Inside 13 stunning seaside homes by the sea that you can't live in permanently

Wales Online

19-05-2025

Inside 13 stunning seaside homes by the sea that you can't live in permanently
The mixed-use development has been built on the site of an old hotel by the sea
The development of detached houses, apartments, and a dormer bungalow and mews house
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
A range of properties, built on the site of a former hotel on the Isle of Anglesey, have been launched onto the market. The 13 homes with sea views have taken the place of the old Bull Bay Hotel, a village establishment that served locals and tourists for more than a century before shutting its doors in 2017.
The three-year project was carried out by south Manchester-based ah2 Developments in collaboration with local contractors DU Construction. But the £4.5m development in Porth Llechog (Bull Bay) has sparked debate due to the decision to restrict the use of the 13 properties to holiday lets or second homes.
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In a region grappling with a housing crisis, where locals find it difficult to purchase homes in their own communities, the announcement of the Porth Llechog holiday homes provoked outrage on the island. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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View from the balcony
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
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Properties started being released last year and the mixed-use development is now fully completed. It includes a variety of detached houses, a dormer bungalow, mews house, and apartments. One house has already been sold and five other units are currently being rented out through short-stay operator Birch Stays with high occupancy rates predicted for the summer season, reports NorthWalesLive.
Due to the properties being designated as holiday residences and not permanent dwellings they are exempt from Anglesey Council's second-home council tax premium.
One of the holiday homes available to buy
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
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The local council previously stated that the planning permission was granted under specific policies aimed at managing tourism, explaining that residential properties were not feasible on the site as it wasn't allocated for permanent housing in the current local development plan.
However holiday lets were considered "akin" to the site's previous incarnation as a hotel, according to the council. "We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved here," ah2 Developments have stated, adding: "From the build quality to the views this is a unique offering on the island. The pricing, finish, and location have created strong demand both from buyers and those looking to invest in high-performing holiday lets."
The upside-down layout with the living area upstairs makes the most of the views
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
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Estate agent Dafydd Hardy is marketing the remaining seven units with prices starting from £275,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse flat and reaching up to £425,000 for a three-bedroom detached house. Also on offer are a two-bedroom maisonette priced at £329,950 and a three-bedroom bungalow for £395,000.
Thanks to the former hotel's elevated position the estate agent states the new development offers "exceptional sea and coastal views" and adds: "In a location that's as dramatic as you'd like this remarkable setting is just a stone's throw from the sea and the beautifully rugged Bull Bay. For those who haven't ventured to this corner of Anglesey you'll find the scenery quite mesmerising."
The properties come with contemporary kitchen on the first floor
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
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The properties have been intentionally designed with an open-plan layout to create a "light and airy feel". The interiors boast a contemporary style featuring "handless kitchens" and residents benefit from shared parking and access to garden or patio spaces. Each apartment is equipped with air source heat pumps for hot water and wi-fi controlled electric heating, adding modern convenience to the living experience.
The location is particularly attractive to holidaymakers due to its easy walking distance to the coast, ideal for leisurely strolls and fishing activities. Golf enthusiasts will be thrilled with the local 18-hole course, according to the estate agent, where "its superb views means playing golf will never be the same again".
In the houses, the bedrooms are on the ground floor
(Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy )
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Birch Stays manages five of these units as luxury holiday rentals with initial performance data suggesting "high investor returns". Rates for a night's stay in one of the first-floor apartments begin at £200 for up to four guests with peak season prices reaching as high as £536 per night.
Initial plans to convert the former Bull Bay Hotel were revealed in 2020 and received approval two years later. However during the commencement of works the building was deemed unsafe and an "immediate danger to the general public", leading to its demolition. New development proposals were subsequently greenlit under delegated powers in February 2023. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
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