19-07-2025
Hostel originally built for quarrymen now on market for only third time in nearly 200 years
A hostel in the Nant Ffrancon Valley is now on the market for only the third time in nearly two hundred years. Originally built and owned by Lord Penrhyn for the slate quarry workers, it was sold by the Penrhyn estate to the 'Home Air Command' in 1956.
It subsequently became a training centre for the Fleet Air Arm and then the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. In 2016 it was bought by the Martinson-Hughes family and re-opened as Snowdonia Mountain Hostel after extensive internal works.
Since the pandemic it has been available for exclusive use only and is one of the highest guest rated hostels in North Wales scoring 4.9/5 on Freetobook and 4.88/5 on Airbnb.
Hannah Hughes said: 'It is with enormous sadness that we are selling our wonderful hostel due to family bereavement after 10 years of an amazing adventure. Our family lived in North Wales for decades.
"Those who know Nant Ffrancon know what a special place it is in the most beautiful of valleys in Snowdonia/Eryri. We've always welcomed guests who are respectful of the environment and culture and hope any new owners would continue that tradition.'
The hostel has up to 26 beds in five dorm rooms and one self-contained flat, and owner's accommodation.
Estate agent Sidney Phillips said: "Snowdonia Mountain Hostel is located in the stunning Nant Ffrancon, next to the Ogwen Valley in the heart of Eryri/Snowdonia National Park. This secluded yet easily accessible property is surrounded by the Welsh 3000s hiking route and offers spectacular views of Tryfan, the Glyderau and the Carneddau. It is just 30 minutes from Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa and within easy reach of Zip World and the beautiful beaches and coastline of North Wales and Anglesey. The property is located just off the A5 London to Holyhead trunk road between Betws-y-Coed and Bangor.
"The property is set over two storeys to the main with single storey extensions to the rear and side, and is of local stone construction under a pitched slate roof. The original part of the property dates back to the 1850s and was previously used as a military training centre. It has been subject to much investment in recent years and now offers cosy and welcoming accommodation.
"Our client has operated Snowdonia Mountain Hostel since 2016 and it is now a well-regarded hostel which caters primarily for groups. The business sees all year round trade but is most busy between the months of April to late October. Marketing is currently via Airbnb (where it boasts a rating of 4.9) and the business's own website."
