Recommended by:

Helena R from Churwell

Our party:

• Adults:
• Ages:
•  

• 2
• 30 - 35
•  

Stayed:

7 Nights
August - 2010

Wanted:

• Relaxing
• Walking
• Shopping
• Local Food

• Touring
• Beach / Sea
• Entertainment

Summary:

“An inspiring character property set in glorious upland scenery”

We booked Capel Pennant as a last minute holiday for my birthday in August. We particularly liked the setting of this character property, in the uplands above Langollen, though my little car did struggle a bit climbing the steep winding road. Having said that, if my tiny engine can cope then most cars will be fine - but for a winter trip a four wheel drive might be preferable.

We knew we were in for a treat as we emerged into the grounds of a manor house part of the Chirk Castle estate. The castle is not visible from here but is a pleasant one mile walk away. The manor house itself is a traditional stone building overlooking the most glorious countryside. Guests have free run of the grounds, including the lovely garden complete with summer house.

Capel is Welsh for chapel, and our home for the week was originally the manor’s private place of worship, a white stone chapel sitting alongside a tiny bakery - also now a small but perfectly formed holiday let.

Apparently restoring the buildings was the pet project of an Inspector for Cadw, the Welsh heritage trust, so as you might expect it has been done beautifully, with meticulous attention to detail.

The chapel sits in its own pretty garden with patio and outdoor seating for you to enjoy the views - this is not screened off from the other buildings or main garden so in theory is overlooked, but we barely saw anyone else and often felt we had the whole place to ourselves.

A big part of why we have visited Under the Thatch properties so many times is the beautiful interiors and this one certainly did not disappoint.

Inside, the double height living area takes up the main body of the chapel. The stripped wood floor, fireplace and period furnishings really offset the room and perfectly match the mood of the place. An old hymn board references the building’s past and I loved the grand old wing-back chair by the fireside.

Meanwhile the former bell tower is split in two with kitchen and small shower room downstairs and bedroom over.

The kitchen is beautifully fitted out and well equipped, while the bathroom is necessarily rather dinky but has everything you need - though a larger person may find things a bit of a squeeze!

Up the winding, narrow staircase the bedroom is a delight thanks to the lovely Gothic arch overlooking the room below. A comfy bed with antique brass frame and Welsh blanket completes the picture. I found the interior really inspiring and Welsh blankets and a characterful vintage wing-back chair now feature in our own home!

It is so peaceful up in the hills that you feel as if you are in your own little world, but a short trip takes you back down into Llangollen, a very pretty town in spectacular riverside setting, where steam trains regularly puff their way into the local station. We were very excited to see Thomas the Tank Engine pull up too, with the Fat Controller waiting on the platform to greet him!

We love this part of Wales and there is plenty to see and do. Chirk Castle is right nearby and Plas Newydd, home of the Ladies of Langollen, lies at the foot of the hill. The impressive Pontcysyllte aqueduct is worth a visit too, while a little further afield the town of Ruthin is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon and has some good restaurants.

Specifically Recommend:

I would particuarly recommend Capel Pennant to those with an interest in interiors and historic buildings. Castle lovers will have a field day in the area and so will photographers.

Local Gems:

We decided to take a walk up to the ruined Dinas Bran castle, just outside Llangollen, despite the threatening rain. Luckily the rain never quite materialised and we arrived at the top to be rewarded with glorious wraparound views bathed in the most beautiful clear light. Well worth it!

We ate at the Corn Mill in Llangollen, a beautiful old building with outdoor decks built right out over the river and the original water wheel still turning!

En Route:

We stopped off at Chester en-route from Leeds, which has a beautiful historic city centre and galleried shopping streets that are perfect for when the rain sets in.

Helana R, Churwell, Leeds - 22nd August 2012

Overall Rating:

Comfort
Cleanliness
Meals / Kitchen
Bathroom Facilities
Quality Of Items
Useful Info

Recommended on 22/08/2012
By Helena R from Churwell

WE CONFIRM Helena was a bona-fide paying guest at Capel Pennant. Her recommendation was written without incentive and is factually accurate at the time of posting
Under The Thatch - 29th August 2012

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