Llangoed Hall


Llangoed Hall is a country house hotel, near the village of Llyswen, in Powys, Mid Wales. It is known for its decoration in Laura Ashley fabrics and styles, and was owned by Sir Bernard Ashley, the widower of the designer. It is a Grade II* listed building.

History

The Hall, originally known as Llangoed Castle, 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 re-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 rumoured by local folklore to have a ghost named Arginald, a boy who committed suicide in the 1940s. 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, replete with high-society Edwardian customs, period furnishings and antique fittings. The Picture Gallery includes works of art by 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. There is no reception desk, but liveried staff greet customers and carry their bags.