Upping sticks and moving

[wynne]

After many years of umming and aahhing about moving from South London to North Wales, we've decided to go for it.

The plan is to move to somewhere near Bala, which is located not too far from Snowdon, so near Betws-y-coed, Coed-y-Brenin, Cloclaenog Forest and the new downhill course at Llangynog. There's no end of great road riding too.

The thinking is to run a holiday let specifically geared towards cyclists, so we'll provide safe bike storage, cleaning facilities and tools and washing and drying capacity. I'm also thinking that I might do some guiding and provide a bike shuttle service with a giant Ifor Williams trailer.

The thing we're wondering about is whether if you've ever used such accommodation you prefer something rural or in a small town (near shops pubs etc)? Also if you have used any such places what are the things you really look for in accommodation?

Has anyone done anything similar or got any tips on running a holiday let that they'd be willing to share?

The house is going on the market at the end of February, so we're not mucking around.

I'm sure there'll be a retrobike discount...

Rich

 

[fun at fiftyish]

Hi, such a good move,I know the area so well and am sure you are doing the right thing. Anywhere on the A494 from Corwen onwards would be ideal and I for one will come and stay with you.It really is such a lovely part of the world and I know for a fact that "newcomers" are made welcome.
A retrobiker with accommodation and a big trailer,sounds perfect to me.
Best of look with your plan,and on the plus side what you will get for your house at London prices will get you a lot more in north wales.....Hope to see you up there soon.
Mark

 

[Whatleymeister]

This sounds like an awesome idea! I would love to do something like that

Personally, though I am sure that others would prefer otherwise, I would look for something based in small village with reasonable access to surrounding areas, a village shop (for essentials) and a nice country pub. Open fire would be excellent as well. Modern, clean and uncluttered accommodation is my cup of tea, but again others I am sure will prefer something more traditional, perhaps with doilies on a wingback chair

 

[hamster]

Needs two places that serve evening meals within 5 (and preferably 2) miles; also a general store, I think.
Otherwise you will end up in the evening meals business (but that is another opportunity..?)

Personally I would go with a village / small town location: you might get halfway decent broadband which is something your customers would expect and also helps internet marketing of your business.

Bike storage, cleaning and repair facilities would be big plusses...get yourself a Cytech qualification and you might be able to offer a repair service too.

It's a great idea, but you need as many strings to your bow as possible. I think the drop off & collect aspect with your trailer is a brilliant idea. Check the insurance aspect carefully, you might end up needing limo / private hire certification, I don't know.

 

[Grannygrinder]

Well done for biting the bullet and getting it done
Its the perfect area for a biking base, but why put all your eggs in one basket, no need to exclude walkers
There will no doubt be a lot of benefits to being a bike specific establishment but there are so many people doing so many activities it might be a good idea to appeal to a broader spectrum of interests?

 

[winchman]

Good luck
I am sure you will love it
Some excellent points above.
My top tip would be take the time to learn the language.
I would try and buy not to far from town or Village so guests can walk back from the pub returant etc or you could collect them, could you not get one near the beach? This may get a bigger range of visitors.
I am sure selling in London will get you a much bigger place in Wales
Its alovely part of the world, I wish I was going!

 

[shedobits]

Good luck with this, I love it when people take charge of their lives.

For me a nearby retaurant / cafe / pub /chip shop is high on the list. [I arrived hanging one night at a B & B to be told the nearest meal was about 15 mins away -- by car]. :shock:

Another time I kept my bike overnight in an old railway goods wagon, the owner used it as a loos box as she had a lot of business from long distance horse riders.

Top Tip doilies are really handy for cleaning chains.

 

[widowmaker]

I cant give any advice other than whats been given, but i wish you good luck

And when you are up and running, ill be sure to pass on my custom. My ideal holiday

Pity my Wife just wants to sit on the beach

 

[winchman]

Seriously when you get up and running pm me.
Could you offer split weekends? Lads go on bikes wives etc go shopping spa day etc, best of both worlds, it sounds really exciting

 

[Mindmap3]

Good luck and well done for having a dream / idea and following it.

I've only been walking around there, but its a cracking place.

Personally I'd go for a village / town location. Whenever I've been away walking with guys from work in Wales, I've always preferred being in a town so that there is a range of pubs, places to eat, places to grab stuff for a pack up etc.

I'd be we'll up for a trip with the bike, so will be interested in hearing more once you're up and running.