Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
 

Beautiful castles and mansions in Wales to rent

Ian Harvey

And they might just be cheaper than you would expect.

We would all like to relish in the lap of luxury in the country, at least every now and then.

It doesn’t matter if you want to live like a king in a castle or if you long for nights by the fire in a medieval farmhouse, Wales is full of gorgeous properties – and we’ve picked out nine of the best that you can stay in.

           1  Jacobean Manor, Mold, Flintshire

 Jacobean house Photo Credit
Jacobean house Photo Credit

You wonder, how many does it sleep? Fourteen, is the answer.

Edward Lloyd built this wonderful Jacobean manor in 1625 on the site of a house that at the time was already some 100 years old.

The manor has remained in the family, The Lloyds of Pentrehobyn, ever since it was built. The family is descended from Hywel ap Edwin, who became the Prince of Wales in 1096.

There is a row of eight Llettai “cells” next to the manor that were used to house travelers in need of a bed for the night. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, there were no resting places for the poor, weary people moving from one place to another.

So, how much does it take to rent the manor? How about a measly $7405.78 (£5,704.50) per week! Contact Oliver’s Travels for more details.

 

      2  West Blockhouse, Dale, Pembrokeshire

West Blockhouse Fort Photo Credit
West Blockhouse Fort Photo Credit

How many does it sleep? 8

The West Blockhouse that is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea was built to house a garrison of 34 men and one officer.

The six heavy guns that used to be there are now gone, but the thick pine floorboards show that the Victorians knew how to make themselves comfortable, even in an otherwise austere military installation. There is a sequestered beach within a few hundred yards from the property.

How much? Four nights from $560 (£431). Contact the Landmark Trust.

       3 Bath Tower, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Town walls, Caernarfon Caernarfon Photo Credit
Town walls, Caernarfon Caernarfon Photo Credit

How many does the Bath Tower sleep? 5

Facing out into the Menai Strait,  this medieval tower is actually part of the town wall.

Edward I constructed the Tower in the 13th century, and it was designed to protect the town and secure its position at the mouth of the Menai Strait.

The present day living room has two windows that look towards the outside of town in one direction, and across the Menai Strait in another.

How much? For four nights from $356 (£274). Contact the Landmark Trust.

  4 Clytha Castle, near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

Clytha Castle
Clytha Castle

How many does this castle sleep? 6

William Jones built this romantic Gothic retreat that overlooks the Usk Valley in 1847 as a memorial to his late wife.

Until 1948 the property was home to a gamekeeper, and then sat empty for 30 years.

Even though the spirit of the building has remained largely unchanged, it has received extensive maintenance work.

How much does this small castle rent for? Four nights from $819 (£631). Contact the Landmark Trust.

           

 5 Poultry Cottage, Leighton, Powys

Leighton Hall, Powys
Leighton Hall, Powys Photo Credit

And how many does this Cottage sleep? 4

Wealthy Liverpool banker, John Naylor built this estate on an enormous scale in the 1850s. This extremely large property includes a chicken house most people would gladly call home, as well as an aqueduct and cable railway to take water, manure, and feed to outlying farms.

There are no more chickens there now, but there are spectacular views across the Severn Valley to Montgomeryshire.

How much for four nights in this Cottage? It is only $274 (£211). Contact the Landmark Trust.

           

6 Monkton Old Hall, Monkton, Pembrokeshire

The Old Hall, Monkton Photo Credit
The Old Hall, Monkton Photo Credit

How many does the Old Hall sleep? 7

The Old Hall was built around 1400, but has proved difficult to date exactly.

Outside the walls of Pembroke, the Old Hall probably originally served as the guest house to a small priory.

The Hall has been in ruins twice, but each time it was rescued.

The Old Hall has an unmistakably medieval feel to it, and has great views of Pembroke Castle.

And how much will four nights in the Old Hall cost you? $579 (£446). Contact the Landmark Trust.

                7 Tower Hill, St David’s, Pembrokeshire

Tower and south transept
Tower and south transept

How many will Tower Hill sleep? 6

Tower Hill overlooking St David’s Cathedral is one of the most important sites of early Celtic Christianity.

There were two cottages found in 1965 at the site that were so dilapidated that they could not be rebuilt.

It is only yards from the hustle and bustle of St David’s, and about a mile from the sea, with the city encircled by a wonderful coast path.

How much will four nights run you? $463 (£357). Contact the Landmark Trust.

Ian Harvey

Ian Harvey is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News