The award-winning Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, is delighted to have secured the funding for the third and final phase of its carefully considered refurbishment. Set to complete in April 2026, this marks the culmination of a three-year journey that began in early 2023, a transformation shaped by imagination, heritage, and the unique spirit of this much-loved house.
This final stage of the project will see the remaining five of the hotel’s 14 bedrooms reimagined, alongside the renovation of lounge spaces and the hotel’s restaurant, Afon, all bringing the full vision to life.
Just as with the previous phases, this chapter continues the creative collaboration between owners Neil and Zoe Kedward and acclaimed interior designer Nicola Harding. Known for her distinctive blend of character, colour and soul, Nicola will once again lead the design, ensuring a natural evolution of the hotel’s narrative — one that reflects both the property’s Victorian roots and its sense of place in this storied Welsh landscape.
The final bedrooms – Meirionnydd, Ogwen, Cregennan and Glyndŵr – along with Rhiannon, a new master suite with a private balcony overlooking the garden – will join the others in being individually designed, each inspired by Welsh mythology, local landscapes and cultural heritage. Two beautiful lounge spaces will also lovingly be reimagined, creating inviting settings for guests to gather and unwind.
Afon Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining room, will also be transformed. Taking its name from the Welsh word for ‘river’, Afon will reflect the same layered design language that flows through the rest of the house – elegant, characterful, and rooted in place. Expect rich textures, local craft, and considered colour palettes that echo the surrounding landscapes and the house’s timeless charm
Co-Owner, Zoe Kedward, said: “We’re incredibly excited to begin the third and final phase of our renovation journey at Penmaenuchaf. This hotel has always held a certain magic, and it’s been a real joy to see that spirit reflected in each stage of the transformation so far. Nicola’s vision continues to capture the essence of this very special place, and we’re delighted to bring the last pieces of the puzzle together. With this final phase, we’ll be showcasing Penmaenuchaf at its very best – a hotel full of soul, rooted in Wales, and ready for the future.”
Interior Designer, Nicola Harding said: “In this final phase, we’re continuing to bring the wild beauty of Eryri and the magic of Welsh folklore into the hotel. We’ve reimagined the downstairs spaces to include a music room for enjoying vinyl records by the fire, a peaceful library filled with books that share the history of the area, and a morning room with beautiful double-aspect views across the gardens and countryside.
We’re also creating two new dining areas within the Afon Restaurant, each with a different feel. One is bright and open, feeling very much a part of the garden, while the other is cosy and intimate, ideal for private gatherings. As always, we’ll be on the lookout for local treasures – ceramics, textiles and antiques – and will continue to layer colour and texture in playful and unexpected ways, inspired by the power and warmth of the landscape outside. Each space will have its own atmosphere and story, giving guests the chance to experience something new every time they visit.”
Tucked beneath the majestic peaks of Cadair Idris, with sweeping views over the Mawddach Estuary and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Penmaenuchaf is one of North Wales’s most cherished destinations. Part of the Seren Collection, the hotel offers an unforgettable stay for those seeking peaceful escapes, culinary discovery, and mountain adventure in equal measure.
When this final phase is completed in Spring 2026, guests will be welcomed into a fully revitalised hotel, a place where every detail has been carefully considered, and where the spirit of Welsh hospitality shines through in every room, every corner, and every story told.
