The Luxury Travel Bible - PRIVATE LUXURY: King Charles' Welsh Home, Llwynywermod

PRIVATE LUXURY: King Charles' Llwynywemod

Llwynywermod, a former 18th century coach house and farm in Carmarthenshire is the Welsh home of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It was purchased by the then Prince Charles in 2007 and converted into a private residence by Craig Hamilton Architects who followed Charles's philosophy of building sustainably.

Charles and Camilla have their quarters in the old coach house but you can live like royalty in two barn conversions; North Range (sleeps 6) and West Range (sleeps four) part of the Royal Household Collection,  which sit in the courtyard which adjoins the royal abode.

 

You can't actually rent either cottage when their Majesties are in residence, so no sneaking a peak at Camilla or Charles in their green wellies walking the estate. Nevertheless you can enjoy the same lifestyle. Not least striding the hills of the surrounding landscape in your own wellies (Llwynywermod sits within 192 acres of farmland with beautiful views over historic parkland) or visiting some of the castles for which Carmarthenshire is famous and exploring the nearby Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formally known as the Brecon Beacons).

The collection of 5* luxury self-catering holiday cottages in Cornwall, Wales and the Isles of Scilly are now part of the Duchy of Cornwall which Prince William, the new Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall took over when King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022. 

 

The Duchy of Cornwall is one of Britain’s oldest private estates, caring for around 54,521 hectares of land in 23 counties. Throughout his stewardship as 24th Duke of Cornwall, HM King Charles, III, was actively involved in running the Duchy. HRH The Prince William The Duke of Cornwall continues this commitment to nurture and improve the estate in order to pass it on to the next generation in a stronger condition.

As the custodian of the Duchy of Cornwall, William has access to all forms of the Duchy Estate including the Llwynywermod Estate. So maybe Wills and Kate will be taking the kids during the school holidays?

 

The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite of the two Duchy of Cornwall rentals is West Range and its pretty, wildlife-friendly courtyard garden with a constantly changing planting scheme and a central fountain. With sustainability brought to the fore, both the heating and hot water are supplied from a wood chip boiler and electricity is provided solely by a renewable source. 

Both of the barn conversions have been furnished to suit its history and surroundings, with a mixture of period and contemporary furniture, including many Welsh pieces and local materials including Welsh slate and stone. Our Luxury Insider tells us that the interiors were decorated by Queen Camilla's sister, interior designer and antique collector Annabel Elliot with a mix of antiques and plush modern furnishings.

Both beautiful conversions have stone floors, large open fireplaces and oak-shuttered windows. They also include modern comforts such as a flat screen digital TV with DVD player and hi-fi with iPod docking station. 'Quality' books, DVD's and games are also provided; so you can guess Prince Harry’s autobiography ‘Spare’ isn't there.

Unless you have as many loyal retainers as royalty you may have to do your own washing. Luckily there is a dishwasher and washing machine, with  Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels also provided. In keeping with the King's stand on conservation and the environment the heat and hot water is supplied from a woodchip boiler, and sustainable natural products have been used in the barn's construction, including sheep's wool insulation and hemp plaster.

Unfortunately the rentals no longer accept dogs. So, sadly, the corgis will have to stay at home.

The Luxury Travel Bible Insider says... Next on your list - King Charles' 18th century Saxon houses in Romania. They may not be exactly five star but you will be helping the cause of restoration close to his Majesty's heart. Plus the cottages are run for the Duchy of Cornwall by the staff of a real life Transylvanian count, Count Kalnoky, (an elegant man who, we are told, bears more than passing resemblance to Ralph Fiennes). www.transylvaniancastle.com
Luxury Travel Link: www.duchyofcornwallholidaycottages.co.uk
 Hilary Doling, 04/05/23
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