Unusual heritage job sparks strong local and national interest
More than 100 applicants have put their names forward for a rare opportunity to help run two of North West Wales’ most prominent heritage sites — with the successful candidate set to live in a two-bedroom flat inside Penrhyn Castle. The National Trust has confirmed the strong response to its Facilities Co-ordinator vacancy, which covers both Penrhyn Castle and Garden in Gwynedd and Plas Newydd House and Garden on Ynys Môn.
The Trust, which manages both properties, said it had been encouraged by the volume of interest since advertising the role in June. While the organisation has not yet named the successful candidate, a spokesperson told this newspaper that the attraction of living and working on site was clear, particularly given the scale and complexity of the two destinations, which together welcome around 300,000 visitors each year.
What the role entails
The Facilities Co-ordinator post sits at the practical heart of two historic estates, overseeing daily operations that keep buildings open, safe and accessible. The position includes accommodation in a self-contained flat within the castle, and duties shared with two colleagues to help ensure the security of the site and its grounds.
“We had a fantastic response to the Facilities Co-Ordinator role with over 100 applicants.”
“The day-to-day role will see you coordinating contractors and managing key supplier relationships, leading and organising facilities team workstreams, and keeping a close eye on compliance planning and tracking. It’s a varied, hands-on role where you’ll be supporting the smooth running of two complex historic properties – and no two days are ever the same.”
Those comments were provided by William Sharp, Facilities Manager for Gogledd Orllewin Cymru (North West Wales), who underscored the breadth of responsibilities and the need to balance competing priorities across a large castle and a Grade I-listed house.
Two sites, one remit
Penrhyn Castle, a landmark neo-Norman pile set on the edge of Eryri, is ringed by extensive gardens and woodland. Across the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd offers sweeping grounds and a celebrated historic house on Anglesey. The Facilities Co-ordinator will divide attention between the two, handling everything from contractor schedules and supplier liaison to compliance tracking and on-the-day problem solving.
| Property | Location | Notable features |
|---|---|---|
| Penrhyn Castle & Garden | Gwynedd | Neo-Norman castle, estate woodland, on-site accommodation for role |
| Plas Newydd House & Garden | Ynys Môn (Anglesey) | Grade I-listed house, prominent gardens and waterfront setting |
The Trust has highlighted the post as both operationally demanding and unusually immersive, given that the appointee will live within Penrhyn Castle itself. In addition to overseeing maintenance and compliance, the role includes being a visible representative on site — a point likely to appeal to those seeking to build a long-term career in heritage property management.
Visitor draw boosted by film link
Plas Newydd has recently enjoyed extra attention as a filming location for the feature Madfabulous. An exhibition, All Dressed Up, showcasing five costumes from the production, is currently on display at the house. While the recruitment process is separate from programming, the film connection underlines how both estates continue to attract audiences beyond traditional heritage visitors.
Against that backdrop, the scale of applications for the Facilities Co-ordinator role suggests strong demand for specialist posts that combine professional responsibility with a distinctive living arrangement. The Trust’s confirmation that more than 100 people applied indicates competition from across the region and likely further afield, reflecting the broad appeal of living and working within a historic setting.
Local significance and next steps
For Gwynedd and neighbouring Ynys Môn, the appointment matters beyond the novelty of a flat inside a castle. With combined annual footfall measured in the hundreds of thousands, the smooth operation of these sites supports local employment, visitor spending and a wider cultural offer that benefits the area year-round. Keeping the properties open, compliant and welcoming underpins programmes ranging from school visits to film-related exhibitions.
- Over 100 applications received for a single post with accommodation in Penrhyn Castle.
- Role spans Penrhyn Castle (Gwynedd) and Plas Newydd (Ynys Môn), serving around 300,000 visitors annually.
- Duties include contractor coordination, supplier management and compliance oversight, alongside site representation and security responsibilities shared with colleagues.
The National Trust has not given a timetable for announcing the successful candidate. In the meantime, both properties remain open with their programmes continuing as planned, including the costume exhibition at Plas Newydd. The eventual appointee will step into a hands-on role at the centre of two of North West Wales’ most recognisable historic attractions, tasked with the day-to-day work that keeps these places running for residents and visitors alike.
