LAKE COUNTRY HOUSE

Sweet seclusion in a swoon-worthy corner of Wales

PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY  are the big draws at this elegant and airy neo-Tudor country house, built in 1900 as a hunting and fishing lodge in a blissfully secluded corner of mid Wales. Inside the Lake Country House Hotel it's all gleaming floorboards and terracotta walls set off by oriental rugs, dark wood antiques, expansive sofas, jugs of fresh flowers and old ticking clocks.

Bedrooms at The Lake are supremely comfortable, while a maitre d’ oversees the well appointed dining room. Outside, it’s a visual feast and the perfect place for dreamy riverside walks or a game of croquet – and there's a full-blown spa here too.

Step on to wide, precision-mown lawns that sweep down to the river Irfon – just one feature of the gorgeous grounds with 50 acres of woodlands and a well-stocked trout lake where herons and kingfishers swoop. The Lake’s traditional afternoon teas – served on a trolley under the chestnut trees in summer or before a crackling fire in winter – are worth driving miles for.

Winning dinners

An award-winning fusion of Welsh and English cuisine with an added pinch of inspiration makes dinner worth waiting for. Try specialities such as stuffed saddle of rabbit with puy lentils, garlic confit and a light sherry vinegar jus. Local attractions include Powys Castle, the book emporia of Hay-on-Wye and the Brecon Beacons. There’s tennis, fishing and golfing in the grounds, not to mention the excellent Kingfisher Spa.

Kaiser Wilhelm and his empress stayed here incognito in the early days. You'll have no trouble going to ground in this green and indulgent enclave.


The Lake Country House was reviewed for Room for Romance by  Sian Davies

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Menus change regularly at this classic country house restaurant. House specialities include confit of duck and foie gras terrine, line caught sea bass with vanilla mash, braised fennel, grelot onions and red wine sauce, and warm plum tart served with cream cheese sorbet and black pepper.




See & Do
Within easy reach are the Abergwesyn Valley (for the Llyn Briannne reservoir and Devil’s staircase), Elan Valley, the Brecon Beacons and the Brecon Mountain Railway and Hay-on-Wye – the UK’s number one book town.

Spa
The hotel’s own Kingfisher Spa on the banks of the lake has a 15-metre swimming pool, outdoor lakeside hot tub, gym and extensive menu of spa treatments offering everything from Indian head massage to reflexology.

Diary Dates
May/June
Visitors to the famous Hay-on-Wye Book Fair have included Bill Clinton and a host of top writers – so who knows who you could rub shoulders with.

July
Come for the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells – Europe’s biggest agricultural show and with lots besides.

GETTING THERE

Location
Llangammarch Wells, Powys LD4 4BS

Parking
There is plenty of free guest parking

Trains
Llangammarch Wells station – two miles

Taxis
The hotel offers free transfers to and from the station. 

Airport
Cardiff-Wales  – 70 miles

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 170 - 250

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am – although late check-out is possible with prior notice.

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
High Tea is served in the restaurant for children under eight. They are not permitted in the restaurant in the evening.

Pets
Dogs are welcome in selected rooms.

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
Yes – for up to 100 guests. Weddings are based on exclusive hire of the property.