HALLMARKS OF A LUXURY HOLIDAY
takes a break in a historic manor house, and finds posh doesn’t have to be aloof There has been a house on the site since 560 but the hall boasts modern wi-fi and lighting
HEADING along a sweeping driveway after turning off the main road, we caught a first glimpse of Llangoed Hall.
Formerly the home of Sir Bernard and Laura Ashley, the handsome and impressive façade raised my level of excitement and anticipation.
But there was also concern; it looked posh. Very posh. As we carefully parked our 10-year-old Ford Focus between an Aston Martin and Ferrari, I was wishing I hadn’t packed my pyjamas in a Tesco plastic carrier bag. But turns out I needn’t have worried at all.
As if by magic, general manager Sergio Matinez-Rios appeared, greeting us with a warm welcome and making us feel instantly at ease.
And this was just the start of the magic of the staff at the manor house.
Throughout our stay, mysterious things kept occurring; our dinner outfits were hanging in the room when we entered, the lights were on and the radio was playing softly in the background.
After dinner there were slippers waiting for us in our room that weren’t there before – and every time I thought I would like a drink or got a little bit lost, a member of staff suddenly materialised to help. They love the house and are eager for guests to enjoy their stay.
The gothic house is atmospheric and tranquil. No dark and musty old house clichés here, just low-level lighting and fresh smells wafting down every corridor.
Each room has its own personality to tempt you in, and encourage you to linger. All offer special spots to relax and enjoy the rural views, the antiques, quality soft furnishings and a wealth of impressive artwork.
It’s thought there may have been a property on this site from as early as the year 560. The history of the house is reflected in every room, but especially the snooker room in the oldest medieval part of the house.
Artefacts and personal items, including photos from the Ashley family, make the space feel lived-in and loved.
The house may be historic but the facilities are not, with wi-fi, a choice of TV channels in every room, and LED blue accent lighting.
Soon dinner time arrived and, after
relaxing in the main lounge with a glass of wine, it was time to sample the award-winning food on the ‘Taster Menu’.
After the first course of visually appealing and very tasty ‘snacks’, which included caviar on a posh cracker, I feared that there wouldn’t be enough stomach space for the remaining eight courses but, again, I needn’t have worried.
The evening is taken at a very relaxed pace, subdued lighting, peaceful pale blue décor and piano music creating a calm ambiance. Each course of the meal was a delight and surprise, both for the eyes and the taste buds.
Each dish was presented as a piece of art, from a mini-tropical garden in a stylish bowl to succulent cuts of meat arranged in an arch. It was almost too beautiful to disturb the chef’s hard work. Almost.
There were fish courses that included squid and cod, meat courses of pork and duck, infused with flavours of Bok Choi, ginger and caramelised honey, produced from the hall’s very own bees. After nine courses of joy, and a nightcap next to the roaring fire, it was time to retire.
Our junior suite nestled below the original beams on the second floor within what would have been the servants’ quarters, but there was nothing basic about this room, or any of the 23 within the main house.
The focal point was the bed, draped in cushions and underneath an impressive fabric canopy that appealed to my inner princess. All the facilities you would expect are here, from the comfy sofa and chairs to the writing desk, the toiletries to the tea tray. My favourite feature was the primrose roll top bath. Once in, I was reluctant to get out again.
Next morning, after a robust breakfast packed with fresh and tasty produce sourced as locally as possible, the grounds tempted us.
Surrounded by the stunning mid-Wales landscape, from the hall’s lawned gardens there’s a multitude of breathtaking vistas to enjoy. From the Black Mountains in the north to the Brecon Beacons in the south, this spot in the Wye Valley is a special place for peace and contemplation.
The grounds also include a working area, growing ingredients for the kitchen, a chicken pen and a duck pond overlooked by the resident bees from their hives. There’s the expected manor house walled garden, which now houses a butterfly garden and a maze.
As well as an outstanding four-star hotel experience, the property is an impressive place for weddings and corporate events. I enjoyed every moment of my visit in the manor house’s luxury, wrapped in a warm and welcoming historic hug, whatever make of car you drive.