About Bryn Elltyd Eco Guest House

Bryn Elltyd is a carbon-negative eco guest house in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, in Eryri (Snowdonia). We offer room-only accommodation in a quiet rural setting beside a hydro lake, with the Moelwyn mountains close by.

A low-impact stay, without the fuss

We set up Bryn Elltyd because we believe you can take a break and tread a bit more lightly at the same time. Since 2013, the house has been powered by renewable energy, much of it generated locally. Our aim is simple, to run the guest house thoughtfully, keep things comfortable, and be clear about what you can expect.

Renewable energy and hydro power on site

Energy is a big part of the Bryn Elltyd story. We use renewable electricity, including power generated from two hydro stations within around 200m. Being beside the hydro lake is not just part of the view, it is part of how the place works.

If you are interested in the practical detail, you will find more on our Eco page.

What your stay looks like

Bryn Elltyd is a guest house, and stays are room only.

No meals are provided
There is no guest kitchen access, or guest fridges or food storage at the moment
To keep things low impact, rooms are not serviced daily. If you need anything during your stay, just contact us.

Most guests plan to eat out locally, or keep things flexible around their day in the hills.

Rooms, gear, and arriving with ease

We have five en suite rooms in the house, and some have private entrances. Many guests come for walking, biking, and outdoor days, so we also offer lockable storage for items like bikes and outdoor gear.
We also have three electric car charge points on site.

Why we are based in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog puts you close to big landscapes, quiet trails, and a lot of the Moelwyn area straight from the door. You will also find well known local experiences nearby, including the Ffestiniog Railway, and attractions such as Zip World Titan, Bounce Below, Go Below Cwmorthin, Antur Stiniog, and Llechwedd.

If you would like ideas for walks or places to eat, we are happy to point you in the right direction.

Local Produce

Seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in rich composted soil
Local free range eggs and our own duck eggs. Duck do bio control
Local shops and business supported. Up cycled chairs /tables from 1mile
Recycle and repair is our motto. 25year teaching engineering / technology is very useful.
80% spend within 13miles. Supermarket spend is 2miles away at Co-op on co-op card from Co-op bank

Renewable Energy

100% Carbon Neutral renewable electricity and heating. Massive, cunning insulation and two conservatory capturing heat and venting to house. Warm boilerhouse wall warms house.
Computer controlled biomass central heating integrated with solar panel water arrays.
Burns wood gas at 900c and auto cleans itself every night.
2 huge solar water heating arrays
Efficient log burner. Local logs or timber from our own 1 acre garden.
Solar electric panels.
32 amp electric Car charging point. 3 points since 2012. All electric is made on site or from 100% renewable sources

Insulation

Cunning design added to 1883 building reducing outside walls
Extra external and internal insulation
Sheep’s wool insulation
Turf roofs / sedum green roofs
2 conservatories for heat capture and venting into house

Water

Rain water capture for toilet flushing
Rain water capture for allotment watering
Chamber biological sewerage system, with normal flushing loos, filtered by reed bed into our duck pond.
Metered mains water

Environmental

Glass, paper and plastic recycled
Environmentally friendly cleaning products used
Recycled toilet paper
Recycled printer paper
Engineering skills used to repair and recycle as needed.
One wheelie bin for 15 people on a 3 week emptying cycle

Fairtrade

100% Fairtrade tea and coffee
Other Fairtrade products used where possible