Campaign hots up for the home of Alice

An attractive pseudo-gothic building on the west shore of the Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales, the house known as ‘Penmorfa’ was built by the Very Reverend Dr Henry Liddell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, for his family in 1862. Among its famous visitors were William Gladstone and Matthew Arnold. Converted into the Gogarth Abbey Hotel after the family sold it, the house was included in the Llandudno Conservation Area a few years ago reflecting the contribution it makes to the character of one of Britain’s most unspoilt seaside resorts.

‘Penmorfa is a significant landmark,’ said Alex Baldwin, Conservation Adviser of the Victorian Society. ‘Architecturally, it has a lot to add to the character of Llandudno and its associations with one of Britain’s most famous literary characters give it worldwide appeal. It should be cherished.’

Yet Penmorfa may soon be lost, if plans to build on its site are given the green light. Purchased recently by a developer who stripped off its later extensions and left the historic structure unsupported and open to the elements, Penmorfa is now up for demolition to make way for 29 holiday apartments. This, despite the fact that the existing permission for development was granted on the understanding that the original part of Penmorfa House would be retained.

‘The demolition of Penmorfa would be shameful,’ continued Miss Baldwin. ‘The house is certainly in need of some work, but its condition is largely due to the fact that it has been left open to the elements and without adequate support for nearly twelve months. The case has not been made for demolition; if permission is granted it will send a dangerous message to those who wilfully neglect historic buildings in the hope that this will lead to their inevitable demolition. We urge Conwy County Council to turn it down.’