Deep in the heart of Wales, Powis Castle and Garden presides in peaceful splendor, drawing guests to tour the rare, tiered landscape and to admire the red-stone fortress that has weathered war and the elements for centuries.
In the thirteenth century, dedicated laborers began building a medieval fortification in Wales, positioning the stone structure on a rocky promontory that gave its occupants an unobscured view of the valley and surrounding countryside. Today, scores of visitors tour the venerable estate, now known as Powis Castle and Garden.
Although the keep is famous for its antiquities and period décor, the exterior environs of the manse are equally spectacular. Original statuary, weathered by time, remains on a balustrade from which visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
The exquisite Italianate garden—sheltered by ancient, clipped yew trees—blooms year-round with native and exotic plants. The lovely, tiered grounds of Powis Castle and Garden were created in this Italianate style and have survived through the ages.
A well-groomed hedge adds structure to the riotous beauty of exotic blooms. The steep slopes are enhanced with colorful plantings.
Powis is also home to rare treasures, such as an unparalleled collection of artifacts from India, displayed in an adjacent museum. Within the mansion, the Long Gallery showcases the earliest interiors of the edifice, dating back to 1592. In the gallery, the plasterwork ceiling and overmantel represent Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
In the heart of the garden is a guesthouse, built in a half-timbered style, where visitors can stay overnight. Rich in history and renowned for its breathtaking castle and grounds, the property was bequeathed to the United Kingdom’s National Trust in 1952 to be shared with history enthusiasts and nature lovers for generations to come.
To learn more about Powis Castle and Garden, read “Fortified for the Ages,” on page 57 of the September 2014 issue of Victoria magazine.
I loved reading this. My late father was a gamekeeper at Powis Castle, so it is really special to me when I find articles like this one in one of my favourite publications. This is the third or fourth time Victoria has published articles where I have had a specific family connection! I particularly like the image where you have captured the iconic gumdrop topiary yew trees. Thank you for making my day! Deborah from Wales
Hello Deborah,
I was delighted to read your comments about your late father being a gamekeeper at Powis Castle. My grandfather was too, name of Alfred Richard Arthur, although I know frustratingly little about his involvement. He lived in one of the tied cottages, Penwtra, near Castle Caereinion, for many years and suffered a gunshot injury during a pheasant shoot, possibly during the 1940s. I would love to find out more and wondered if you could point me in the right direction, please.
With thanks from Edward Arthur
This is why I love your magazine. Your photos and articles give us the opportunity to ride on a magic carpet to beautiful places. I recently visited Hanbury Manor in Wares England. It was magical. It made our 43 anniversary just marvelous. Cheers Victoria for planting the seed in us many years ago. Linda and Paul Smith of Houston Texas.
I have just called my sister in law to remind her to pick up the new issue, her late husband was from Wales, she frequently visits the relatives there, she just came back from a visit. Thank you for my favourite magazine, wish you had a pen pal page to find new friends to share experiences with. Sylvia.
The September issue evoked memories of a trip to Wales made by my two daughters
and I. We met in London,I coming from Arkansas, one daughter flying in from Colorado and my second daughter from her home in Switzerland. I turned to page 49 and there was Hay-on-Wye, our first stop, where we enjoyed the book shops for a day & stayed at a local Bed & Breakfast before making our way through the countryside to the coast. The road names and round-abouts were daunting, but our adventure shall never be forgotten