Once the pastoral retreat for a noted photographer and his princess bride, Plas Dinas in North Wales offers not only a convenient gateway to area attractions but also welcomes guests to linger amid decidedly royal environs.
There is much to explore in North Wales, from grand medieval castles and an eclectic collection of museums to the Laburnum Arch at beautiful Bodnant Garden and the breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park. For those planning a visit to the area, the unique opportunity to stay in the former holiday haven of a royal couple is too enticing to pass up.
Britain’s vivacious Princess Margaret and her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones—who became Lord Snowdon upon their marriage—often used Plas Dinas, his family’s rural residence, as an escape from the very public life they knew in London. When approaching the home via the long, tree-bordered drive, the everyday world gives way to serene bucolic scenes, and it is easy to see why the couple cherished their weekends here. The traditional Welsh country home, built of white-washed rubble masonry and extended over time, now welcomes guests as a jewel in the crown of the Condé Nast Johansens luxury hotels collection.
Current owners Annie and Daniel Perks have extensive experience in international hospitality and have dedicated themselves to ensuring every stay at Plas Dinas is a cherished occasion. All eleven bedrooms were designed to honor persons or positions connected to the Armstrong-Jones family; each one is a sublime synthesis of opulence and historical charm. The Princess Margaret Junior Suite is a perfect example. Not only are its furnishings elegant and appropriately regal, but also the room features original memorabilia from Margaret and Antony’s nuptials—the first televised marriage ceremony of British royals.
An enormous inglenook fireplace commands one end of Plas Dinas’s Gunroom Restaurant, where candlelight dinners lend a bit of romance to the meal. The estate is also a much-coveted wedding venue, with 15 acres of flourishing gardens and scenic views, allowing any bride and groom to feel just like royalty on their special day.
Text Karen Callaway
Photography Jane Hope
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