Hotel Review
The Falcondale Hotel is a 150 year old Italianate style villa situated just outside the university town of Lampeter in mid-Wales. Being only 30 minutes drive from the coastal villages of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area.
Location
Take the M4 and follow the A485 from Carmarthen which leads into Lampeter. Drive through the town and then follow the A4875 a short distance towards Cardigan.
Arrival and check-in:
The hotel is approached by a mile long drive through farmland of the Falcondale Estate that sets the scene for a stay in the historic manor house.
There are two car parks close to the hotel and after unloading our luggage from the car we eagerly stepped inside.
The entrance hall is classically styled with a reception desk to one side where we received a warm welcome. After being handed our room key and some useful leaflets on local attractions we were soon heading up the oak panelled staircase to our room on the first floor.
The Room:
It was love at first sight as we opened the door as our guest room had three large windows overlooking the hotel’s manicured lawns with armchairs perfectly placed to sit and admire the view. Furnished in classic style with period furniture and feature wallpaper, the room boasted a super king size bed with a beautiful Welsh woollen burgundy throw and matching cushions. The French windows opened out onto a small balcony from where we enjoyed more stunning views.
A side table was stocked teas, coffee, bottled water and delicious Welsh shortbread. Placed on the coffee table was a cook book showcasing the finest of Welsh cuisine entitled ‘Relish Wales’. On flicking through the pages I came across a section on the Falcondale restaurant itself which was interesting to read.
On one wall was a large television on which I watched a couple of tennis matches from Wimbledon. Wi-Fi was easy to connect to and worked well with ample workspace and power points. Moving into the spacious bathroom, there was both a deep bath tub and large walk-in shower complimented by fragrant toiletries, thick towels and fluffy dressing robes.
Dining:
A table had been reserved for dinner in the restaurant at 7.00 p.m. and we looked forward to our meal especially after reading about it in the cook book earlier. The restaurant is elegantly furnished and after being shown to our table we studied the menu whilst sipping glasses of wine.
The Falcondale utilises only the best of ingredients from Ceredigion, Carmarthen and surrounding counties in Mid Wales and our starters of seafood bisque and ham hock terrine were both very flavoursome. For mains I opted for roast beef served with a red wine jus whilst across the table my husband was in raptures over his duck breast with creamy leeks.
As usual, neither of us could resist a dessert and our white chocolate and mandarin cheesecake rounded off our meal perfectly. Service was attentive and we were served by well trained friendly staff ensuring guests received the best experience possible.
The Facilities:
The hotel has two cosy lounges both comfortably furnished in period style with coffee table books and complimentary daily newspapers. There’s also a lounge bar that leads out into a conservatory and an outdoor terrace overlooking the delightful gardens which extend for 14 acres.
We enjoyed a post dinner stroll through the grounds which gently slope towards the estate’s fields with far reaching views across the Teifi valley. The rear of the hotel is surrounded by woodland and mature trees with pathways to follow amid the rhododendrons and azaleas which had just finished flowering but must look delightful when in bloom.
Out and About:
Lampeter
Lampeter is a university town nestled in the Teifi Valley of Ceredigion, mid-Wales. The thriving centre is home to numerous small, independent shops specialising in home furnishings, arts and crafts in connection with the area’s strong textiles tradition.
See and Do:
Welsh Quilt Centre
The town hall is now home to the internationally renowned Welsh Quilt Centre, exhibiting traditional and modern Welsh quilts and blankets. The upstairs galleries showcase the intricate patterns and detail in this increasing popular country craft.
Temporary contemporary art exhibitions are also on offer alongside a superb shop housed in the former crown court filled with a tempting range of quilts, crafts and gifts. Welsh Quilt Centre
St. David’s College, Lampeter
Explore the town centre campus that was formerly known as St. David’s College, and now The University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This historic seat of learning was founded in 1822 by Bishop Burgess of St. David’s. The college received the Royal Charter in 1828 making it the oldest Royal Charter in England and Wales along with Oxford and Cambridge.
Visitors are welcome to wander through grounds and historic quadrangle to view the Old Hall when it is not in use. This was the refectory until 1969 and is now one of the main rooms for meetings and events. Walls are lined with paintings of former principals, presidents and vice-chancellors.
Facing the Old Hall is the elaborate St. David’s Chapel which was consecrated in 1827 and refurbished during the 1930’s. St. David’s College, Lampeter.
Lampeter Museum
The town museum is free to visit and located in the former University gatehouse. Its gallery documents the history of the town and life during the war years. Lampeter Museum
Cae Hir Gardens, Cribyn
Visit a Welsh Garden with a Dutch history in nearby Cribyn just a ten minute drive from the hotel. Developed over the past 35 years on a steep hillside, this six acre garden has an innovative mix of plants, wildflowers and local slate features. Follow meandering paths up the steep hill to discover the blue, yellow, red and gold gardens as well as the Bonsai and Bog gardens. Complete your visit with tea and scones in the garden tea room. Cae Hir Gardens
Overall:
Our stay at the Falcondale was faultless with its traditional charm and first class dining experience coupled with impeccable service. Set in extensive grounds yet only a couple of miles from bustling Lampeter it’s the perfect location for exploring this scenic part of mid-Wales.
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