A spectacular 6-bed apartment in a historic Welsh castle, with stunning views, sauna, hot tub & woodland garden (sleeping 4 or 10)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Rascals no longer: commandeer the West wing of Harwarden Castle (still the Gladstone family home) and you can play King or Queen for the weekend. Set in the North Wales countryside, the castle and estate have been beautifully modernised by its current stewards. Modern fittings sit alongside original Gothic stonework, Welsh blankets next to riotous artwork and marshmallow-soft beds next to vintage furniture and record players. The 5 bedrooms are spacious and ceilings are soaring, but there are 2 flights of stairs to reach the drawbridge so consider if it’s the best spot for Granny.
Acres of open space on the estate mean it’s really a spot for enjoying the outdoors. Wander through wild meadows, make dens in the woods and swim in the lake before taking advantage of the apartment’s own infrared sauna and wood-fired hot tub. Creative types will love the play of morning light across the Old Castle ruins; cooks can head to the fantastic on-site farm shop to fill the larder with delicious local goodies (and have a pre-dinner drink in the pub). Other creative small businesses on the estate include a wellness hub and wild foraging expeditions with local expert, Dave. Explore together or split up, then later stoke up the Green Egg in your private woodland garden and let the memorable times unfold. Festooned with lights, festivities can go on long into the evening.
Getting here: train to Chester, then taxi or bus (20 mins/45 mins)
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Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.
Sustainability.
Powered by solar panels. Eco-friendly products used. Recycling and composting as much waste as possible.
Surrounds.
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Hawarden Estate Dining -
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Hawarden Estate Lake Private Dining -
Hawarden Estate Dining -
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- Explore the estate with a foraging and wilderness walk. Don your wellies and accompany local expert Dave on a walk to discover edible fungi, learn the best foraged botanicals for G&Ts, and tune into all the bird song.
- Kids will love the explorer trail and playground
- Sweat it out in the wood-fired sauna. Is there a better way to warm up after a dip in the lake? Gaze out into the peaceful Walled Garden as you sizzle next to the stones – an all-round treat for body and mind.
- Unwind further with a massage or holistic facial at the Sakura Wellness Hub, a spa and complementary therapy centre on-site.
- The Glynne Arms has been at the heart of the estate for 200 years. Come for biodynamic and Welsh wines, craft ales, and delicious seasonal food. They can arrange fabulous private dining, too.
- Abseil down the side of the castle!
- Kayak the calm or white waters (your choice) of the River Dee.
- Further afield, visit the photogenic Point of Ayr Lighthouse at Talacre Beach. Now abandoned, the lighthouse used to guide ships into the Mersey Estuary and is said to be home to the ghost of a former keeper.
- Make a trip into nearby Chester and fill up on traditional Polish dumplings at Pierogi, an authentic but tiny restaurant where diners are invited to gather round sturdy wooden tables and watch the dumplings being hand-prepared as they wait.
- Enjoy hearty pub fare or a roast dinner with the trimmings at The Red Lion, Penyffordd.
Specifics.
- Apartment in the west wing of the castle on a vast estate
- 5 bedrooms: 3 superking, 1 king and 1 twin (2 small double beds for 1 person each)
- 4 bathrooms with shower plus 2 separate loos; Laura Thomas Co toiletries provided
- Bathrobes for hot tub and sauna
- Fully-equipped kitchen including range cooker and hob, coffee machines, 2 fridge/freezers
- Dining room
- Local food hampers and private dining available on request
- Cot and high chair available on request
- Record player, records, books and board games
- WiFi and phone reception
- Dog-friendly! (Not on the bed or furniture please)
- Private infra-red sauna
- Private woodland garden with firepit, hot tub, outdoor oven and BBQ
- Masses of parking
- The owners are available by WhatsApp
- Wellness classes and foraging sessions can be arranged
- Explorer trail, classes and playground for children on site
- Walk to on-site farm shop, village shops and pub (10-15 mins)
- Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay during the week; 3-nights over weekends; property can be booked as 2 bedrooms (first floor only, ranging from £400-600/night) or all 5 bedrooms (both floors, ranging from £1,000-£1,500/night)
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking shoes, extra firelighters, charcoal for outdoor cooking
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
We recommend travelling by train to Chester, and then getting the bus or a taxi. You can also get the train to Hawarden itself which is served by smaller train lines.
Driving to us is best, and we have plenty of parking at each of our properties.
We have a three night minimum stay during the week, and four night minimum stay on weekends.
Yes! We are family friendly.
Yes! You can book private dining inside the house you book, or a private lunch down at the Lake.
You can add a foraging and wilderness walk, private dining, cooking classes, Old Castle Tours and any of our classes at The Walled Garden School. You can book in to use our Welsh-made wood-fired sauna, too. We also have a load of family friendly events on at Hawarden Estate Farm Shop and The Glynne Arms.
You have private access to a wood-fired hot tub. You will also get unlimited firewood for fireplaces and fire pits. Linen, towels, and some cleaning products are also included.
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