Llangoed Hall

About Llangoed Hall

Llangoed Hall stands in 17 acres of gardens and parkland above the River Wye at Llyswen, roughly ten miles north-east of Brecon and a short drive from Hay-on-Wye. The present house was remodelled by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, later of Portmeirion, and was bought and restored in the 1980s by Sir Bernard Ashley of Laura Ashley. His taste still shapes the place: heavy fabrics, open fires, and a private collection of paintings including works by Whistler and Augustus John hung throughout the public rooms and corridors.

There are 23 bedrooms, all individually decorated and none of them identical. Sizes range from comfortable doubles to large suites with four-posters and views over the gardens to the Black Mountains. Rooms are traditional rather than minimalist, with antique furniture, roll-top or claw-foot baths in several, and no lift, since all bedrooms sit on the first and second floors. Two rooms accept dogs. Wi-Fi and modern bathrooms have been fitted without stripping out the period character.

Food is a large part of the appeal. The restaurant works closely with the hotel's own kitchen garden and with Welsh producers, and has held a string of awards over the years. Guests tend to take afternoon tea in the drawing room, dine formally in the evening, and finish in the library or the morning room. There is a tennis court, a croquet lawn and fishing on the Wye, and the hotel arranges shooting and falconry.

It suits couples marking an occasion, guests who want a formal country house atmosphere rather than a contemporary spa hotel, and visitors combining the National Park with the Hay Festival. Families with young children and anyone needing step-free bedroom access will find it harder work. Book direct for dinner, bed and breakfast rates, which usually represent the better value.