“The Hawarden Estate has been in our family since it was habitable in the 1700s. The castle is still a family home, while the estate now houses lots of small and creative businesses. Our roots remain age-old but our outlook is completely contemporary. This Gardener’s House has been home to generations of Head Gardeners over the years and we love that guests can now be part of its history, too.” Owner, Tara
They love
“Sitting in the Walled Garden, being surrounded by beautiful wildlife.”
We love
The quirky collection of art and furniture pieces, paying homage to gardening. Decorations come in the form of watering cans, terracotta pots and pretty seed packets.
You may not love
It’s a 15-minute walk to the shops and pub. You may see estate workers driving past.
Sustainability.
Eco-friendly products. Full recycling and composting in place.
Surrounds.
- Explore the estate with a foraging and wilderness walk. Don your wellies and accompany local expert Dave on a walk to discover edible fungi, learn the best foraged botanicals for G&Ts, and tune into all the bird song.
- Sweat it out in the wood-fired sauna. Is there a better way to warm up after a dip in the lake? Gaze out into the peaceful Walled Garden as you sizzle next to the stones – an all-round treat for body and mind.
- Unwind further with a massage or holistic facial at the Sakura Wellness Hub, a spa and complementary therapy centre on-site.
- The Glynne Arms has been at the heart of the estate for 200 years. Come for biodynamic and Welsh wines, craft ales, and delicious seasonal food. They can arrange fabulous private dining, too.
- Abseil down the side of the castle!
- Kayak the calm or white waters (your choice) of the River Dee.
- Further afield, visit the photogenic Point of Ayr Lighthouse at Talacre Beach. Now abandoned, the lighthouse used to guide ships into the Mersey Estuary and is said to be home to the ghost of a former keeper.
- Make a trip into nearby Chester and fill up on traditional Polish dumplings at Pierogi, an authentic but tiny restaurant where diners are invited to gather round sturdy wooden tables and watch the dumplings being hand-prepared as they wait.
- Enjoy hearty pub fare or a roast dinner with the trimmings at The Red Lion, Penyffordd.
Details.
- House in a private orchard on a sprawling estate, directly connected to the Walled Garden
- 4 bedrooms — 1st floor: 1 superking (ensuite), 1 king (ensuite), 1 large single. 2nd floor: 1 family room (1 superking + 2 large singles)
- 2 bathrooms with tubs; 1 shower room; 1 WC downstairs; Laura Thomas Co toiletries provided
- Bathrobes for hot tub and sauna
- Fully equipped kitchen including oven, hob, Aga, Moccamaster coffee machine, fridge/freezer; basics provided
- Local food hampers and private dining available on request
- Cot and high chair to borrow
- Record player, records, books and board games
- Wood-fired hot tub on balcony
- Private garden with firepit (unlimited firewood), Big Green Egg BBQ and alfresco dining
- WiFi and phone reception
- Dog-friendly! (Not on the bed or furniture please)
- Free parking
- The owners are available by WhatsApp
- Walk to the on-site farm shop, village shops and pub (10-15 mins)
- Explorer trail and playground
- Private wellness and foraging sessions
- On-site sauna
- Booking conditions: 1-night minimum stay during the week; 2 night minimum over weekends; property can be booked as 2 bedrooms (first floor only, sleeping 5) or all 5 bedrooms (both floors, sleeping 9). No Sunday check ins.
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking shoes, swimmers, charcoal for outdoor cooking
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs