Rhyl Marine Hydropathic Establishment' Rhyl North Wales.

 RHYL - A syndicate of Manchester gentlemen have purchased a quantity of land on the Morwylfa Estate at Rhyl, on which it is intended to erect a hydropathic establishment. Messrs. Darbyshire & Smith, of Manchester, are the architects, and the contract has been let to Messrs. W. Brown & Sons, of Salford. [Builder 9 March 1895 page 190] 

A VISIT TO THE NEW MARINE HYDRO, RHYL. A VALUABLE ACQUISITION TO THE TOWN. During the past few years the development of that portion of Rhyl situate to the east of the Pier has been very marked, and that of the Marine Drive Estate in particular. At first houses here and there were erected but as those who delight in residing close to the sea, realised the unique situation which the Marine Drive offered in that respect the number of dwelling-houses have increased, and a more continuous line of building has been adopted. Morwylfa stood alone for a considerable time but with sanguine belief in the future prosperity of Rhyl, Capt. Keatinge recently decided that the building should be enlarged and so constructed as to form one of the most complete of Hydros. This required the preparing of very carefully thought-out plans and in this he was assisted by the well-known architects Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, 17, Brasennose Street, Manchester. From the designs of those gentlemen the contractors, Messrs. W. Brown and Son, of Salford, have erected a really grand building, which will not only be an ornament to the Marine Drive on which it is situate, but in its usefulness prove a great acquisition to the town of Rhyl. As a residence for invalids and visitors in general the new hydro is deserving of liberal patronage and should rapidly become popular. It is situate facing the sea, and when the tide is at the full there is not more than 80 yards between the front-door and the waves. On Tuesday a "Journal'' representative was shown over the establishment, and in which he found that Rhyl possesses a most valuable and attractive new residence for those in search of health or pleasure. Entering through the front door (which is to be altered and improved in order to be more accommodating to those who alight from carriages), the fine hall was reached, and immediately we found ourselves stepping into the corridor which runs the whole length of the building, and which is to be handsomely decorated. To the left there is the large dining-room. This is 52 feet by 18 feet, and will seat 100 guests comfortably. We were given to understand that it is the intention of the directors of the Rhyl Marine Hydropathic Co. (Ltd.) to provide tables in cosy nooks so that private and family parties can have their dinner by themselves. The room, which can be divided into two portions by very ingeniously constructed folding doors, has two large projecting bay windows facing the sea, and a sheltered verandah is provided in front, so that a quiet smoke and chat can there be indulged in as well as a magnificent and uninterrupted view of the sea obtained. From this verandah the Pier, the Orme's Head, and the hills far away along the coast can be seen, while to the east there is Prestatyn and the Rhyl sandhills in full view. The dining-room has been decorated very handsomely. On the first floor and immediately opposite the dining- room there is the manageress's private sitting-room. The office is also situate close by, and from this place there are telephonic communications to various parts of the house, while differently toned bells have connection by electricity with this room. The smoking-room looks out on the golf links, the Vale of Clwyd, and the Clwydian Hills, so that those interested in golf can watch the game while enjoying a quiet smoke. The reading and writing rooms are situate on the first floor, and they have been placed in one of the quietest corners of the establishment. Although there is a grand staircase leading upstairs, it will not be necessary for those staying at this modern hydro to make use of it, and this should be a comforting fact to invalids in particular. A splendid hydraulic lift runs right up the building, giving access to all the floors and the baths (of which we will speak later on). This passenger lift is equal to any in the first-class hotels, and has been constructed by one of the best makers. Upstairs there are private sitting rooms as well as private baths, so that invalids will be able to have not and cold baths in their own suite of rooms. There are 33 bedrooms, and each one is fitted up in a very tasteful manner. A fire-place is provided, and the architect has adopted a most modern system with regard to the gas decorations, all of which are by the well-known firm of art metal workers—Messrs. Jones of Manchester. Instead of the old plan of having a bracket each side of the mirror, the architect has placed the ornamental bracket six feet from the window, so that the light will fall full on the mirror. We are sure that this will be appreciated by the ladies. There is an electric bell in each room, and the sanitary arrangements on the bedroom floors are most perfect. Plenty of sitting rooms are provided, and particular attention has been paid to what are known as the bachelors' quarters." It is of the greatest importance that each room should be well lighted, and in this respect the architect has been very successful. Every window is placed in the best possible position, and there has been no niggardliness shown in the use of glass. Every provision has also been made for the safety of those staying at the establishment, and should a fire unfortunately break there are ample means of escape. The broad staircases at either end of the building are so placed that while they are in no way dependent one on the other, access can be gained to them from all parts of the hydro. Before leaving the upper storeys we noticed that each room was lofty and comfortable, while those facing the sea commanded splendid views from the windows. A ventilating shaft passes up through the building, and every room is connected by means of Sherringham's Patent Ventilators, so that in spite of the fact that in winter the heat radiators, which are placed in various positions, will ensure a uniform temperature in all parts, there will be no complaints as to the rooms being stuffy. Of course in an establishment of this character, the baths are the speciality, and here again money has not been spared to get the most perfect appliances that could be secured. A powerful engine pumps water direct from the sea to the tanks above the hydro, and not only is the water supplied direct to the slipper and other baths, but a large plunge bath has been constructed. It will contain about five feet of water, and is sufficiently large to permit of a bathe being taken in comfort. Steps lead to the top, and those desirous of taking a plunge into the sea will be able to secure it without leaving the establishment, and no matter whether the tide is in or out. By an ingenious contrivance the sea water can be heated. The three Turkish bath rooms are fitted in a most replete manner. They are well lighted, lofty, and in each one there is a gas bracket, and electric boll connected with the attendant's office. Not only has a modern principle been adopted to keep the air in these baths fresh and pure, but the windows are fitted with double frames to avoid draughts, and they are glazed with muraneze glass. The slabs are of Sicilian marble, and everything has been done to make the baths cheerful. In no part is there anything that is gloomy or dull. The Russian bath is also of interest, and is well arranged, and in addition to it and the Turkish baths there is a very fine vapour one, which has been constructed by Messrs. Leech Brothers, Old Millgate, Manchester, who have carried out the whole of the bath arrangements in a most, satisfactory manner. There is also Shank's shower, spray, and wave baths, and the usual lavatory accommodation. In this new hydro a very good departure has been made from the old order of things, and to every slipper bath there will be an excellent supply of sett water as well as of hot and cold. The dressing and cooling room is very comfort- able, while the boxes and lounges arranged around the sides are all that can be desired. We might also mention that the lift is placed right outside the bath-room door, so that invalids can be brought direct from their rooms to it. In the basement the large recreation room is situate, and leading from it is the dressing-room and lavatories for occasions when theatrical parties will be arranged. The billiard room also adjoins this part of the building. All the servants' quarters have been placed in the lower storey, and the large well-arranged kitchen is connected by means of a staircase and a lift with the serving room. It is fitted with two large ranges, and there are telephonic communications between the cook's domain and the manageress's room. Special attention has been paid to this department, and under the management of Miss M. E. Beard, who has been engaged by the directors to act as manageress, we are sure that visitors will receive every care and attention. We found that in every respect the sanitary arrangements were perfect, and the fitting up of the establishment will be carried out with equal ca. Mr A Sheffield has supplied various things for the establishment and the fire grates in particular are worthy of notice. The hydro will be connected with the National Telephone Coy's, system, and a post-offiee letter box is already placed immediately opposite the building. With regard to the external arrangements, we learn that it is intended to provide tennis courts to the east of the building, and in order that the wind from the sea shall not affect the play one court will be at a low level, so that there will be a protection of about eight feet on the seaward side. The ground to the south will also be laid out, while the provisions made for extending the bedroom accommodation of the hydro will in no wav take up any ground now available for pleasure purposes. Stabling is also provided, while the golfers from their Pavilion (less than 100 yards] away) will he able to gain access to the building from the south side. On reference to our advertisement columns it will be found that the share list is to be opened for the new company on the 9th inst, and will close on the 16th, 49"J shares are now to be offered to the public at £10 each, and the directors of the new company will be Captain Keatinge, Mr Wm Brown (Salford), Dr Eyton Lloyd, and Mr A Sheffield. Mr Thomas H Jones, Golf House, will act as secretary until January 1st, 1896, when Mr Councillor John Bayliss, late manager of the Water Company, will take up the duties. [Rhyl Journal 7 December 1895 page 6]

Reference    Builder 9 March 1895 page 190
Reference    Rhyl Journal 7 December 1895 page 6
Reference    Rhyl Record and Advertiser 18 July 1896 page 4