**Secret Tunnel Leads to Private Beach: Historic Millionaire’s Row Home in Llandudno Hits the Market**
A remarkable property with a captivating past and breathtaking views across the North Wales coastline has gone up for sale – but this isn’t just any seaside retreat. Situated on the fabled ‘Millionaire’s Row’ in Llandudno, St Petrocks offers a lifestyle of coastal exclusivity, complete with its own underground tunnel granting direct access to a secluded beach.
Set atop Marine Drive on the south-western slopes of the celebrated Great Orme, this distinctive home is believed to be the very first built in the area. Its location alone is enviable, but it is the property’s rare features that have generated particular buzz amongst property enthusiasts and local residents.
Perhaps most intriguing of all is the concealed passageway beneath Marine Drive, leading straight from the house’s private grounds to a personal stretch of sand. This tunnel – the sort of detail more often found in novels than estate listings – ends at a beach house currently in need of restoration. Despite its current condition, the building is equipped with electricity, suggesting an array of potential future uses including a guest house, art studio, or even a unique rental opportunity, subject to planning.
This unique residence is being marketed by Coast and Marina Properties, who describe it as “an architectural treasure” with uninterrupted panoramic sea vistas and a rich sense of heritage. The presence of private beach access, they note, is “a magical feature few homes could ever claim.” For the right buyer, it possesses the scope for sensitive enhancement, preserving historic charm whilst introducing modern luxuries.
The narrative of St Petrocks is as compelling as its architecture. Built in 1897 for the distinguished surgeon Lawson Tait, the site is thought to be steeped in even older human history. Local lore tells of ‘Gogarth’s Cave’, a prehistoric dwelling beneath the site that once housed a family of 17 until their eviction in 1877, following which the area’s stone was quarried to build the scenic Marine Drive.
Stepping inside, prospective buyers are greeted with period features evocative of a bygone era. High ceilings, panelled doors, intricate cornicing, and a grand staircase all combine to create an undeniable sense of stately permanence. Particular attention is drawn to the vintage, 1930s turquoise bathroom, a rare survivor which adds a touch of Art Deco glamour to the residence.
While the main home is in commendable structural condition and has enjoyed regular updates such as a full rewire in 2002 and modern central heating, it still retains a palpable historic character. The gardens, too, are a standout feature; the terraced lawns and sun-trap patios, once landscaped for maximum enjoyment of the coastal air, offer the perfect setting for outdoor gatherings or tranquil relaxation. The summer house overlooking the sea, though in need of some tender loving care, presents further opportunities for transformation.
St Petrocks has remained in the same family’s ownership since the late 1960s, a testament to the property’s enduring appeal. The estate agents describe it as “an heirloom waiting to be revived,” acknowledging the strong emotional connection many will feel upon entering this remarkable home.
With an asking price of £1.2 million, St Petrocks will be opened up for public viewing on July 12th, offering a rare chance to own a slice of coastal history and the possibility of revitalising a Welsh landmark for future generations. For those with vision and a love of the sea, opportunities like this come along only once in a lifetime.