The Banquet House, Rhuddlan

Clwyd. Sleeps up to 4

This 14th century property is set in the historic town of Rhuddlan in North Wales. The Banquet House is a Grade II listed property, which has retained its wealth of medieval character to offer you and your loved ones a unique base to call home as you explore the coast and countryside of Wales. Push open the characterful front door of the stone-built house to be impressed by the clever blend of contemporary furnishings with the historical features, creating a welcoming aura to return to. Step into the elegant kitchen, where the Range cooker takes centre stage before all the other modern appliances required to cater for yourselves, including the ever-important wine chiller, so that you can open up something chilled as dinner simmers on the hob. Gather your loved ones within the light-filled dining room to enjoy your home-cooked delight and together plan the next day’s itinerary. After dinner, settle down for the evening within the sitting room, where the exposed beams and inglenook fireplace complement the plush furnishings, making a wonderful space to flick on the TV, while the woodburning stove crackles in the background. There is a historic trap door in this room with stone steps which leads to a blocked tunnel, believed to be a secret tunnel to and from the castle it is perfect for children to explore historic Wales. Climb the staircase to find the master bedroom, containing a four-poster bed and an original fireplace; look forward to snuggling up under the crisp white sheets of the king-size bed before freshening up each morning within the sleek family bathroom, boasting a shower over bath, basin and WC. The second-floor double bedroom, resting in the eaves of the property, is spacious and is full of character, from the exposed beams and quaint windows providing pretty views. Continuing to impress is the walled garden, where you and your loved ones can rustle up something on the barbecue or enjoy a spot of alfresco dining, whilst admiring the water feature. Your canine companions will be delighted roaming the spacious lawn, whilst you head into the quaint summerhouse to relax with a good book during a balmy afternoon. The central location of the property means that you are a mere stone’s throw away from a selection of pubs and eateries, as well as shops for picking up any essentials. Whilst here, discover the town’s interesting past by visiting the 13th century Rhuddlan Castle, built by Edward 1st and overlooks the beautiful River Clwyd. Head to the coastline to spend the day at the beach in Rhyl, perfect for those traditional seaside days out, with its wide promenade with open views and glorious sands. Alternatively, travel slightly further to the coastal town of Llandudno, home to two beaches, a 9th-century Llandudno Pier, with shops and a games arcade and the cliffs of Great Orme, providing stunning views. Immerse yourself in the local history further by visiting Conwy with its imposing 13th-century fortress or spend the day at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, home to red pandas, tigers and snow leopards. Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by the close location to the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, where you will find a magnitude of walking and hiking routes, as well as the outdoor attractions of Zip World Fforest and Bounce Below. The Banquet House is an outstanding retreat for that well-deserved break.