Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel ★★★★

Penmaenuchaf Hall is the type of country house you’d imagine one of Jane Austen’s books to be set – a large stately manor house set in amongst beautifully sculpted gardens of lavender and pine, and surrounded by magnificent Welsh mountains. It offers an idyllic and luxurious escape and the chance to really enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style.

Arriving at Penaemenuchaf Hall, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the magnificent house, idyllically covered with ivy and offering striking views of the gardens, forest-covered hillside, the famous Mawddach Estuary and the market town of Dolgellau.

Inside it’s just as you imagine a historic country mansion to look, complete with a large and welcoming entrance hall, elegant high ceilings, polished oak floors, panelling and antique style furniture. It’ll make such an impression that you won’t be able to wait to see your room.

With just 14 bedrooms, the hotel has an intimate and personal feel, where guests are treated with the utmost care and hospitality. Cosy and welcoming, your room has a real country feel with that added noble touch in the luxurious soft furnishings, elegant drapes and exquisite antique furniture. Don’t worry though, even though the décor and the ambience may remind you of glory days gone by, the technology here is certainly 21st century, with Wi-Fi, digital TV, iPod docking stations and chargers. Tea and coffee making facilities, fresh fruit baskets and sweet platters delivered twice daily will also ensure you’ll feel right at home.

Mornings here might begin with a pot of coffee in the bright and sunny Morning Room, a filling breakfast or a stroll around the grounds and gardens. After breakfast it’s time do what you came here for – to explore the Snowdonia National Park. There are many ways of discovering this natural playground, from cycling around the towns and villages to mountain biking in the hills or hiking the Mawddach Trail along an old railway line. Those who want to take things slower may also want to try a spot of fishing or golf at the nearby courses including Dolgellau Golf Club and Royal St. David’s Golf Club.

Feeling tired after a long morning trekking around the National Park? Penmaenuchaf Hall has the perfect antidote – a traditional Welsh afternoon tea in elegant Morning Room, followed by a luxuriant massage, beauty treatment or holistic therapy in the privacy of your own room.

Before dinner there’s just enough time to find a cosy spot to relax and read a book, have a cup of tea, or simply stare out of the window at the incredible views. In the library, browse the books, check your e-mails or read in one of the plush armchairs, and in the Drawing Room, sink down into soft leather sofas in front of the fire and listen to the tinkle of the piano while you enjoy a small aperitif.

Dinner is served in the hotel’s garden room restaurant Llydgad yr Haul, a graceful conservatory-like building offering Snowdonia views from all angles and a refined and romantic setting with fine linens, polished silver, crystal and candles. The hotel’s chef serves up contemporary British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, as well as herbs and vegetables all grown in the hotel gardens.

Ideal for a weekend getaway or a mid week retreat, Penmaenuchaf Hall offers the perfect mix of adventure and comfort in some of the UK’s most stunning surrounds.