Building of the Month December 2024: Corbett Arms Hotel, Corbet Square, Tywyn, Gwynedd, Wales

At the centre of this North West Wales seaside town, stands an old hotel whose walls are being gradually hidden by ivy.  It would have a fairy tale quality if it were not for the reality: the building has been empty and neglected for a number of years and there are serious concerns about its condition.  Its overgrown appearance and state of decay threatens to blight this popular tourist destination. 

The Corbett Arms was once an important and much frequented hotel standing in a prominent position on Corbet Square opposite the church.  It is Grade II listed and dates from the early 19th century, being significantly expanded in 1900.  An imposing structure, even before the expansion, it stands at three stories with an attic lined by dormer windows added in 1900.  It is painted white with details such as the alternating segmental and triangular pediments over the first floor windows picked out in black.  The central gable contains a coat of arms and an inscription "JC 1900AD".  

Such is the condition of the building that the Council have been forced to fence it off.  It also issued a dangerous structures notice meaning that noone should enter the building. It is in a very poor condition and is a building where time is running out if it is to be saved.  It could become a place of welcome and hospitality again or potentially be converted to residential accommodation.