If you have ever been invited for a weekend in the country, to return home cold, hungry and underwatered then may I urge you to investigate Historic House Hotels (part of the National Trust. They are pioneers in the conservation of empty and oversized houses, which have been converted into hotels, which retain all the best facets of a grand country house.
Bodysgallen Hall bathed in afternmoon sunshine.
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa in North Wales is a case in point. Secluded in over 200 acres of parkland 2 miles to the south of Llandudno with spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle, Grade I listed Bodysgallen Hall serves up the very best in country house hospitality, as well as large slices of quality art!
The view from my room at Bodysgallen Hall.
Unlike most country houses the levels of comfort and relaxation at Bodysgallen are paramount! Think deep baths filled with piping hot water, the fluffiest of robes and towels and the very best in cuisine that the local areas can offer. Yes there is even a spa!
Relaxing in the library by the fire at Bodysgallen.
Bodysgallen is believed to have started life as a watchtower for Conwy Castle, probably in the 13th Century, to warn of surprise attack. It was not until late in the Elizabethan era, when it was owned by Richard Mostyn, the High Sheriff of Caernarvonshire, that it became a house. Through marriage this passed to the Wynn family and beady eyes will spot a tablet on the south-west gable bearing the initials of Robert and his wife Katherine Wynn "1620 R:W:K". The 17th Century house has been skilfully and sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels Limited since 1980 and given to the National Trust in 2008.
The panelled writing nook in the sitting room.
Like many grand homes, Bodysgallen Hall has gradually evolved over the centuries from modest hamlet to a large and comfortable country house. Today guests find a warm welcome by entering the oldest part of the house, the main hall. Above this is the Drawing Room which features a magnificent fireplace. Here you will find the 17th Century coats of arms of the Mostyns, Wynns and Vaughans, you can also see these in the stained glass windows in the Dining Room and main stairwell.
Art filled rooms at Bodysgallen.
It’s also the art at Bodysgallen Hall that really excites me. Highly decorative paintings, quality oil portraits, drawings, and mezzotints abound, just the type of art that I love, all day and every day.
The knock out knot garden!
Bodysgallen is also surrounded by one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Wales. I spent hours in the beautiful gardens, which include a rare 17th century parterre of box hedges filled with sweet-scented herbs, and a walled rose garden along with several follies!
Taking five minutes rest in the great outdoors. Bodysgallen style!
I had the most wonderful and restorative time ambling through the parkland with its spectacular view of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle, before heading back inside to warm my trotters by the fire…and yes take advantage of that Grade A hospitality!
Fine dining makes dinner decisions a dreamt Bodysgallen Hall.
Thank you team Bodysgallen Hall for your warm hospitality, I’ll be back!
To visit Bodysgallen Hall, The Royal Welsh Way, Bodysgallen Ln, Llandudno LL30 1RS Telephone: 01492 584 466.
Bodysgallen Hall
Nick Cox January 2022.