A magnificent country house located in the stunning Wye Valley
Set in the breathtaking rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley, Llangoed Hall is surrounded by 20 acres of private gardens leading to the River Wye in the heart of Mid-Wales.
In 1919 the present building was completed and in 1987 it was bought by Sir Bernard Ashley (Welsh born designer Laura Ashley’s husband) who restored it to its former glory. Although Laura never actually lived there, her influence can be seen throughout the individually designed rooms of the 23-bedroom hotel. Today, after an extensive refurbishment, the hotel looks as spectacular as ever, while retaining its charm.
In 1919 the present building was completed and in 1987 it was bought by Sir Bernard Ashley (Welsh born designer Laura Ashley’s husband) who restored it to its former glory. Although Laura never actually lived there, her influence can be seen throughout the individually designed rooms of the 23-bedroom hotel. Today, after an extensive refurbishment, the hotel looks as spectacular as ever, while retaining its charm.
The bedrooms at Llangoed Hall
Each of the 23 bedrooms is beautifully decorated with rich fabrics, antique mirrors, sumptuous sofas, Roberts radios and cast-iron baths. Many have four-poster beds and comfortable places to kick back and relax in the classic feature bedrooms, all featuring an original Laura Ashley piece. There’s even a decanter of sherry in each room that adds a little deliciousness to your stay. It’s like stepping back in time, except for the TV and free wi-fi.
Each of the 23 bedrooms is beautifully decorated with rich fabrics, antique mirrors, sumptuous sofas, Roberts radios and cast-iron baths. Many have four-poster beds and comfortable places to kick back and relax in the classic feature bedrooms, all featuring an original Laura Ashley piece. There’s even a decanter of sherry in each room that adds a little deliciousness to your stay. It’s like stepping back in time, except for the TV and free wi-fi.
The award-winning restaurant
Head Chef Nick Brodie and his talented team place emphasis on creating dishes that make use of the finest local Welsh produce – and offer home-grown ingredients that showcase the powerful connection between sustainability, nature food and flavour. The food is sourced from the hotel’s kitchen garden. In fact, the hotel grows 45% of the vegetables, soft fruits and herbs that they require in winter and in the summer months, the hotel enjoys 95% sustainability, meaning chefs can pick produce and have this delivered to the plate in two minutes, preserving both flavour and freshness. Guests can also visit three busy egg houses - Chicken, Duck and Quail - where the eggs are collected.
The restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience where guests can indulge in eight-course seasonal menus - Prestige and Vegetarian – accompanied by a wine flight that compliments the courses perfectly. For those who aren’t in the mood for an eight-course menu, a four-course menu is also offered. During my visit I enjoyed the eight tasting course menu, which included crisp fresh canapés served with taramalsalata and cod roe, mackerel torched with lemon juice and tomato consume, Aylesbury duck served with shallots and red leaves followed by a sweet but taut gooseberry fool and smooth honey parfait served with bee pollen and lavender.
Head Chef Nick Brodie and his talented team place emphasis on creating dishes that make use of the finest local Welsh produce – and offer home-grown ingredients that showcase the powerful connection between sustainability, nature food and flavour. The food is sourced from the hotel’s kitchen garden. In fact, the hotel grows 45% of the vegetables, soft fruits and herbs that they require in winter and in the summer months, the hotel enjoys 95% sustainability, meaning chefs can pick produce and have this delivered to the plate in two minutes, preserving both flavour and freshness. Guests can also visit three busy egg houses - Chicken, Duck and Quail - where the eggs are collected.
The restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience where guests can indulge in eight-course seasonal menus - Prestige and Vegetarian – accompanied by a wine flight that compliments the courses perfectly. For those who aren’t in the mood for an eight-course menu, a four-course menu is also offered. During my visit I enjoyed the eight tasting course menu, which included crisp fresh canapés served with taramalsalata and cod roe, mackerel torched with lemon juice and tomato consume, Aylesbury duck served with shallots and red leaves followed by a sweet but taut gooseberry fool and smooth honey parfait served with bee pollen and lavender.
Afternoon Tea
Guests can enjoy a selection of afternoon teas in sumptuous comfortable surroundings with a Cream Tea, Welsh Tea and the Laura Ashley Afternoon tea that includes a glass of elderflower Champagne, a selection of floral teas, finger sandwiches, scones and various cakes all served on bespoke Caverswall crockery inspired by Laura Ashley’s design style.
Guests can enjoy a selection of afternoon teas in sumptuous comfortable surroundings with a Cream Tea, Welsh Tea and the Laura Ashley Afternoon tea that includes a glass of elderflower Champagne, a selection of floral teas, finger sandwiches, scones and various cakes all served on bespoke Caverswall crockery inspired by Laura Ashley’s design style.
The wine
The wine cellar at Llangoed Hall contains a collection of some of the world’s finest wines. The wines on the list have been chosen to perfectly complement the outstanding cuisine served in the restaurant. The wine list is compiled by Tanners Wines, a local vintner, whose reputation for quality has been recognised by a string of industry awards.
Art
Laura Ashley and husband Bernard owned a unique collection of art now on display at the hotel today. Their personal collection includes sketches by the American-born artist and society wit, James McNeil Whistler and works by Herman Dudley Murphy and Augustus John. Adding interest and character to the hotel, guests at Llangoed can browse the collection at anytime during their stay.
The wine cellar at Llangoed Hall contains a collection of some of the world’s finest wines. The wines on the list have been chosen to perfectly complement the outstanding cuisine served in the restaurant. The wine list is compiled by Tanners Wines, a local vintner, whose reputation for quality has been recognised by a string of industry awards.
Art
Laura Ashley and husband Bernard owned a unique collection of art now on display at the hotel today. Their personal collection includes sketches by the American-born artist and society wit, James McNeil Whistler and works by Herman Dudley Murphy and Augustus John. Adding interest and character to the hotel, guests at Llangoed can browse the collection at anytime during their stay.
Gardens
There are 17 acres of landscaped gardens at the hotel. The maze features a variety of flowers including roses, inspired by Laura Ashley and the gardens also include an extensive kitchen garden.
It the small touches that make a difference
The hotel is home to a large telescope, which guests are encouraged to use after dark to stargaze - the perfect night cap for a romantic evening.
The verdict
We can't think of a more magnificent hotel to enjoy a weekend in the gorgeous Welsh countryside.
The details
A night at Llangoed Hall is priced from £150.00 (B&B based on two sharing).
Llangoed Hall
Llyswen
Brecon
Powys
LD3 0YP
http://www.llangoedhall.co.uk
There are 17 acres of landscaped gardens at the hotel. The maze features a variety of flowers including roses, inspired by Laura Ashley and the gardens also include an extensive kitchen garden.
It the small touches that make a difference
The hotel is home to a large telescope, which guests are encouraged to use after dark to stargaze - the perfect night cap for a romantic evening.
The verdict
We can't think of a more magnificent hotel to enjoy a weekend in the gorgeous Welsh countryside.
The details
A night at Llangoed Hall is priced from £150.00 (B&B based on two sharing).
Llangoed Hall
Llyswen
Brecon
Powys
LD3 0YP
http://www.llangoedhall.co.uk
| Best bits - The views of the green rolling hills and the hotel’s fabulous sustainability credentials Worst bits - The restaurant currently only offers a tasting menu, however it is considering an a la carte menu to meet customer demand Most suited for - Those in the mood for a romantic country retreat with and Welsh rolling hills and green living. Rosanna Head *During my stay I was hosted by the welcoming and friendly team at Llangoed Hall. All opinions are my own. All photos courtesy of Llangoed Hall. | Our experience overall: The property: ★★★★★ Food and drink: ★★★★ Staff attentiveness/friendliness: ★★★★★ |
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