A 19th Century Welsh Castle
Glandyfi Castle is a Regency Gothic castle that stands high above the Dyfi Estuary within 31 acres of land, nestled in gardens with sweeping lawns and paved terraces, and offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside and out towards the mountains of Snowdonia.
The romantic property was built in 1819 by an unknown architect for the grandson of Edward Jeffreys of Shrewsbury, an investor in silver and lead mines.
Built of local stone, the castellar architecture includes mullion windows, octagonal towers, and impressive chimneys. The property remained in the Jeffreys family until 1906, and has since had a series of different owners, most notably, the Dockers.
Sir Bernard Docker and his wife, Norah, scandalized Britain in the 1950s with their excess. The Dazzling Dockers were known for their extravagance, and their time at Glandyfi Castle inspired the 1963 ‘Pink Panther’ film.
‘Naughty Norah’, a famous spendaholic and socialite, married her 3rd husband, the chairman of Daimler Sir Bernard Docker in 1949, the same year the couple purchased the castle. They would go on to spend the equivalent of today’s £1.3M renovating the castle, using funds from her husband’s company.
At the time, Norah also had a series of custom Daimler’s covered in gold and upholstered in zebra hide, an excess she required “because mink is too hot to sit on”.
By 1956, it became known that Sir Bernard and Lady Dockers were using the Daimler company to fund their extravagant lifestyle and both the castle and the Daimlers were sold off—and made national headlines.
Inside the castle, there are 9 ensuite bedrooms and several period reception rooms with fine detail, such as the oak panelling and Regency ceiling details in the Drawing Room.
An octagonal library has a Nash-influenced coved ceiling and a lovely pink marble fireplace. The Medieval stone courtyard has been transformed into an atrium with a glass roof, creating a cozy and bright gathering space.
The Grade II listed castle has been updated for contemporary living in the last 20 years, although the property has immense potential to be transformed anew.
The property comes with an updated 1-bedroom Lodge with a private garden, located at the entrance to the driveway.
The estate is set in a region known for its stunning coastline with sandy beaches and sheltered harbours, close to local attractions.
With its stunning views, estate, and romantic architecture, Glandyfi Castle will no doubt have a beautiful next chapter with its new owner.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
