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Sleeps: 10
First letting through Travel Chapter: 2017
Robert Williams, known to all as Bob, is lucky enough to have been born and raised on the lovely Llŷn Peninsula in north west Wales. The self-employed joiner, who also works on the family farm, relaxes by playing football and darts or simply by walking on the beautiful coastal paths around his home.
Bob took his first steps into the holiday letting market when he was just 21. He was looking for a project when Capel Neigwl, a disused Methodist Chapel, came onto the market. Family connections - his mother grew up nearby and his grandparents were members of the chapel - were a strong draw. He was also keen to utilise his own skills; "As a joiner and a person who enjoys working with my hands, I knew that I could do a large part of the work myself.” He also acknowledges the help of his network of friends and family who were happy to help out.
"It felt like fate when the opportunity to purchase the Capel came up. I couldn’t resist."
The property's location could hardly be better. The Llŷn Peninsula is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with an abundance of picturesque villages, sandy beaches and rugged coastline, all of which can be enjoyed by walking along the Welsh coastal path.
Capel Neigwl itself sits above Porth Neigwl, also known as Hell’s Mouth. This four-mile stretch of sandy beach is popular with surfers, walkers, and sun worshippers alike. While the property is in a very quiet rural area, it is conveniently situated between Abersoch and Aberdaron, just 10 minutes’ drive from each village.
"The Llŷn Peninsula is simply stunning. The landscape changes at every turn and there is something new to see around every corner. It's a Welsh heartland, steeped in history and mythology."
Bob feels that Capel Neigwl has several features that attract a variety of guests. In particular, "The large open plan kitchen and living area is perfect for entertaining, or for a busy family to use as a base. The log burner at the centre of the living area is a cosy addition on a cold winter’s evening." The ability to sleep 10 is also a bonus, with growing demand for properties suitable for larger groups.
The hot tub is another increasingly popular holiday property feature. In the case of Capel Neigwl, Bob confirms that, "Everyone seems to enjoy the hot tub at the back of the property – perfect for relaxing at the end of a busy day." Being dog friendly also helps, with many families not wanting to leave their four-legged friends at home when going on holiday.
As well as those tangible facilities, Bob also sees himself as key to maintaining a high level of occupancy. For him that means, "Always trying to accommodate people’s wishes or specific requests if you can. Small adjustment that makes a big difference to a guest’s holiday and can make the difference between a person booking, or looking elsewhere."
His other advice to someone thinking about starting a holiday let is very simple: "Do your homework!" Specifically, be realistic with planning and budgets and talk to other established holiday let owners in the area if you can, as they will have a wealth of information.
Another great tip is to do a few ‘test runs’ before the first paying guests arrived. Have friends and family stay over and get their honest opinions – what they enjoyed and anything that could be better.
"I gained valuable information and it helped calm the nerves before the first booking."
Overall, Bob has enjoyed the experience of running a holiday let. He identifies the most rewarding part as the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over Britain and further afield and ensuring that they have a memorable holiday.
He acknowledges that there are occasional challenges and says the most consistent one is maintaining the standard of the property and carrying out necessary maintenance. This is especially the case during the busy summer period when, if there is an unexpected issue, it can be difficult to find tradesmen make repairs during the tight changeover period.
Capel Neigwl has been open for guests since December 2017 and Bob has worked with The Travel Chapter from the beginning. He is very happy with the relationship so far, saying, “The team have been nothing but helpful and are always at the end of the phone when needed. They’ve provided me with a great service.” As a new owner he has also appreciated the fact that they, “Gave me a lot of useful advice along the way.”
“It’s been a positive experience from the very first day.”
This has allayed his concerns, common to most new owners, about the initial investment and whether the property would be worth the time and effort spent in converting it. Bob is very happy with progress so far and says that, “As the property approaches the end of it’s second year as a holiday let, I plan on keeping it for the foreseeable future. I hope to maintain the high standard that guests at Capel Neigwl expect.”