Vandals smashed every window at historic North Wales hall but now it’s being brought back to life

A Victorian country house visited by prime ministers is being returned to its former glory after being left to wrack and ruin. In recent years, every window has been smashed at the historic Conwy property, which had to be boarded up for security reasons.

Nant-Y-Glyn Hall in Colwyn Bay was once owned by Lord and Lady Roberts, who used a Rolls Royce when venturing out. Guests included David Lloyd George and it’s thought another visitor was Winston Churchill. “Proper Downton Abbey!” recalled a woman who once lived at the hall after it was converted to flats.

Local people began despairing it would ever be rescued but this summer the 19th century property was taken over by two Derbyshire men. They have pledged to painstakingly restore its Victorian grandeur while converting the place into six luxury apartments, reports WalesOnline.

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Tucked away on a wall-lined lane and surrounded by towering woodlands, Nant-Y-Glyn Hall is set in 7.5 acres high enough above Colwyn Bay to have sea views. At one time it was repurposed as a hotel with 33 holiday chalets, later being converted into eight apartments. In early 2017 the former holiday park went on market for £1.5m, its then owners having secured permission to replace the chalets with homes.

The development failed to materialise and when the property was auctioned in June this year, the guide price of £240,000 reflected its subsequent decline. The once grand old building had been left abandoned, run down and vandalised, leaving new owners Paul Walker and Michael Thompson with plenty of restoration work to do.

The property developers are so committed to the process, they have moved into the building while they work on it, aiming to complete the job by the end of 2025. Just a few months into the project, the hall is already looking in much better shape. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Michael said: “The hall was already sub-divided and was in a bad way with weather damage and vandalism having already taken a hold on the building. Our company is currently restoring it, firstly by securing the structure, then undertaking an extensive programme to carefully and considerately bring the building back.

“As the windows were smashed and frames damaged, the first action was to replace all window units with modern, recreated, double-glazed box frame sash windows, in keeping with the period style. Some apartments had double glazed modern windows however - these are to be replaced with period-correct units.

“Where stained glass was fitted, these were retained and encapsulated into double-glazed modules. All original elements are to be retained and repaired. For example, where cornice was fitted, this is to be repaired, and where this has been removed it will be reinstated. Our goal is to give the building back its majesty and something that the local area can be proud of.”

Thompson Walker Developments completed the pruchase in August and Nant-Y-Glyn’s new owners have been hard at work ever since. Buying it was a whirlwind process and the pair knew they were facing a daunting task.

Paul said: “We were looking for investments and we were in Wales, so we decided to have a look at the hall. Within three weeks we’d bought it. Kids had broken in and smashed every single window - they’d broken in, drawn all over the walls, had policemen chasing them. So at the moment we’re in the process of replacing them all.

“It was a bit daunting at first when we came in, it’s a big place. We’re going to restore it with a lot of its old Victorian features, the way it should be, and the way it would have been years ago with Lord and Lady Roberts. It’s very important that history is looked after.

“All the locals are really pleased, because it’s just been neglected. The high ceilings, the turrets, the grand staircase, original stain glass windows – there are some amazing features.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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