Gwynfryn was the Chapels front.
In December 2003 we bought Gwynfryn. Despite being in a rather dilapidated condition, from the moment we first entered we felt a warm feeling and knew we had found the home for our B&B…
The Story of Gwynfryn B&B
After first discovering Gwynfryn we immediately saw the potential for establishing a fantastic Bed and Breakfast due to the character and location. Over the next 20 months we transformed Gwynfryn into a Guest House offering 5 accommodation letting rooms . Finally opening the doors in August 2005 to our first guests after being accredited 4 Star grading from Visit Wales.
Since we have continued to grow the worldwide reputation of Gwynfryn B&B to be known as one of the best places to stay when visiting Conwy or North Wales.
We continue to update and freshen the unique decor using Monica’s eclectic and wonderful taste. Striving to not only offer beautiful accommodation but also a memorable stay.
Over the years we have continued to receive glowing reviews and awards. For more details including how we even met Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, please see our Awards & Accolades section.
In 2012 we purchased Capel Tabernacl, the Chapel original connected with Gwynfryn. After an extensive restoration programme we opened a further 4 B&B rooms in the Chapel Vestry and created a multi-functional venue within the Chapel.
In 2003 we were living in Manchester both working in 9-5 in an office when Monica suggested we get out of the rat race and look at finding a property we could transform into a B&B!
We decided to start looking at North Wales, in and around Conwy. We both have many fond memories here and Monica also had a family connection to Conwy. We were also aware of the many fantastic attractions and beautiful scenery making it a perfect place to live and set up a new B&B. After losing out on our initial find, a large old run down hotel near Betws-y-Coed. We noticed a property in the Estate Agents window and were amazed to find it was across the square right in the centre of Conwy.
Having no real previous experience in the industry we went into the new venture eager to learn and start from scratch. With Monica’s natural and unique taste and eye for detail and Colin’s methodical business mind, we formed a great partnership with an ideal balance of attributes.
Since that first time we walked through the door of Gwynfryn we knew we had found something very special. We feel very fortunate to have found Gwynfryn and the amazing spirit Conwy offers. With the help and friendship of the residents of Conwy, we have many true friends and can truly say we have found our home. We hope to see you at Gwynfryn where you too can experience what we have been fortunate to find in Conwy.
Our Goal is Your Happiness
At Gwynfryn Bed and Breakfast we strive to ensure your stay is both comfortable and enjoyable. Our aim is for all our guests to leave with fond memories of both their stay at Gwynfryn B&B and visit to Conwy & North Wales.
Guest reviews from Trip Advisor
Receiving such wonderful guest reviews on Tripadvisor is the best accolade we can receive. Below is a selection of testimonials from previous guests.
We would greatly appreciate if you would be able to leave us guest reviews on Tripadvisor.
Lovely Break
“We stayed at the Gwynfrn Guest House and it was marvellous. Most tastefully decorated with a lot of attention to detail everywhere you look. What a lovely delicious breakfast we had cooked by Colin. Our room (the Rouge room) had everything you could need for a comfortable, even luxurious stay. With a well stocked tea tray and bathroom toiletries too. The room was on the 2nd floor, but was worth the climb up the stairs! Colin was helpful too about pubs etc nearby. I would recommend it to friends without a doubt.”
5 Star Guest House
“This must be one of the best B&B’s in the UK!! Charming hosts, beautiful furnishings and décor, delicious food! The guest lounge is a beautiful room to sit and relax in. Everything was spotlessly clean and nothing was too much trouble. Would not hesitate to stay here again or to recommend to family and friends. Thank you, Monica and Colin for making us so welcome.”
Amazing professionalism and attention to detail
“My husband and I recently stayed at the Gwyn Fryn and were thrilled with every aspect of our stay. This is probably the cleanest accommodation I have ever stayed in anywhere with everything that you could possibly need in your room and beyond (slippers in the entrance, travel guides, novels and DVDs in the hall). Infact it was so comfortable that had the weather not been good in North Wales, I would have been happy to stay in! Breakfast was beautifully cooked and served with a smile; nothing was too much trouble for the lovely couple who run this establishment and they obviously invest lots of thought and effort into providing excellent service. Thank you so much Monica and Colin for making our break so special!”
A Must Stay B&B
“The Gwynfryn ranks at the top of my all time favorite B&B’s. We had a room at the top done in lavender and lovely furnishings. My favorite color for a bedroom. The bed was very comfortable, plenty of room for the 2 of us and our luggage. We felt right at home immediately and very much enjoyed being guests of Monica and Colin. They are gracious, helpful, and they make an excellent breakfast. I would return to Conwy just to stay at the Gwynfryn again and to enjoy breakfast there and dinner at the nearby restaurant. We stayed this past May and since we were traveling by train through the UK we found this B&B an ideal location for our excursions by bus and by train.”
Perfect
“We truly enjoyed our stay here! Monica and Colin are wonderful hosts and their B&B is very warm and welcoming! It has a great location that is a short 5 minute walk from the train station. We loved breakfast in the delightful breakfast room and the Welsh Rarebit is something you MUST try. You will love staying here as much as we did. Tom and Kathy Wisconsin”
Perfectly lovely A+++++
“Great location on the doorstep to all amenities, great places to eat, Alfedos a lovely Italian restaurant. Plenty of olde pubs, the castle, CADW and National Trust places, fish and chips, lovely coastline of boats and yatchs and plenty of shops. Had a fab time and would definitely come back. The B&B was excellent with great hospitality, complete comfort and lovely full English breakfast. “
Wow, what a beautiful place to stay
“Of all the 10 different B&Bs that we stayed in on this trip, Gwynfryn was by far the most beautiful place of them all! Monica had decorated this place incredibly. It’s pretty foo foo, and I normally wouldn’t like that. But my wife and I really loved what she had done. Everywhere you looked, whether on the walls, on a counter or shelf, there was something interesting to look at. I could go on and on about it, but suffice it to say that I don’t think you’ll ever find a place as beautiful as this one. Sparkling clean also. The location was great, being very close to lots of pubs and restaurants. And as I recall, it only took about 5 minutes to get to the castle. Just be sure that you know where the entrance to the castle is before you set out. It’s a very large castle, and you can waste a lot of time wandering around looking for it. The other thing is that it’s right opposite a police station, so it couldn’t be safer (not that Conwy seemed unsafe at all). Colin was a great host. Very friendly and welcoming, and very free with help on what to do and where to go. Monica beamed when we complimented her on the decorating. This was truly a terrific experience.”
Excellent B&B
“Stayed for 2 x nights in May. Comfortable accommodation in a house that is obviously loved by the owners. The attention to detail, and quality, in bedrooms and public areas is excellent. Monica and Colin were perfect hosts, and I have no hesitations in recommending this B&B.”