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Castell Deudraeth is a four-star hotel located on the grounds of Portmeirion(Image: portmeirion.wales)
Bored of Airbnbs? Feeling ambivalent about Premier Inns? Then why not book a mini break in a grand Welsh castle and vacation like a royal – even if it’s just for a weekend?
Castell Deudraeth is a swish four-star hotel located on the grounds of Portmeirion, Wales’ most colourful village. This uniquely-constructed tourist attraction has several places to stay but Castell Deudraeth might be the most unique.
The castle’s name, Deudraeth, comes from a 12th-century castle that once stood on the same site. This was no ordinary fortress either – it was one of the first stone castles in Gwynedd and was even mentioned by Gerald of Wales in 1188.
Zip forward a few hundred years and in the 19th century a wealthy attorney named Dafydd Williams (who just so happened to be the first Liberal MP for Meirionnydd) decided to make his mark on the landscape. He built a stunning villa in a whimsical mock-Gothic style on a high hill overlooking Portmeirion village, adding a touch of grandeur to the place.
Then along came Clough Williams-Ellis, the visionary architect behind the iconic Portmeirion village. Clough referred to the castell as “the largest and most imposing single building on the Portmeirion estate”.
He acquired the estate and had plans to incorporate the mansion into the village as part of his masterplan for the area. But it wasn’t until after a major restoration by the Portmeirion Foundation in 2001 that the transformation really took off. That’s when the mansion became the gorgeous hotel and restaurant you can experience today.
Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria.(Image: Portia Jones)
This swanky Gothic hotel features 12 spacious and contemporary rooms and suites ranging in size and price. The stylish interiors are predominantly Welsh oak, slate, and stone while toasty underfloor heating is throughout.
Spacious double rooms feature queen-size or king-size beds, unique artworks, wifi, and widescreen TVs for cosy movie nights. Each room also has an integrated kitchen area with tea and coffee facilities – perfect for a morning cuppa.
Castle grand rooms are larger than the double rooms and feature a lounge area where you can curl up with a good book and a glass of vino.
Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion (Image: Daily Post Wales)
The penthouse suite is the obvious showstopper and is located within the turrets. Wear your finest frock and ascend the private slate spiral staircase to the third floor where you will find the swish open-plan space comprised of a bedroom, sitting room, and outdoor patio.
Here you’ll find a king-size bed, two widescreen televisions, a gas fire, a marble-tiled bathroom with underfloor heating, and Bronwyn Williams-Ellis ceramic panelling.
All Castell Deudraeth guests can also enjoy free entry into Portmeirion Village and Gardens and use of the seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool.
Inside Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion(Image: Wales Online)
On site a brasserie restaurant and bar serves contemporary cuisine in a historic setting. A three-course lunch is decently priced at £35 per person and typical dishes include Welsh rump steak frites, twice-baked Perl Las blue cheese soufflé, and Castell salmon gravlax. Fresh Menai or Pembroke oysters are also available for just £3.50 a pop. Lush.
Dinner-wise the à la carte menu kicks up a notch with delectable dishes like ChalkStream trout en croute, Welsh lamb rump, and Thai steamed mussels.
The village has plenty of dining options(Image: Portia Jones)
Staying and dining here does not come cheap but if you’re looking to splurge I would highly recommend staying in Portmeirion for the night.
Named one of the UK’s most beautiful places by Time Out the pretty village is one of Wales’ most popular attractions and is normally full of visitors.
By night, however, Portmeirion empties, leaving only the overnight guests who stay in one of the quirky ‘village rooms’ or in one of two luxury four-star hotels, including Castell Deudraeth.
By night, Portmeirion empties, leaving only the overnight guests, who stay in one of the quirky ‘village rooms’ or in one of two luxury 4-star hotels, including Castell Deudraeth.(Image: Portia Jones)
If you want to experience one of the most enchanting places in Wales without the crowds book an overnight stay. You’ll practically have the place to yourself – especially if you stay outside of the busy school holidays.
By staying the night you’ll also get free entry to Portmeirion, which isn’t quite like the other villages in Wales.
There are no permanent residents at Portmeirion, a uniquely-constructed village designed specifically for tourists who pay an entrance fee to wander around colourful Italianate buildings.
This whimsical village was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Welsh coast resulted in a charming tourist destination with a Mediterranean feel.
While many think of the village as the indulgent whimsy of an eccentric architect Clough recognised the value of tourism to the Welsh economy. He had a clear vision for managed tourism and sustainability – clearly hugely ahead of the curve.
Clough acquired the wilderness site in 1925 and dedicated his life to developing this run-down peninsula into a popular coastal attraction.
Staying overnight in one of the ‘village rooms’ is like being let in on a secret(Image: Portia Jones)
He drew heavily from the coloured façades of Portofino resulting in dream-like, pastel-coloured buildings, ornamental gardens, and piazzas with fancy fountains and a giant chess set.
Strolling around it feels like each building has its own personality. Some are playful, with bright façades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm. This is honestly like nowhere you’ve ever seen before. It’s weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls.
Clough’s clever use of arches, slopes and window sizes also makes the village appear larger than it is and many of the buildings have been ‘upcycled’ from former sites.
Classical buildings were salvaged from demolition giving rise to Clough’s description of Portmeirion as “a home for fallen buildings.” Construction of the site continued in stages until 1976 when Clough sadly died.
Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of the TV cult classic The Prisoner starring Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed here in the 1960s and the village provided a surreal backdrop to the offbeat series.
Alongside its unique architectural heritage the private ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants, and an authentic Italian-style gelateria. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
Portmeirion is a wildly popular tourist attraction in Wales with around 200,000 visitors annually. During the day the site is packed with people.
As the day rolls on the crowds start to leave(Image: Portia Jones )
But the village empties as the day draws on and the shadows grow longer. The day-trippers, who fill the streets with chatter and snapping cameras, slowly disperse.
It’s in these quiet moments that Portmeirion reveals another side to its character – a serene, almost mystical atmosphere that envelops the village as the sun dips below the horizon.
This is the best time to be in Portmeirion when day visitors have gone and you can roam the surreal site with fewer crowds. Only overnight guests can be on site after the village has ‘closed’ for the day so make the most of the near-empty streets before retiring to your lovely hotel room for a restful slumber.
You can book your stay at Castell Deudraeth here.