Have you seen these pictures that we’ve found recently of our lovely hotel in a very different era?

Vintage Oakeley Arms Hotel

We’re not sure exactly when they were taken, but we hope you agree that they are certainly beautiful. The top image shows a sumptuous room (now the dining area) in all it’s period splendour. The image below it is of a couple sat outside the Oakeley Arms, perhaps enjoying the sunshine!

The Oakeley Arms has a long and varied history. The building dates back to the 1600s, although the hotel as we see it today was finished sometime during the 1700s. Originally known as the Tan y Bwlch Inn, it was renamed the Oakeley Arms Hotel in honour of the estate of the Oakeley family that it served. The Oakeley’s were one of the wealthiest families in the area thanks to their investments in the slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog. They lived at the nearby manor house of Plas Tan-y-Bwlch until the mid 20th century.

It’s grade II listed status reflects it’s historic importance to the area and since the current owners, Chris and Ann-Marie Vanstone took over in 2003, they have worked hard to restore, revive and renovate this beautiful building to it’s former glory.

You can read more about the history of the Oakeley Arms here, here and here

Big thanks to Patrick from the Griffin and Tegwen for letting us use the only picture we’ve ever seen that was taken inside the Oakeley Arms! And if you know who the mystery couple are, or you have any more fabulous old or vintage pics of the hotel, then get in touch and let us know!