An interior designer to the stars in the United States is helping put the finishing touches to a five star bed and breakfast cottage business in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park in Mid Wales.
Brandon Branch, a New York Times best-selling author, designer and expert in Southern style, accepted an invitation to give his friends David and Sharon Jones some tips when they bought Pandy Isaf Country House, a former fulling mill with three en-suite guest rooms in a riverside setting near Dolgellau. He enjoyed his visit so much that he’s now looking to move to Wales himself.
Sharon and David, who are originally from Llanasa, near Prestatyn, spent 13 years working in the US before returning home to Wales in March to become B&B business owners.
Dave and Sharon’s bed and breakfast is very special to me. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place I have ever stayed and I've travelled the world! Dave's breakfasts are wonderful and the Pandy cakes are to die for!
“Dolgellau is a breathtaking little town where the people are so lovely and friendly. The Royal Ship Hotel has the best fish and chips and mushy peas in all of Wales and there is nothing like a morning run through the countryside. It's one of my most cherished rituals when I'm there.”Sharon and David initially moved to Pennsylvania 13 years ago when she was transferred to the head office of a major pharmaceutical company. David was head of operations for an industrial contractor whilst living in Georgia.
“We enjoyed our 13 years living in the US but home was always calling us,” said Sharon. “Because we had both done a lot of customer facing work and David is a keen chef, we decided to buy a B&B.
“After doing a lot of research, we whittled the potential properties down to four and fell in love with Pandy Isaf. One of the things we liked was that that we would get to live in the old house, which was the original fulling mill. The previous owners had done a fantastic job with the guest wing, which was purpose built.
“We bought it in March and opened for business in June and everything has gone really well. It was nice to have had an adventure for 13 years, but we are glad to be home.
“We have had a number of American visitors and without exception they have been blown away by Wales. They love the diversity of the scenery – the coast, lakes and mountains – and everybody raves about the quality of the food.”
Sharon has met MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins and digital projects manager Zoe Hawkins to receive details of the wide range of membership benefits available to the business. In addition, Zoe has built a new website for Pandy Isaf - http://www.pandyisaf-accommodation.co.uk/.
“MWT Cymru have been great and tear-off pad that they provide with a map of the area and its attractions is very popular with our guests,” added Sharon. “So many guests come here and don’t know what they want to see or do. Some just come for the open space and to relax.”
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