The Nanteos Mansion is an 18th century country house turned luxury hotel near the thriving town of Aberystwyth, sandwiched between the rugged Cardigan Bay and Cambrian Mountains. Nanteos kindly invited me to stay in the New Year and I thought it would be a good opportunity to explore a part of Wales I’ve yet to see.
Nanteos (meaning ‘stream of the Nightingale’) is in a secluded spot beneath a dense woodland looking towards sparse green hills speckled with sheep. Switching off the radio and shutting the car door I paused for a moment to listen…
What could I hear? The faint tweeting of birds and a breeze brushing back the trees. In other words, bliss!
I was welcomed inside by the warmth of a log fire and two smiling faces, one of whom being the cheerful hotel manager who showed us up Nanteos’s sweeping staircase to their Art Gallery corridor, Music Room (also hosts Weddings) and our suite.
It was a 3 hour car journey and we both wasted no time putting the tea and coffee maker to use in our twin room and reducing the welcome plate to crumbs.
The Nanteos Mansion Accommodation (from £85 per night)
The King Suite ‘Nightingale’ (from £300 per night) is their top room for the most elegant couple escape. Nanteos can also accommodate families in spacious rooms (from £150 per night) or a self contained ‘Mews House’ that has 4 luxury bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
What I particularly liked about our suite was having a walk-in wardrobe (complete with a fridge stocked with milk), the rain shower, comfortable beds and of course, the view. The only thing we missed was facial tissues – however there were plenty of fresh towels and toiletries for the two of us.
The Nanteos Mansion Dining Experience
Visiting rural Wales in January means forgoing any hope of warm sunshine and outdoor bbq’s, but gaining a greater level of peace and quiet. We relaxed fireside and tucked into a steak dinner (£20-30) with a choice of two sides and a sauce. Other options on the menu included beer battered cod, chickpea curry and a Welsh lamb burger (£15-18).
Stilton lovers would salivate at their British cheese board that you could’ve made a meal over with their extensive wine selection from the Library Bar – but we decided to retire early and enjoy dessert in our room.
The luxury setting lends itself to the tradition of Afternoon Tea which is both an indulgent and inclusive experience at Nanteos with a Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea (more savoury) and Children’s Afternoon Tea on the menu.
Breakfast is served in a separate room full of Victorian copper pots and pans with a self service buffet and cooked made to order menu if you’re after a hearty Welsh Breakfast or Eggs Benedict.
Nanteos proved a great base to explore Aberystwyth town and the staff were very happy to advise on parking (all day in St. Michael’s Church), things to do and places to eat. Located near the coastal A487 and A44 is very convenient for visiting some of Wales’s best beaches and castle ruins. It also allowed us to stop off in pretty coastal villages like Aberaeron on our way home.
The Nanteos Mansion Package Breaks
Viewing the Nanteos Mansion breaks page you’ll find a list of seasonal offers and packages that would complement many events and occasions.
For more information about staying or dining at Nanteos Mansion, visit their website or call 01970 600 522
Wow, what a stunning hotel!
I always love it when nice places do childrens afternoon teas too – my daughter loves afternoon tea but most offerings are a little … sophistiated for her unrefined palate! It’s nice when we can find somethign that suits us both 🙂
Thanks Kel! Yeah I like that more places are expanding their Afternoon Tea offerings to cater to all. 😀