Castell Deudraeth

Following extensive refurbishing, when virtually the entire interior was rebuilt and modernised, Castle Deudraeth as of June 2001 is open for dining and superior accommodation. The imposing castellated building is situated about half a mile on the approach side of Portmeirion proper, at the start of the one-way loop into the village. Portmeirion village announces the launch of a new contemporary hotel, Castell Deudraeth. The launch of this new contemporary styled hotel has been possible due to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund as well as the Wales Tourist Board. Located in a fantastic nineteenth century castellated building, with a history that includes past lives as home to David Williams, the first Liberal MP for Merioneth, a hotel, a prep school and at one time exclusive apartments for the likes of the Oppenheimer family. The buildingís Baronial elements, borrowed from the Gothic and Tudor periods, create an impressive example of Victorian architecture at its most fantastical. Bought by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1931 from his uncle Sir Osmond Williams, Clough referred to the Castell as the largest and most imposing single building on the Portmeirion estate. Despite Clough's best intentions to integrate the Castell into the existing hotel accommodation at Portmeirion, the intervening war and subsequent building restrictions meant that this never happened. Seventy years after he bought the place Cloughís original vision has finally been realized.

Photos copyright 2001 Marsha McCurley and David Lawrence