OSBORNE HOUSE
Belle Epoque extravagance on Llandudno's seafront
THE BEAUTY OF Osborne House, a
stylishly refurbished Victorian townhouse that kisses the coast in seaside Llandudno, is that you get all the style of bygone days, with none of the stuffiness.
Owners Len and Elizabeth Maddocks whisked this 1851 seafront property from crumbling obscurity to stylish splendour, lavishing TLC on it to create a glowing, all-suite townhouse. From the
Prague crystal chandeliers and marble bathrooms to the antique Persian rugs, no expense has been spared. Huge suites have canopied beds, fireplaces, king-size brass beds and double-ended roll-top bathtubs. You can soak in style before slipping between Egyptian cotton sheets, down duvets and feather pillows.
Osborne House's
extravagant Belle Epoque style is carried through the sitting room and bar, with deep, dramatic colours, ornate mirrors, glowing lamps and statuetry.
Hit the Spot
Right on Llandudno's famous seafront.
Bedtime
Second floor suites have big bay windows and wide open views, while those on the third have a snugger, more cottage-y feel.
Be Savvy
There's no lift - lest you're on the top floor.
Be Smitten
Flamboyant setting in vintage Victorian Llandudno.
Brocade and chandeliers
A theatrical hand is much in evidence in Osborne's Cafe and Grill, done out in
flamboyant black and gold, and lit by scores of candles. Seats are clad in pale brocade, walls are dressed in huge oil paintings and
mirrors and chadeliers glimmer. It's definitely the place to make an entrance – and the food wins plaudits galore.
Go for the full works (the crispy aromatic duck is a big hit here) or simply savour a menu of light bites such as potted shrimps, crayfish tails or
tiger prawn wontons. A walk along Llandudno's breezy seafront will soon work off your excesses.
Osborne House was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Osborne House Cafe and Grill is one of the best places in town. It's strikingly decorated in opulent black and cream with original art, a grand fireplace and bronze-edged mirror. Chairs are dressed in ivory and ornate glass chandeliers are lit by 72 candles in the evening.
Not that it's stuffy at all – dining is brasserie style, with a choice of Light Bites, steaks and freshly caught fish. Dine on
duck spring rolls with a plum dipping sauce, followed by Conwy Valley lamb shank with minted gravy or pan-roasted monkfish, and then polish off the dark chocolate pot with Drambuie cream.
Dining out
Try the King’s Head or Fat Cat Cafe Bar, both within 200 yards of the hotel. If you’d rather snuggle up in the corner of a cosy country pub journey three miles out of Llandudno to The Queen’s Head.
Where?
Osborne’s Café and Grill
What’s cooking?
Tuck into goat’s cheese and bacon salad, Moroccan lamb, then maybe baked rhubarb and strawberry sponge with custard.
Dress the part
Relaxed brasserie style.
Top table?
Try a table by the fireplace, or tucked behind the drapes
See & Do
Stroll along Llandudno's sweeping Victorian promenade or spend a long, lazy afternoon (complete with donkeys and Punch & Judy) on the sandy West Shore beach. Take the famous cable tramway – one of only three in the world – to the summit of Great Orme, and check out the cable car, dry ski slope and toboggan run.
Snowdonia is a fabulous place for walks and mountain train rides. The Snowdonia National Park is a mere 20 minute drive, so take your walking boots to stride out in the Snowdonia National Park, or conquer Mount Snowdon by mountain railway instead. Take a ride on the Great Orme tramway, ten minutes from the hotel, spend a day clambering over the ramparts of Conwy Castle, or visit nearby Portmeirion, setting for the cult TV series The Prisoner.
Shop
You’re just around the corner from the shops, where there’s everything from seaside rock to Welsh woollens.
Play
Llandudno has a string of lively bars and a nightclub.
Dates
May Bank Holiday
Don’t miss the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, complete with fairground rides, street entertainers, penny booths and a big fancy dress parade.
October/November
Fill your ears with Verdi and Puccini when the Welsh National Opera come to town.
GETTING THERE
Location
North Parade, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2LP
Parking
There’s free guest parking
Trains
Llandudno station – three miles
Taxis
GBP 6 from the station
Airport
Manchester – 84 miles
Rooms and suites
Six suites
Special features
All suites have roll-top baths, walk-in showers, DVD players and a lounge area with a gas log fire, so you'll be cosy whatever the weather.
Also…
All rooms have free wi-fi.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 145 - 175
Open/closed
Closed over Christmas
Check-in
2.30pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends
Breakfast
Continental breakfast is served until 10am
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
No children under 12
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, Welsh and Polish
Wedding license?
No
Eco conscience
The hotel uses energy efficient heaters
Your contact
Elizabeth Maddocks – owner