Castell Deudraeth, Port Meirion, Gwynedd
Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Castell Deudraeth provides contemporary accommodation for those who prefer it, but who want to enjoy Port Meirion village and it's charms. Welsh oak and original slate floors have modern under-floor heating; Baronial stone fire surrounds and oak paneling have been restored by local craftsman as has the plasterwork cornices and other ornate ceilings. It's a design emporium with tapis wool rugs from Roger Oates, sumptuous Melin Tregwynt blankets and solid oak and slate furniture from Benchmark Woodworking (partners Sean Sutcliffe and Terence Conran).
Paintings by Sir Kyffin Williams RA, William Selwyn, Fred Uhlman and Sarah Nechamkin as well as original prints by Marc Chagall from Susan Williams-Ellis's private collection. The family connection is maintained with work on show by Susan Williams-Ellis and her husband Euan Cooper-Willis; Bronwyn Williams-Ellis's tile panels are featured in each of the bathrooms within the hotel.
There are 11 contemporary styled and extremely spacious rooms comprising 4 suites and 7 bedrooms, two main dining areas, a bar, meetings rooms and a stunning Victorian walled garden which offers further entertaining space during the summer. Furnished with either Queen or King size beds, real flame gas fires, underfloor heating and wide screen TV's with DVD and CD surround sound systems there's a real decadent edge. A fantastic advantage for any parent is an integrated kitchen area with tea and coffee facilities which just makes life so much easier. Whirlpool baths are a feature in all the marble tiled bathrooms. Telephone and laptop points and adjustable lighting are standard.
Both the Castell Deudraeth Seafood restaurant and Gastropub use local produce as the basis for a popular and excellent value menus offering gastropub favourites, grills, oysters and other local seafood. Bread, brioche and ice creams are all made in house. Teas, coffees and sandwiches are available all day. From Spring 2009 most of the vegetables used will be grown in the field next to the Castell or in the greenhouses a few hundred yards beyond. Tables are provided on the terrace for al fresco dining weather permitting. A children's menu is available.
Guests staying at Castell Deudraeth enjoy free access to all Portmeirion village's facilities including the outdoor swimming pool. There is a courtesy mini bus service available between Castell Deudraeth and The Hotel Portmeirion. Lunchtime patrons of the restaurant receive a free after lunch entry ticket to Portmeirion village.
Built by visionary Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis the fabulous village of Portmeirion stands on a rugged clifftop on its own private peninsula overlooking Cardigan Bay on the coast of Snowdonia. It is surrounded by acres of sub-tropical woodlands and miles of sandy beaches - and it’s beautiful!
There is something incredibly magical about the village with so many things to notice and find and dwell over – including the most incredible views over the ever-changing estuary. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis built Portmeirion between 1925 to 1976 to prove that development need not mean defilement. And he certainly proved a point. The buildings are stunning – particularly at twi-light – at any time really – there are so many colours and styles and contrasts to appreciate as an adult – as a child? Well I think Eve and Lottie thought they were in fairy-land - particularly once all the day visitors had left and the “select few” got to mill about and pretend that the space was theirs!
There are tiny little pathways to happen upon, woodland to explore, beaches to run on – it’s an idyllic place – probably romanticised by the fact that we had the most fabulous weather that Britain can offer over a long weekend. We got to prance about the village, we got to splash in what became the ‘paddling pool’, we got to swim in the stunning pool alongside the estuary, we got to eat delicious food whilst enjoying the most superb view of the estuary in the restaurant, we got to sit and relax on the lovely lawned terrace whilst the girls got to race around the village and explore as it’s so safe – and they were made so very welcome – continually. We were part of a gathering, all of whom had the most perfect time.