Miskin Manor has one of the oldest and most illustrious histories of the many lovely country hotels in Wales. Located in the idyllic Vale of Glamorgan, the 10th century holds the earliest record of the origins of this glamorous country hotel. Wales at this time was divided into areas called Cwmwds and Miskin was a Cwmwd in its own right. The origins of the name ‘Miskin’ are thought to hark back to the words: ‘Maen Cun’, or ‘Lovely Plain’.
The lovely plain on which this most beautiful of country hotels in Wales currently stands is as stunning today as it was 1100 years ago. In fact, having just won Wales in Bloom 2011 it may well be even lovelier! The next record we have of the existence of this most illustrious of country hotels in Wales dates back to 1100, when Nest, the daughter of the Prince of Glamorgan, lived in a manor on the site of what is now our glamorous country hotel. Welsh heritage tells us that for the next six generations the estate was home to the Basset family.
The 1800s at Miskin Manor: One of The Most Illustrious Country Hotels in Wales
In 1857 the estate was sold to Mr David Williams and in 1864 the Manor was constructed, beginning the life of what is now our country hotel. Wales owes much to David Williams also known by the bard’s title of Alaw Goch. There are many poets, writers and artists in the history of our country hotel. Wales is full of such figures and, of the many country hotels in Wales, Miskin seems to have had more than its fair share. Alaw Goch, or David Williams, played a key part in the origins of the National Eisteddford and in the building of our country hotel. Wales also has much to thank the elder of David’s two sons for.
Gwilym Williams was an important judge in the county courts of Glaniorgan, where he was known as Judge Gwilym Williams of Miskin Manor. His statue stands outside the law courts in Cardiff to this day, a great link to the history of our country hotel. After his death his son Gwilym inherited what is now our stunning country hotel. Wales, with its rich sense of history, made much of the fact that Gwilym’s wife was a descendant of the original Nest herself. These twists, turns and coincidences make Miskin Manor one of the most fascinating country hotels in Wales.
The 1900s at Miskin Manor: Scandal and Tragedy at Country Hotels in Wales
Our beautiful country hotel then passed on to Sir Rhys Williams, whose wife, Juliet, was the daughter of the scandalous novelist Elinor Glyn, who also lived in our fascinating country hotel. Wales was shocked by Glyn’s 20th century ‘erotic’ fiction. Under the ownership of Sir Rhys, this most wonderful of country hotels in Wales saw a great deal of society life, and even had the honour of entertaining the Prince of Wales (later to become Edward VIII) as well as then Prime Minister Lloyd George.
The Manor, which is now one of the most exclusive country hotels in Wales, has suffered two major fires during this century. The first, in 1922, destroyed all but the external walls. The photographs on the ground floor illustrate the extent of the damage. The second fire occurred in 1952, shortly after this fascinating country hotel in Wales was transformed from its wartime occupation as a hospital into post-war flats. In 1985 the Manor was sold, converted and extended to create the most illustrious country hotel Wales has to offer.
Modern Miskin Manor: The Premier, Family-run Country Hotel, Wales
The current owners, Leah and Colin Rosenberg, purchased the Manor in 1996, and their loving care and attention to detail in the restoration of the country hotel shows itself very clearly in the Minstrel Hall, which, with its Gallery, is a truly magical room. Miskin’s extensive history gives it the richest atmosphere and ambience of any of the lovely country hotels in Wales.