Sarah Hyde is already planning a return trip to a Welsh hotel which offers the perfect retreat, whatever the weather.

WATCHING the Queen's 80th birthday festivities made me wonder whether there'll be another round of flag-waving for her official birthday in June.

What a good idea it is to have two bites at the celebration cherry, especially in our unpredictable climate. Given the chance, I'd settle for one birthday, but nab two wedding anniversaries - the genuine one in March, and a second one, bathed in summer sunshine.

I married a man who is so proud of his Irish heritage that he was keen to wed on St Patrick's Day. And it was great. It didn't dawn on me until a year later that every year, the weekends away to mark the day would be forever in the midst of the Six Nations rugby tournament, bad weather and before all the tourist attractions opened.

Over the years we've been cold in Cornwall, soaked in Scotland, muddy in the Malverns and wet in Wiltshire. This year, we headed to North Wales. The weather was the worst we have known in 16 years' of anniversary trips, and the rugby wasn't much better. But we had chosen the perfect location for the conditions.

Bodysgallen Hall, just outside Llandudno, is a perfect example of a small country house hotel. It is owned by Historic House Hotels - they own two others, including Middlethorpe Hall here in York - and their philosophy is to rescue historic properties, renovate them to historically-accurate standards, and convert them into unique hotels, filled with antiques, paintings and objects which reflect the age and style of the building.

Bodysgallen (Bodsgathlen to the non-Welsh speakers among you) sits in 200 acres, with spectacular views over Snowdonia and Conway. And when we visited, everything took on the magical appearance that only a really heavy snowfall can create.

The walled gardens, parterre, topiary and wide lawns sparkled against the snow-covered mountains.

The lane was blocked so no-one was going anywhere. What bliss! To be snow-bound in a 17th century manor with gleaming dark wood panelling, huge blazing fires in the welcoming entrance hall, drawing room and library, all decked out with vast sofas, writing and coffee tables and lavish flower arrangements. With nooks and crannies to explore and friendly staff who are more than happy to pass the time sharing their extensive knowledge of the history of the house, its former occupants, and the surrounding area, we were more than happy with our enforced leisure.

We did later venture out, climbing up and up behind the hotel to an obelisk, from where, as the clouds cleared and sun came out, we viewed a stunning 360-degree panorama of Wales and England, as far as the Lake District.

Back to the hotel for a swim in the large indoor pool to build up an appetite for dinner. Bodysgallen prides itself on using local produce, and the meal matched our anticipation.

My seared sea scallops, served with crispy bacon, melted in the mouth, while the starter of cured fillet of Welsh Black beef with pea shoot and Parmesan and pine nut salad, was declared delicious.

Main choices included fillet of north coast turbot with crab and basil polenta and red pepper sauce and roast loin of local lamb with red wine sauce, was cooked to perfection.

Puddings included chocolate and orange tart with mango sorbet, iced lemon curd and meringue parfait and warm apple savarin topped with an apple sorbet.

The relaxed atmosphere and un-stuffy staff completed the experience.

We had the cosy library to ourselves when coffee arrived, so made the most of the chance to relax, listening to the settling of logs in the grate.

Our bedroom, one of 19 individually-decorated rooms, was spacious, comfortable and featured a window seat from where we could watch the snow-shifters hard at work.

Right on cue the next morning, the snow melted in time for our drive home - just under two-and-a-half-hours up the motorway.

When we return for our new 'official anniversary' trip, we'll do some of the fine walks in the area, visit the National Trust's Bodnant Garden, just five minutes away by car and world-famous for its important botanical collections, see Plas Newydd on Anglesey, a Gothic mansion which is home to a mesmerising Rex Whistler mural, Erdigg, another National Trust property famed as a record of life 'below stairs' over generations, and the pretty town of Betws-y-Coed, 30 minutes away with picturesque walks to Swallow Falls, lovely scenery and craft shops. Looks like we'll need longer than a weekend...

Bodysgallen Hall, 01492 582519. www.bodysgallen.com.

Room rates starts from £165 for a standard double, but various spa packages are available.