The West End is a stunning holiday home on the Hawarden Estate in Flintshire, North Wales opened in 2024. Hawarden is the ancestral seat of the Gladstone family, and The West End is located within the western wing of the 19th-century Hawarden Castle, where the family still resides.
The property, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, is situated above the Temple of Peace, the private library of former Prime Minister William Gladstone. This room, largely untouched for over 100 years, is a time capsule of national importance, and guests staying at The West End will have private access to tour the library.
The West End
The West End offers a luxurious home-away-from-home experience at the heart of the Hawarden Estate in glorious nature. Guests can enjoy views of the 13th-century Old Castle ruins or the Walled Garden, where chickens roam among the vegetable beds and various classes are available, from cooking to sign-writing.
The property features five spacious bedrooms, including four elegant doubles and one twin, all beautifully restored. The boldly coloured walls showcase original art by renowned artists like Julian Opie, Damien Hirst, David Shrigley, and Ai Weiwei. The furniture is meticulously selected, blending restored Georgian pieces with custom-made items, including a dining table adorned with family silver over 300 years old.
Guests can prepare meals in the well-equipped kitchen or indulge in private dining experiences with the estate’s chef, Adam Williams. The bathrooms boast large roll-top baths, and the castle’s basement houses a wood-fired sauna. Additionally, The West End has a private woodland glade nearby, perfect for outdoor dining with a wood-fired oven, Green Egg BBQ, and a hot tub.
Staying at The West End
Three-night weekend stays (up to 10 people), at The West End are from £3,300, or £5,600 for a week. Midweek stays also available. Alternatively The West End can sleep four (from £1,320 for a three-night weekend or from £2,240 for a week).
The Hawarden Estate
Spanning some 6,000 acres, the Hawarden Estate is a creative idyll within easy reach of Chester, Manchester and Liverpool, with the North Welsh coast and Snowdonia on its doorstep. The Estate, an intriguing mix of heritage and modernity, is home to an award-winning farm shop and café, offering estate-picked fruit and vegetables. It also features a glamping site with bell tents, pitch-your-own spots, and an outdoor BBQ area. Further along Hawarden High Street, you’ll find the Glynne Arms, the Estate’s friendly and approachable pub.
The Hawarden team also run Summer Camp, a boutique festival spread across four long weekends in July each summer. Intimate and inspiring, the Camp invites guests to reset and recharge with a programme of world experts in cooking, nature and outdoor craft leading workshops and demonstrations.
The Walled Garden School
Also newly opened in 2023, is the Walled Garden School, that offers an inspiring programme of classes and courses at the heart of the Hawarden Estate. Expert led and with lunch cooked over the fire included, they’re an ideal gift for family or friend, or even to oneself. For foodies, there’s the opportunity to learn BBQ or butchery skills, while for those with a more artistic flair there’s a children’s drawing class as well as sign-writing and yoga retreat days.
For More on Hawarden Estate
Visit https://www.hawardenestateholidays.co.uk/.
Main image: Hawarden West End by Department Two
