Information
Eco Stars:
5 star
Stars:
unrated
Location:
Europe
Country:
Wales
Y Goeden Eirin
Y Goeden Eirin is situated in the hamlet of Dolydd between Bontnewydd and Groeslon in Gwynedd. It was originally a granite cowshed belonging to Hendre Farm, but it was sympathetically renovated as a dwelling house at the beginning of the nineteen eighties. A very successful small licensed restaurant was run there by the present owners for a few years, but the house was then sold, and ceased to be a restaurant.
It was bought back once more by the original owners in 2003, and this year they decided to offer bed and breakfast as well as an evening meal for residents and non-residents in the licensed dining room. Eluned and John Rowlands offer a personal welcome to visitors from around the globe in their home which has a thoroughly Welsh atmosphere and where Welsh is the lingua franca.
On site you will find luxurious accommodation for six people. There is a spacious double room in the main house, with tv, a settee and a desk, and leading from it is a small dressing room, and then a bathroom with bath and a separate shower, with Fired Earth tiling on walls and floor. The facilities are first-rate, with fluffy towels and luxury toiletries.
The renovated outbuildings provide two units full of character and taste. The slate floors have underfloor heating, and the floors and walls of the en suite shower rooms are made of local slate as well. These units are called Cwt Môr and Cwt Mynydd (Sea and Mountain Rooms). Guests are welcomed with a carafe of sherry, fresh fruit and biscuits or Welsh cakes. In summer, it is possible to eat outside at the slate table in the garden, but the dining room in the house is only a couple of yards across the lawn.
A few miles from Y Goeden Eirin, a small cottage by the sea is also on offer in the village of Pontllyfni (off the A499 road). It is in a magnificent location, with the small garden opening on to the beach, and Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey just across the sea. Magical views of the sunset can be seen from the lounge window.
Green Star Rating Results:
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Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Energy Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - 1. Lights and heating are checked at regular intervals, as well as machines (computer, tv's etc.) which might be on standby. All staff are made aware of the necessity to switch off lights and heating appliances wherever reasonable. There is good insulation throughout.
2. Outside lights are sensor controlled so that they only come on when there is someone within their orbit. They go off automatically.
3. Low-energy bulbs are used throughout. There is underfloor heating in most guest bedrooms, which can be controlled manually by guests and staff. The little central heating used is centrally controlled by staff. Guests are made aware of the green policies of our establishment.
4. We have installed 12 solar panels
Water Rating: ★★★★ (4)
Staff Comment - 1. Staff are made aware of the necessity to save water.
2. We use eco friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, and organic toiletries such as the Neal's Yard range.
3. Guests are asked to re-use sheets and towels. Staff are aware that taps should not be left running, and that washing machine and dishwasher are not to be used sparingly and with care (choosing the correct programme for the right load, etc)
4. Water butts are used to harvest rain water. Our toilets are dual-flush. Guests are advised to use showers rather than baths.
Disposal Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - 1. All waste is recycled, and staff are made aware of the necessity to separate recylclable materials when they clear bins and to put them in clearly labelled boxes.
2. 'Green' bags are used for shopping. We buy fresh, unwrapped food from organic farms and the local butcher, and avoid prepacked food from supermarkets.
3. All possible green waste (including kitchen waste) is rigorously composted for use in the garden. Our gardener takes care of the composting process. We do not use disposable tableware, etc. only long lasting cups etc.
4. Almost all waste material is recycled or composted, and owners make staff acutely aware of our policies in these fields.
5. There are separate bins available for guests, well-marked for the disposal of glass, paper, cardboard, plastic and tins. If guests do not avail themselves of this facility, staff are fully aware of it, and will separate all materials accordingly.
Eco-Active Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - 1. Staff are taught the basic eco principles
2. Used sheets, towels, books, etc. are donated to charity shops.
3. Whenever appliances need to be replaced, more eco friendly appliances are sought out e.g. we now have solar-powered radios in each guest room; we use eco friendly kettles, eco balls are used in the washing machine; and Ecover tablets in the dishwasher. We have a book which gives wise advice on the most eco friendly applianes in the market.
4. Our PR material emphasises our green credentials, and we make an effort to persuade guests to arrive by train (they can be met at the station), and if possible to bring their bikes. We provide timetables of local bus and train services. Local walking is encouraged, and there are plenty of local maps available.
5. As previously mentioned. we have a 'Green Dragon Environmental Standard (level 2)', and guests are aware of our status as a 'green guesthouse'. They read about us in 'The Good Hotel Guide' and 'Alastair Sawday's special places to stay: British Bed and Breakfast.
6. All our brochures, envelopes, stationery, toilet rolls etc are made of 100% recycled paper.
Protection Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - 1. We as owners are rooted in this Welsh-speaking area of Wales, and we showcase its language and its culture as well as the beauty of the sorrounding countryside. We emphasise cultural diversity as well as biodiversity.
2. All our staff are local and Welsh-speaking. This is also true of our suppliers, and our craftsmen who did the work on our building and garden.
3. We buy food from our local farms (e.g. free-range eggs, organic vegetables, local Welsh lamb and beef provided by our local butcher). We grow some vegetables, herbs and fruits in our kitchen garden (without the use of chemical pesticides). our emphasis is predominantly on the local. Furniture is local, made of local oak, and much of our flooring is made of local slate, Welsh art hangs on the walls, there are Welsh books lining our shelves, etc etc.
4. Our staff are rigorously taught good practice regarding local protection activities. We own 20 acres of grazing land which sorrounds our guest house. They are looked afrter by our farmer neighbour, who is also environmentally aware of the importance of biodiversity.
5. We provide all guests with names of local places to visit, local shops, chapels, art galleries, walks, etc. we advertise any local cultural activities and heritage centres.
Contact Details
Name:
Y Goeden Eirin
Address:
Dolydd, Caernarfon
Gwynedd LL54 7EF
Cymru/Wales
Telephone:
+44 (0) 1286 830 942
Website:
www.ygoedeneirin.co.uk
E-mail:
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