A sprawling Georgian mansion, thirty acres of land, delicious Welsh food…Nanteos Mansion is the absolute perfect treat for your Mum and her dog. So those are the two special people #Teamcoco writer, Rachael Lindsay, took with her on a special overnight stay.

We take a long, windy drive through the Nanteos estate to get to the stunning Nanteos manor house, located in Ceredigion near Aberystwyth, Wales. After a fair journey, we are keen to give our #Teamcocopup for the next few days, Ralph, a stretch of his legs. Luckily we are in the heart of woodland and parkland. This is dog-walking heaven and we make the most of it, discovering a labyrinth, a pet graveyard and even a collection of garden bee hives along the way.

After Ralph has checked out the estate, it is time for us to check in. We have a gorgeous dog-friendly suite overlooking the grounds. Each room is individually designed so you can take your pick – if you really want to treat yourself, go for the Nightingale honeymoon suite, complete with corner bath and hand-stencilled walls. A lovely touch is the doggy treats left for Ralph which he rudely devours without even a thank you.

Leaving Ralph to enjoy his treats, my Mum and I feel like we are guests at the Titanic, making our way down the huge central staircase to the bar area. We sup Prosecco before enjoying a three-course meal of Welsh delights. The focus here is locally-sourced and -inspired dishes, and I have a vegan menu of charred leeks, chickpea curry and vegan cherry chocolate brownie. Special touches like a salmon or tofu miso as an amuse-bouche and the homemade sourdough bread with marmite butter add to the wow factor.

Breakfast, served in the Buttery, is an old-fashioned affair with high ceilings, copper pans and iron stoves. The buffet brims with fruit juices, cereals and breads and a hot food menu includes a full Welsh with lava bread and bacon as well as the usual brunch favourites.

Ralph isn’t satisfied without a wander through the house itself (well-behaved dogs are allowed in all rooms except those where food is served). We casually stumble across the Music room, with chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Welsh hills, and ridiculously ornate ceilings and walls. The period features everywhere are pretty astonishing and perhaps unsurprising for such a historic building. The flooring dates back to the 11th century (!) and the Mansion has been owned by the aristocratic Powell family for most of its existence. Information on the second floor provides a fascinating potted history which also involves the Nanteos Cup, a candidate for the Holy Grail!

Mythology, grand architecture, great food and acres of land for pups to explore…Nanteos Mansion is the perfect Welsh break for me, Ralph and Mum. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in history and nature, and at excellent value for the luxury on offer, from £139 B&B per room per night.

For more information, visit nanteos.com.

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