First look inside stunning seaside properties that caused such a furore in North Wales

North Wales Live

18-05-2025

A variety of properties built on the site of a former Anglesey hotel have been released onto the market. The £4.5m development, in Porth Llechog (Bull Bay) is contentious because of the occupancy conditions attached.
The 13 sea-view homes have replaced the village's old Bull Bay Hotel, which had entertained visitors and locals for more than a century before closing in 2017. South Manchester-based ah2 Developments delivered the three-year scheme in partnership with local contractors DU Construction.
Controversially, the 13 properties can only be used as holiday lets or second homes. In an area grappling with a housing crisis, where local people struggle to buy homes in their local communities, the Porth Llechog holiday homes caused uproar on the island when they were announced.
Properties began to be released last year but the mixed-use development is now complete, comprising a selection of detached houses, a dorma bungalow, mews house and apartments. One house has been sold already and five other units are currently being let through short-stay operator Birch Stays, with high occupancy rates forecast for the summer season.
As the homes are designated as holiday residences, and cannot be used as permanent dwellings, they are exempt from Anglesey Council's second-home council tax premium.
Previously, the local authority said planning was agreed under separate policies designed to manage tourism. It said residential properties would not have been possible as the site was not designated for permanent housing under the existing Local Development Plan.
Holiday lets, however, were 'akin' to the site's former use as a hotel, said the council.
'We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved here,' said ah2 Developments.
"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.'
Selling agent Dafydd Hardy is now marketing the remaining seven units.
Prices range from £275,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse bedroom flat up to £425,000 for a three-bedroom detached house.
Also available is a two-bedroom maisonette (£329,950) and a three-bedroom bungalow (£395,000).
Given the old hotel's elevated position, in Wales' most northerly village, the agents said the new development provides 'exceptional sea and coastal views'.
They said: '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 have deliberately designed open-plan to give them a 'light and airy feel'. Interiors are contemporary with 'handless (sic) kitchens', and the apartments come with a communal parking and garden/patio areas.
Air source heat pump provide hot water and in the apartments there are wi-fi controlled electric heating.
Adding to the scheme's appeal for holidaymakers, said the agents, is easy walking access to the shoreline for walks and fishing.
For those looking to play at the local 18-hole, 'its superb views means playing golf will never be the same again'.
Birch Stays currently operates five of the units as luxury lets, with early performance data indicating 'high investor returns'.
Nightly stays at its first-floor apartments start from £200 for up to four guests. In peak season, prices rise up to £536 per night.
Conversion plans for the closed Bull Bay Hotel were first unveiled in 2020, and these were approved two years later.
However, once work had begun, the building was found to be unsafe, posing an 'immediate danger to the general public', causing it to demolished.
New development plans were subsequently approved under delegated powers in February 2023. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday