Words & Photographs by Daisy Wingate-Saul
A classic 1970s green Range Rover stands sentinel on the gravel outside Hawarden Castle's West Wing – my weekend retreat and home of the Gladstone Family, descendants of the great Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone.
Warmly greeted by Caroline and Charlie Gladstone, their black labrador Bear leads us up the grand wooden staircase of their recently renovated luxury holiday retreat. The interiors playfully intertwine antique finds and contemporary treasures; Persian rugs, Roman plinths and an enormous contemporary art collection mingle effortlessly with family portraits by Cecil Beaton, creating a whimsical blend of old and new. Caroline's touch unifies the collection with colourful walls and Dulux splashes, affectionately known as 'Caroline's Pink,' adorning pillars and nooks throughout.
In the study of Charlie's ancestor, William Gladstone, the fusion of past and present takes centre stage. “When my father handed it over to us, there was an inflection point where we stopped looking backward and started looking forward,” Charlie explains. Known as the 'Temple of Peace', this room served as Gladstone’s sanctuary from the turbulence of political life. Since his death, the space has remained largely untouched. Now, it welcomes guests with a curated display of contemporary artworks as part of the 'New Art' exhibition — an initiative that breathes fresh life into its walls.
The estate features a workshop school, farm shop, bakery and deli, while additional accommodations includes the Beekeeper’s Hut and Gardener’s Cottage. The tableau is completed by a cosy pub, nature trail and seasonal campsite. Events throughout the year, including the notable 'Summer Camp' (read more about that here), add to the vibrant atmosphere.
For a truly personalised experience, The West Wing offers captivating add-ons (like private dining) and there’s the chance to explore Eryri, which is only half an hour away. Amidst the enchanting estate and its myriad offerings, time effortlessly slips away.
As the weekend unfolds, my friends and I indulge in fireside drinks and freshly baked focaccia in the West Wing's private woodland, complete with a hot tub, pizza oven and Big Green Egg barbecue. Afterwards, we transition to the dining room — an expansive space poised to host lively gatherings or relaxed evenings by the fire. Here, chef Adam's culinary artistry captivates, his menu featuring succulent scallops, tender chicken, Tamworth pork chops, fermented mushrooms and a pickled elderberry jus, all thoughtfully sourced from local producers.
The next day, a winter wellness class takes place amidst the ruins of the medieval Old Castle, followed by fireside conversations beside the secluded lake. Our chats about the revitalisation of Welsh craft are accompanied by the warmth of spiced butter rum. As dusk descends, I plunge into the freezing lake and regain feeling thanks to the starlit sauna in the walled garden.
The energy from people past and present defines the Hawarden experience. From bakery-delivered breakfasts to a dining room table crafted by a journeyman from the famed Goodlife Festival, this retreat is all about transformation and innovation. The family has not only forged a unique brand; they have cultivated a warm ethos reflecting a commitment to not only making Hawarden accessible but deeply relevant, welcoming diverse contributions with open arms.
To learn more about Hawarden Estate, click here.
For more Welsh escapes, check out the Wales magazine.
