Yahoo News Historic 'Beacon of tourism' on busy North Wales road now up for sale
An historic site that offers a glimpse at an industry that once dominated in parts of North Wales has been placed on the market. Inigo Jones Slateworks on the A487 at Groeslon, near Caernarfon, dates back to 1861 and was used for crafting school writing slates.
It now produces and sells architectural items, memorials, and gifts crafted from indigenous Welsh slate. These are transported across the UK and further afield.
But in addition it has become a popular attraction with thousands of visitors coming in every year for tours of the exhibitions, as well as visiting the popular cafe and farm shop.
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Estate agent Dafydd Hardy described it as a "beacon of tourism" as it was placed up for sale by the owner for £750,000.
Owner John Lloyd said "Our preference would be to sell the company as a going concern so that it can continue to operate as now, prefabricating quality Welsh slate products and a tourist attraction, which tells the all important story of Welsh slate especially now that the slate area of North West Wales now has Unesco World Heritage Status."
Dafydd Hardy said: "Founded in 1861 on the grounds of a former sawmill, Inigo Jones Slateworks originally started crafting school writing slates. Since then, the company has flourished, diversifying its products to include slate architectural items, memorials, and gifts crafted from indigenous Welsh slate which are transported across the UK and further afield.
"The slate works has become a beacon of tourism and education; visitors can embark on self-guided tours, immersing themselves in the exhibitions which showcase geological phenomena, historical connections, intricate artistry, calligraphy, and letter cutting – all associated with the slate industry. On-site amenities, open to passing trade, include a showroom and visitor centre offering a showcase of local crafts, a popular café and a farm shop (tenanted until 2025) offering fresh produce."
This significant site, measuring some 2.9 acres includes a range of traditional workshops and stores, a modern show room and visitor centre, café and farm shop, and benefits from extensive visitor car parking.
Dafydd Hardy added: "The A487 is the main North-South trunk road and is estimated to have some 9,000-10,000 vehicles a day passing at this point. The property also adjoins Lon Eifion, the section of the National Cycle Network connecting Caernarfon with Bryncir. This significant site offers potential for both a continuation of the current business as well as opportunities for diversification and redevelopment. "
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