Nestled on the island of Anglesey with the majestic peaks of Snowdonia as its backdrop, a picturesque street is challenging perceptions of social housing. Ffordd Meigan in the historic seaside town of Beaumaris, with its rows of pastel-coloured terraced homes, is frequently hailed by residents and visitors as Britain's 'most beautiful council estate'.
A Post-War Vision of Affordable Beauty
The charming three-bedroom houses were conceived as affordable homes in the aftermath of the Second World War. They were designed by the distinguished Welsh architect Sidney Colwyn Foulkes, known for his innovative approach to social housing. The homes were built with practical yet clever features, including lower ceilings to reduce heating costs and save on bricks, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
More than eight decades later, the street now features a mix of privately-owned and local authority housing. These desirable properties can command prices of up to £200,000, a testament to their enduring appeal and location. Many of the homes still proudly display their original vibrant, pastel hues, creating a visually striking streetscape.
A Cherished Community Spirit
For the residents, the beauty of Ffordd Meigan extends far beyond its colourful facades. A strong sense of community and safety is repeatedly emphasised by those who call it home.
Barbara Galvin, 74, spoke of the ever-changing mountain views and the secure environment. "It’s a very safe place to live where neighbours still talk to each other and children are allowed to play," she said.
This sentiment is echoed by health worker Angela Daniels, 64: "I love living here. It’s quite safe. I’ve never had any trouble. The neighbours are nice, there’s a community spirit. We are very lucky to live here, it deserves the title."
Other long-term residents, like Daniel Jones, 41, who has lived there for thirty years, note that the friendly atmosphere has remained constant. Mum Gemma Roberts, 34, highlighted the safety for children, while Karen Johnson, 60, praised the peaceful ambiance and thoughtful design.
The Legacy of a Pioneering Architect
The man behind this iconic estate, Sidney Colwyn Foulkes, left a significant mark on the architecture of North Wales. While perhaps not as globally famous as some contemporaries, his focus on creating attractive, functional social housing has earned him posthumous praise. A biographer described his council estates as 'some of the most attractive in Britain'.
Foulkes's portfolio extended beyond housing to include schools, churches, cinemas, and town halls across Wales. He designed similar affordable housing projects on nearby streets in Beaumaris. Notably, the local primary school was built in conjunction with the Ffordd Meigan estate, with double doors intended for conversion into a field hospital in the feared event of a Third World War.
David Mathias, 76, recalled the original vision: "When the estate was built all the houses were given pastel colours. It was beautiful, especially Ffordd Meigan, which was the first part... It was the most beautiful estate, and still is, I believe."
Today, as Beaumaris continues to attract tens of thousands of summer visitors drawn to its Edwardian castle, Ffordd Meigan stands as a quiet, colourful monument to a post-war ideal: that affordable housing can, and should, be both well-built and beautiful.
