19th Century Castle Gate Lodge

It's rare to find a place that's both historic and one of a kind. Tan-yr-Ogo Lodge is a castle conceived as one of a series of lodges to serve Gwrych Castle and was originally the principal and ceremonial entrance to the estate. Tan-yr-Ogo or more correctly, Tan yr Ogof, translates to 'beneath the cave', and is nestled below Lady Emily's Tower and the great cave of Cefn Yr Ogof, all part of the Gwrych Castle Estate. The space Tan-yr-Ogo Lodge is a monumental gate lodge built as the ceremonial entrance to Gwrych Castle, forming courtyards and an elaborate complex of structures. The rooms are in a recently refurbished elevated section of the complex providing a mini castle experience. The battlements contain four recessed sandstone inscription tablets. These commemorate various historical events which have taken place on this important strategic site over the past thousand years: 1) the battle between Harold II and Griffith ap Llewelyn 2) the routing of Hugh Lupus on his way to invade Anglesey 3) the repulsion of Henry II by Owain Gwynedd 4) the betrayal of Richard II by Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, as imortalised in Shakespeare's history play. Passing under a huge stone Tudor-arched entrance gateway, into an inner courtyard, the drive turns ninety degrees and rises past more towers and walls to reveal the lodge itself. There are least eleven towers set within the curtain walls and the accommodation is set within two of the largest towers which are linked by a long gallery. ACCOMMODATION: The heavy oak door leads into a single storey barbican Entrance Hall which contains the Kitchen and Dining Room, leading to the Drawing Room with two sofa beds and a feature fireplace with a wood burning stove. A ground floor twin room is located in the West Tower and an adjacent oak staircase that is built over the exposed bedrock takes you to the first floor. There is also a recently refurbished downstairs cloakroom with sink and toilet. The light and airy landing leads to the second bedroom which has bunk beds, along with the Art Deco bathroom with the benefit of an architect designed freestanding bath and walk-in shower. The long gallery leads to the Master Bedroom in the first floor of the East Tower, and provides breathtaking sea and countryside views. The master bedroom has an antique double four poster mahogany bed and the same spectacular views. To the front of the lodge are extensive and private gardens for the whole family to enjoy, consisting of a seating area, lawn and access to Gwrych Castle’s 9 miles of permissive woodland walks. A Polite Reminder: being a historic house, the drains are unable to cope with paper towels, sanitary products, or baby wipes down the toilet. PLEASE NOTE: We have The Gothic Bedroom which is a self-contained suite available within the complex, please see the last photo. This is available to let separately and has its own patio and parking space. GWRYCH CASTLE TICKETS: If you would like to visit Gwrych Castle, we’re able to offer discounted admission tickets. Once full payment has been made for your booking, please contact us to book your timeslot. Please check Gwrych Castle’s website for latest opening dates/times. Please ensure that you show proof of booking on arrival. Guest access Guests are welcome to drop off and pick up from outside the front door into the lodge but we ask that they park in the designated parking spaces marked out. Other things to note We are very low key and suit private minded guests. We won't bother you but our team will be available if you need anything. Please feel free to message us with any queries before or during your stay. 💆 Holistic therapies are available to book during your stay. Please message in advance for details. 🍴Private dining/catering is available to book. Please message in advance for details.