Dan & Nikki first came to Anglesey in 2003 to follow their interest in scuba diving and marine biology to study Shellfish Farming on a Masters course at the School of Ocean Sciences in Menai bridge on Anglesey. ‘We love the island’s diversity, fabulous beaches, good diving, fishing, canoeing in the straits and of course an abundance of fresh local seafood. Low water fishing for razor clams, summer BBQs with local welsh lamb and stunning mountains just a stones throw away.
Following our course we got married, in our old school chapel! and turned our hand to property renovating to begin moving up the property ladder and fulfilling our idyllic dream of finding a farm by the sea.
We moved to Llanlliana in 2007, this beautiful farm had been derelict & abandoned for a number of years and had an undiscovered feel to it, the coves, cliffs, porpoises, seals, choughs, mats of bluebells and the stunning landscape with historic ruins was quite overwhelming, we instantly fell in love with this special place just as our guests do now.The farmhouse was in need of major renovations so we bought an old caravan and set up home in the field for 2½ years during the building work.
We were careful during the build to use local materials such as welsh slate for roofs, patios & floors, and stone from an Anglesey quarry. We also took inspiration from the style and architectural details of the old house and applied them throughout the build. In doing this we have managed to recreate many period details that you would expect in a country house and combine them with all modern luxuries.
Blind ambition, woolly hats and gloves kept us going in the caravans during cold winters with intermittent water & electric. ! Finally on completion of the house in October 2010 we welcomed our first guests to Llanlliana. We had no idea how incredibly rewarding it would be seeing young cousins playing together in the gardens we’d created.