I think, for most of us, the epitome of luxury is something that looks fairy-tale-esque; a property or destination that seems out of our daily reach and, therefore, becomes exceedingly more desirable. The castles and palaces in most myths are especially dream-worthy, with their enormous floorplan, turreted ceilings, and staggering locations that bring a tear to any onlooker’s eye.
On the edge of the unassuming seaside town of Beaumaris lies a real-life fairy-tale chateau, with its very own lofty towers, multiple chimneys, views of snow-capped Snowdonia, and interiors brimming with ancient tapestries and bold colours that look fit for royalty. This is Château Rhianfa, a Grade-II-listed property that plays lightly with the term ‘hotel’. Not in terms of quality of service – which is attentive and proactive – but its intimate space feels more like a private home. Its waterfront position and quiet garden attract all manner of wildlife, and encourage everyone to relax and forget their worries.
Hotel
The location of Château Rhianfa is one of its best features, as it’s positioned in between Beaumaris and the Menai Bridge in Anglesey. The Snowdonia mountains can be seen from almost every window, while the Menai Strait encompasses every inch of its ornamental garden. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (the Welsh town with the longest name of all!) is only a twenty-minute drive away.
But, it’s the château’s architecture that first attracts guests here. In the mid-19th Century, around 1849, Château Rhianfa was built by the 2nd Baronet of Bodelwyddan, Sir John Hay-Williams, for his wife Lady Sarah. Its original function was to be a dower house, providing a place of refuge for his wife and daughters in the event of Sir John’s death. This is reflected in its name, as Rhianfa means ‘ladies’ habitat or place of abode’.
The couple’s travels to the Loire region of France, during the reign of Francois I, had an enormous impact on Rhianfa’s architectural style, as they were quite attracted to five castles: Chaumont, Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau, and Chambord. Features from all five can be found at Château Rhianfa.
For instance, the large gates which open into the driveway resemble Chambord, while the fish-scale turrets and French-inspired summer house, complete with a dovecote, were designed to mirror the skylines of various French châteaux. Inside is no exception: there are numerous exquisite fireplaces, carved wood panels that depict biblical scenes and allude to the religious convictions of its former owners, and a panelled ballroom that looks like a grand medieval hall!
Sir John even had ornamental nail heads custom-made in Birmingham, which speaks volumes as to how opulent and museum-like the hotel now is. Take a few minutes to walk around, and I’ll guarantee you’ll have taken as many photos of the château’s unique features – including telescopes, painted ceilings, tapestries, chandeliers, portraits, gilded mirrors, stained-glass windows, and statues – as you would have done of the artefacts on display at the British Museum.
Room
The hotel offers 16 rooms in the main château, a self-catering lodge with contemporary styles and views of the mountains, and cottage suites that sleep two to six people. The latter, with en-suite bedrooms and a separate lounge area, are ideal for families and groups. Back in the château, the rooms vary from standard doubles to superior suites, each decorated with luxurious and period furnishings, some with four-poster beds and roll-top baths.
I stayed in a suite called Snowdonia, aptly named for the rooms’ mountain views. Its muted and neutral wall colours add an elegance to the room which is enhanced by a rich purple hue – the kind that always reminds me of royalty – and enormous curtains secured by crystal ties. These mirror the large chandelier hanging in the middle of the room, which is parallel to a smaller light fixture in the tower nook.
The nook’s plump cushions make it ideal for spending a quiet evening reading; but my favourite aspect of the room is the cosy bed, made more so by the sumptuous pillows. A good night’s rest is guaranteed, and through the adjacent Victorian-looking bay windows you can hear faint seagull cries that help you drift into a reposeful slumber – and act as an alarm clock in the mornings!
The period furnishings are fascinating to examine and remind one of the château’s original functions. One of the cupboards has shelves with labels like ‘Charities’, ‘Poor Law’, ‘Education’, and so on, and I couldn’t help but wonder what these once held.
Creature comforts are taken care of here, with a desk featuring coffee- and tea-making facilities, complimentary biscuits, and water. The bathroom is particularly indulgent and enormous, with plenty of natural light flooding in from the bay windows, a walk-in rain shower, and two adjacent sinks.
Food and drink
Both breakfast and dinner are served in the tartan-carpeted Le Dragon Rouge restaurant, which commands an excellent view of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountain range.
The head chef crafts a menu focused on seasonality and local ingredients that are designed to give guests a true Welsh dining experience. On the menu during my stay, starters consisted of smoked salmon and prawn with avocado and a drizzle of lemon dressing, and a leek and potato soup. The latter was my favourite, as the chef included crunchy bits of onion and warm bread to soak up any leftovers!
The mains were likewise delectable and decently portioned, unlike the smaller dishes often found at award-winning restaurants. I loved this, because it allowed me to truly taste the array of flavours in my butternut squash risotto served with parmesan crisps and pea shoots and watercress. It was smooth, creamy, and garlicky, and I didn’t want it to end.
Even though the menu was predominantly fish and meat with one vegetarian option, the chef had no issue modifying my selections to fit a vegan diet. Desserts included strawberry cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, and Welsh cheeses, but my starter and main were so filling I was too full to try these. But I saw others devouring them with an eager intensity, so I feel safe saying they were probably delicious!
As for breakfast, there is a choice between a cooked and continental menu, although those who are hungry can enjoy both. The continental selection had a variety of jams, toast, cereals, and fresh juices, while the cooked option ranged from a full English breakfast to American pancakes with Welsh back bacon and blueberries. I was a little less indulgent and went with crushed avocado on a breakfast muffin with poached eggs. The latter were cooked to perfection!
If you’d like a lighter meal, afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the opulent lounges. The glass of chilled champagne with strawberries coupled with freshly-baked scones lathered with clotted cream and strawberry jam is an experience that makes you think you’ve become the Victorian lord or lady who owns this fairy-tale château!
To do
There are plenty of things to do during your stay at Château Rhianfa, such as playing board games or the piano, reading Lady Sarah’s original books in one of the three lounge rooms, and tasting wine in the Wine Cave. The latter really does look like a cave, but with its earthy-coloured furnishings and warm lighting, it transforms into a warm and friendly environment.
The garden, which was constructed around 1850, has terraces with tropical plants that have been compared to gardens in Lake Como by William Robinson in his book The English Flower Garden. There are plenty of seats to enjoy the view, and a path leading directly to the water.
Beaumaris is only a seven-minute drive from here. It’s known for its medieval castle, colourful houses, and shops – a complete contrast to the oasis château and ideal for those with inquisitive, adventurous hearts.
In a nutshell
Overall, Château Rhianfa feels like a family home rather than a hotel, except for the diligent and beaming staff who cater to your every need. This certainly made me feel like the lady of the house, as did the head chef, who prepared fresh dishes to meet my dietary needs. If you’re looking for old-world charm and a country estate feel – the kind that Britain is known for – rather than modern, upscale interior designs, then Château Rhianfa won’t disappoint.
Factbox
Prices at Château Rhianfa start from around £189 bed and breakfast per night for two sharing.
Book through the Rarebits Collection at rarebits.co.uk, or call 01570 470785.
Address: Château Rhianfa, Beaumaris Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5NS
Phone: 01248 880090
Website: chateaurhianfa.co.uk
Photography courtesy of Château Rhianfa
