Llangoed Hall

Llangoed Hall is a country house hotel in Powys, Mid Wales. It is known for its decoration in Laura Ashley fabrics and styles, and is owned by Sir Bernard Ashley, the former husband of the late designer.

History

The Hall was originally known as Llangoed Castle. It was donated to the church in 560 by Prince Iddon in expiation of his sins, and may have been the legendary White Palace, home of the first Welsh parliament. A mansion existed from 1632. It was in the possession of the Macnamara family for two generations until 1847, having been won in a game of cards. In 1912 Clough Williams-Ellis designed it as a country house, retaining the surviving Jacobean porch as part of the south wing. Sir Bernard Ashley bought Llangoed Hall in 1987 and opened it as a hotel in 1990.

The house has a number of curiosities, and is rumored by local folklore to have a ghost named Arginald, a boy who committed suicide in the 1940s. Mention of Arginald is forbidden by staff when talking with hotel guests. A family cemetery nearby contains the grave of a horse.

Hotel

Sir Bernard Ashley's intention was to recreate Llangoed Hall as an Edwardian house party, replete with high-society Edwardian customs, period furnishings and antigue fittings. There is no reception desk, but liveried staff will greet customers and carry their bags. Works of art in the Picture Gallery include Whistler, Augustus John, Walter Sickert and other Edwardians. Bedrooms are individually designed and decorated with furnishings from Laura Ashley and Sir Bernard's venture company Elanbach, which is based in the hotel's grounds. The dining room offers modern classical cooking, with local produce such as Welsh lamb, Wye salmon and laverbread. It won the "Best Restaurant in Wales" award in its first year. The hotel also caters for conferences and can be hired for special occasions.

External links

* [http://www.llangoedhall.com/ Official website]