Bryn Elltyd ECO Guest House lines up for UK-wide eco award
Bryn Elltyd ECO guest house near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia has made it to the last 3 in the prestigious Considerate Hotelier awards.
This national UK competition examines the sustainability and green ethos of usually much larger hotels: Ceilia and John’s tiny 3 star, 6 bedroom guest house are on a short-list of 3, pitted against the likes of the Best Western Hotel chain hotel in Suffolk. This David and Goliath scenario does not worry them as last year they competed in the awards against large 20 bed, 5 star hotels where they won!
Bryn Elltyd proves that green does not mean compromise as the guest house features wi-fi, a sauna, 3 electric car charge points among other amenities. It is all carbon neutral and all energy comes from renewable sources.
High-tech solar integration works alongside low-tech conservatories to soak up heat into 39inch thick walls and vents to provide the house with warm air. Further heating is provided by a local wood by-product that is turned to gas and burnt at 900c.
Amazingly for a house up a Welsh mountain it has computer-integrated solar panels that work to make hot water, and other solar arrays provide the building with 240v electric current. All the work has been done by John or by employing local engineers.
Rain can be a welcome resource here. It is harvested to flush loos and water the garden and there are also two commercial hydro plants within 200m. Sewerage goes through 3 natural biological chambers, through a small reed bed and into a duck pond that contains ducks. John says, “Don’t panic – the system is smell free and the loo flushing is normal!”.
The Considerate Hotelier Awards are in London on 13th June.
New Dolgellau promotional video 
Meirionnydd flag gallery 
