FALL IN LOVE Romantic retreat in the Welsh countryside
Wye fools
THERE are some places so special that a spot of rain is no dampener at all.
Which is just as well because the weekend we visited Llangoed Hall in Powys, it poured buckets.
Oddly, it seemed to make this hidden gem of a hotel shimmer a little more.
Located in the Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, this 17th-century country house is an idyllic retreat set in 17 acres of rolling hills.
In the shadow of the Black Mountains, it is both grand and homely, stylish yet relaxed.
That much is unsurprising, considering its heritage. It was once owned by Sir Bernard Ashley, the flamboyant businessman and husband of interior designer, Laura Ashley.
It has changed hands since but her style remains, making the main house a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, with ornate furniture and luxury fabrics.
The reassuring appearance is complemented by the cheery local staff who were on hand to help me and my girlfriend Micaela out of the rain and into their home.
They remain stoic about the weather – and it’s easy to see why.
Working at the bottom of a valley, you can watch the clouds tumble over the crest of the surrounding hills before piling down on to the house. It’s quite a spectacular sight.
Once inside and checked in, we were shown to our room – a short walk up a grand spiral staircase, getting furniture envy along the way as we passed armchairs, chaise lounges and side tables. (Much of th the f furnitureit comes f from L Laura Ashley’s personal collection and many of the imposing paintings that hang in the hallways belonged to her husband).
Our room was a picture-perfect tableau of what country comfort should be. A sprawling bedroom with an oak four-poster bed at one end and a dining table at the other.
It was so inviting, we wondered whether we’d ever venture out.
Tall windows looked out on to the hall’s manicured gardens that ran away into fields and forests – even I have to admit is was romantic.
The only thing that could tear our noses from the glass was the rumbling of our bellies and the promise of a Welsh tea downstairs.
And it was there we got to see Llangoed Hall at its best.
Because nothing feels as good as curling up in a comfortable chair in front of a roaring fire with a cup of tea and a scone.
Something the staff seem to know because they’re so attentive, you never need to leave your seat.
But leave you must (eventually). And when the rain stopped, the glistening gardens were waiting to be explored. There’s even a pair of Hunter walking boots in every size at the door, so there’s no excuse.
You’re free to wander in its hedge maze, stroll alongside its herd of cows and play fetch with its friendly dog.
If you want to stray further afield, the surrounding villages are a welcome return to (gentle) civilisation.
Paradise
Hall dining room for seven courses of locally sourced fine dining.
The food is fantastic. Hearty, simple dishes, with fresh produce from the kitchen’s own garden, all given an innovative twist by head chef Nick Brodie. Try the Welsh black beef for a show-stopping supper.
A weekend flies here and it’s the promise of a slower pace of life that lures so many back. If country life is all about simple living, then the team here has cracked it.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I can’t imagine a better gift for your loved one. FACTFILE: Valentine weekend is fully booked but until March 31, Llangoed Hall has rooms from £99 B&B based on two sharing, a £76pn saving, quote “Winter Sale”. Call 01874 754 525 or visit www.llangoedhall.co.uk.