The re-imagined Grade II-listed Palé Hall is now officially open as one of the finest country house hotels in Wales and the UK, and the first member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Wales. New owners Alan and Angela Harper have lovingly restored the historic house to its former glory, creating a peaceful and luxurious retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Welsh valleys on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.
Palé Hall is one of Wales’s most important surviving homes with a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century when Henry Robertson, a railway engineer, industrialist and contemporary of Brunel, bought the estate as a grand personal project at the end of his transformative career in building public works. Since construction, the manor house has played host to some of Britain’s most famous figures including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill.
In its new chapter as a hotel, 18 guest bedrooms and suites have been individually designed with their own style and personal identity, as have the beautiful light-filled public areas of the house, including the opulent drawing room and tranquil parlour overlooking the grounds. General Manager Pim Wolfs, who has a wealth of experience from establishments including Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, is in charge of ensuring guests experience the very best personal service throughout their stay.
Guestrooms and suites
The individually designed guestrooms use soft yet playful Zoffany furnishings and quintessentially British William Morris prints. Each room holds its own history, such as the aptly named Victoria Suite, home to the bed that Queen Victoria once slept in and her original bathtub. Choose from Classic Rooms, Turret Suites, Grand Rooms, Master Rooms and Superior Suites. A very special highlight is the amazing wood-panelled Churchill Suite, where Churchill is alleged to have played snooker on his many visits to Palé Hall. Every guestroom enjoys a stunning view across the rural Welsh landscape, with window seats or deeply comfortable sofas and armchairs from which to watch the world go by.
Relaxed fine dining
One of the UK’s most talented and well-known chefs Michael Caines, who previously held two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park, lends his invaluable guidance on the development of food and beverage at Palé Hall, ensuring that fine-dining is at the heart of this new hotel. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Gareth Stevenson, an experienced and talented chef who has worked with Michael for years. Having held positions at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze as well as Michael Caines’ Abode, Gareth is responsible for the day-to-day running of Palé Hall’s kitchen, working with Michael’s counsel to create and deliver a menu of exceptional fine dining dishes in refined yet relaxed surroundings.
The three dining areas within the house provide breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to residents and non-residents, each with a different look and feel. The largest of them is the grand Henry Robertson dining room, followed by the Venetian dining room and finally the intimate library, the perfect setting for private dining. The menu, created by Gareth and Michael, focuses on the fantastic local produce surrounding the hotel, including meat sourced from within Gwynedd and Denbighshire, Welsh cheeses, local cream and milk, Halen Mon sea salt from Anglesey, fruit and vegetables sourced in Wales and Llandderfel honey. Dishes are delivered with absolute professionalism in preparation, presentation and service.
Country pursuits
With the gorgeous surrounding natural landscape, a wealth of outdoor activities are offered in the grounds of the hotel and beyond. Guests can enjoy countless walks and hikes from Palé Hall’s front door, and as dog lovers themselves, Alan and Angela welcome canine guests to the hotel. During the season, Palé Hall organises shooting parties in the surrounding estates, and also trips to local fishing beats on the neighbouring streams and rivers that are renowned for their salmon and trout.
Nightly rates at Palé Hall start from £190 B&B. For more information and to book please call 01678 530 285 or visit palehall.co.uk. Palé Hall is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
