Approaching the Porthmawr Estate you could be forgiven for thinking that you'd stepped onto the set of a costume drama. A Regency Mansion, set in 3 acres of grounds, Porthmawr Mansion is simply breathtaking with its picture-postcard looks, beautiful mature grounds and a fascinating medieval gatehouse which includes the Gatehouse Apartment and Gatehouse Cottage. The Porthmawr Estate offers incredible flexibility and whilst the Apartment and Cottage would provide charming accommodation for a romantic getaway for two, the addition of the house with its 9 bedrooms also makes the estate the obvious choice for large parties. In all, the properties can accommodate up to 29 people with 21 in the Mansion House, and a further 4 each in the Gatehouse Apartment and Cottage.
Elegant, spacious accommodationIn all, Porthmawr Country house boasts 9 bedrooms (6 with en-suite), consisting of 5 doubles, 3 family rooms and 1 twin room. Two bedrooms are on the ground floor and therefore suitable for less mobile guests. There is also a large, family bathroom, and a downstairs cloakroom. The house has 5 reception rooms, a small conservatory and ample parking.
On entering the hall with its fine Regency staircase you will notice the bust of Hercules in conversation with the blackamoor at the base of the stairs. Leading through the arched glazed doorway you will be welcomed at reception, which doubles as a bar area for wedding parties. A downstairs cloakroom is set adjacent with further arched glazed doorways leading to the side hallway, kitchen and further doors to the conservatory. There are polished oak floors and many examples of local artwork and photographs throughout.
The house has a very large country kitchen with a double range gas cooker, large fridge and a separate large freezer. There is an island worktop, dishwasher, microwave, full height dresser and a large oak kitchen table and chairs for chatting around. The laundry/utility room houses a washing machine and tumble dryer and has ample storage space. A small conservatory overlooks the sheltered courtyard where Medieval elements still exist, a fine area for morning coffee.
The dining room is one of the principal rooms looking west over the lawns and mountains. A fine large dining table and further side tables are able to seat everyone for dinner. The feature fireplace is complemented with a large over mantle mirror and colour scheme, a huge ceiling rose with brass chandelier all add to the grand ambience for social gatherings. This room also has a selection of games - chess, cards and others are provided.
The drawing room is beautifully furnished with some lovely pieces of antique furniture and views across the lawns to the mountains. An original marble fireplace houses an open fire with logs provided. The room is lit by a fine example of a Regency all-glass chandelier reflecting in period mirrors with an array of side lamps for cosier gatherings. Either enjoy the period ambience or be entertained with DVDs via the large Sony TV.
The former library provides a more intimate sitting room with comfy seating and further TV with Freeview and DVD.
There are two bedrooms on the ground floor both of which have direct access from the car park. The rooms also have terracotta tiled floors where well-behaved pets are allowed:
Degas Suite, Bedroom 1 - a double room with a TV and freeview and French doors leading out to the courtyard. There is an en suite shower room with travertine marble tiles, handbasin and toilet.
Gauguin Suite, Bedroom 2 - a twin room with TV with freeview and a leather sofa. This room also has an en suite with shower, travertine tiles, handbasin and toilet.
The first floor is accessed via the wide Regency stairs to the central landing with fine views:
Leonardo room, Bedroom 3 - a principal bedroom with fine views and four-poster king sized bed, period furniture includes mahogany wardrobes, a marble topped dressing table, a Regency sofa and chairs and TV. The west windows are attractively draped with swags and tails and house window seats from which to enjoy the amazing view.
Michelangelo Suite, Bedroom 4 - another principle room with fine period furniture and a short staircase leading to a large en suite shower room. There is a TV, and lovely west-facing windows with window seats.
The Raphael Suite, Bedroom 5 - a fine large double bedroom with a TV and a south facing window draped with fine, Chinese silk and a window seat. There is a large en suite bathroom with a handbasin and hand held shower over the bath and a separate toilet leading off.
The Picasso, Bedroom 6 - a four foot size bed, TV and a window which overlooks the inner courtyard. There is an en suite bathroom with a "tub" bath, handbasin and toilet.
Chagall Room, Bedroom 7 - a double bedroom set adjacent to the main bathroom with double bed, built-in wardrobe, TV and views overlooking the courtyard.
Second Floor
The Rodin Suite, Bedroom 8 - up a few steps to another king-size bed with views across over Crickhowell to St Edmunds Church with Llangattock Escarpment in the background. Enjoy the south sun from the window seat, with an en suite shower room, handbasin and toilet. TV.
Maltisse Room, Bedroom 9 - a double bed with TV and a large dressing room, views overlooking Crickhowell and the courtyard with stairs leading down to the main bathroom.
The family bathroom is located centrally, off the main landing. It is spacious with a large shower, double ended bath, a beautiful giant mirror, handbasin and toilet.
N.B. All bedrooms have tea and coffee making facilities, good quality bedlinen and full central heating.
There is a pool table in the Gatehouse Arches available to all three properties and a large gas BBQ
Useful information
Incredible views surround the properties, and its location on the edge of the small Georgian market town of Crickhowell mean that you may not need a car at all. The area is a foodie's delight and walkers are equally well catered for here. The estate itself is steeped in history and the owners Geoff and Linda are welcoming and very knowledgable about both the estate and the local area. A warm welcome awaits you and up to 28 friends and family at the unique Porthmawr Estate.
Porthmawr Country House - a fine example of Regency architecture
The mansion house on this historical site is elegant and well proportion. There are 9 bedrooms, 6 of which are en-suite, and 5 reception rooms - the ideal choice for a large gathering of any kind. The house has been stylishly furnished and showcases many examples of local artwork and photography as well as numerous pieces of antique furniture and more contemporary touches. Each bedroom offers a distinctive style and the spacious living areas are comfortable and attractive.
Follow in the footsteps of Charles I
Porthmawr Country House is itself a beautiful Grade II listed Regency property but it was built on the site of a 15th century fortified Manor House. The Medieval Gatehouse and the 12 foot high castellated stonewall that surround the property and grounds remain and date back to 1480. This part of the estate is one of the most important privately owned scheduled monuments in Wales. It was a Royalist stronghold during the Cromwellian wars when the Welsh Lord Rhymsey waged battle against Sir John Herbert, Knight in Armour to Charles I. During the gathering of Welsh troops Charles stayed here before going on to lose his fight with the Parliamentarians.
Secluded grounds
Located close to the centre of Crickhowell, the grounds of the Porthmawr Estate are protected by the 12 foot high castellated wall. The 3 acres of ground within this boundary are serene and private and mainly laid to lawns. Fronting the main house is a continuous veranda leading to a large, raised terrace which overlooks three architectural ponds. The central lawn stretches out some 100m from the frontage. To the east of the main lawn is the intimate gardens of the coach house with its large pond, and kitchen garden. Hens and ducks are free to roam this area and two Kune Kune pigs are also resident. To the west is another, more secluded lawn bordered by the stonewall and a yew hedge. Views from the gardens extend for miles in all directions and take in the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Llangattock Mountain. The sunsets here are truly fabulous.
Special Events
The sweeping lawn directly in front of Porthmawr Country House makes a wonderful spot for a marquee and indeed the entire estate is ideal for events. The flexible accommodation lends itself to weddings (which can be performed on site), corporate gatherings and parties.
With regards catering, anything can be arranged whether it be breakfast only or a fully catered for wedding.
Discover the bustling town of Crickhowell
Crickhowell is a thriving market town nestled between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons in one of the most beautiful valleys in the National Park. Visitors staying on the Porthmawr Estate are moments from the heart of the town. Take a stroll down the pretty streets to the famous Crickhowell Bridge over the River Usk. The bridge is well known for its mysterious arches, 12 when viewed from one side and 13 when facing upstream and the riverside meadows are a wonderful place for a picnic or an easy walk. Explore Nicholls, the lovely department store with its range of clothes, footwear, stationary, jewellery, gifts, and home products and make sure you visit Webbs - a family run department store established in 1930. Drop into Number Eighteen - one of a number of great local coffee shops and then browse the art gallery and small boutique shops before lunching at the famous Bear Hotel, which dates back to 1432 and has won the 'Best Pub in Britain' award twice.
A foodie's paradise
Whilst staying on the Porthmawr Estate you are ideally located for visiting the pubs and restaurants that have put this region of the country on the food map. There are several notable eateries within 20 miles and many others for you to discover. These include the Michelin Starred Walnut Tree, just 10 miles away and the multi-award winning gastropub The Hardwick, 8 miles away. The Gliffaes Hotel offers a fantastic menu featuring local produce and has some lovely dining rooms and a wonderful riverside terrace and is less than 4 miles from Porthmawr. Alternatively head back into Crickhowell for a wealth of local eateries.
Home of the Walking Festival
This area is such a mecca for walkers that in 2007 the Crickhowell walking festival was born. The event, which takes place in early March, consists of 73 guided walks over 8 days and caters for all levels of walking. Head out with the RAF trainers to experience the Fan Dance walk which is so tough that its used as part of the selection process for the SAS, alternatively there are gentle strolls which take in the Glanusk Estate or the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal.
For even more walks head into Crickhowell and visit the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre. As well as offering a coffee bar and internet access, the helpful staff on the desk are a mine of information. Tell them how energetic you're feeling and how much time you have and they'll help you choose from an enormous number of varied walks from the centre. For a challenging but relatively short walk, Table Mountain at nearly 1500ft provides a spectacular backdrop to the North of the town. At the top you will be rewarded with the remains of a 2500-year-old hill-fort (crug) of Hywel from which Crickhowell takes its name.
A never ending choice of local attractions
For those looking for an active holiday this location offers a huge choice of outdoor activities and sports. Mountain biking, climbing, caving, hang and para-gliding, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, pony trekking, paint balling, shooting and fishing can all be arranged locally.
For the sight-seers the area offers numerous castles to explore, museums of Welsh life, military and industrial heritage, art galleries and open gardens. Your hosts, Geoff and Linda will be more than happy to advise you on the best activities at the different times of year.
2012 Prices
Low season - £2600 per week
Mid season - £2800 per week
High season - £3300 per week
May half-term week - £3500
Christmas and New Year - £4000
Abergavenny 6 miles, Brecon 10 miles, Hay-on-Wye 14 miles
Learn more about Brecon, Crickhowell, Abergavenny or Hay-on-Wye here.
Make your booking online now and experience the elegance of the Porthmawr Estate, or alternatively you can book by calling our office on 01874 676446.
If you would like to speak to someone who has visited this property please ask for:
Elizabeth, Caroline, Carolyn and Regan
