The Early History of Miskin Manor: The Most Beautiful Country Hotel, Wales Wide

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.

If you would like to learn more about our stunning country hotel, Wales, or would like to arrange a guided tour of the most illustrious Grade II listed country hotel Wales can offer, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or enquire at reception. Just call 01443 224 204 and Dial 1.

Miskin Manor is celebrating another Wales in Bloom award after scooping the prestigious title for the category of Hotels, Guest and Public Houses and Restaurants; the third year in a row the country hotel has clinched the accolade after 2011 and 2012 triumphs.

The family owned hotel fought off stiff competition from other hospitality venues across the whole of Wales, and were judged to have to have the best hanging baskets, flowers, and frontage in the country.

Mrs Leah Rosenberg, who has owned the Miskin Manor with her husband since 1996, who along with her dedicated staff have crafted the gardens over the past 15 years said: ‘‘We all know our gardens are superb, and everyone always comments on how beautiful they are. The staff were overwhelmed when the news broke that we had won first place.’’.

'’We could not believe it when we heard the news. It’s a testimony to all the hard work that the staff have put in over the years. To win it the past two years was truly special, but to regain our title for the third year is just fantastic. We all know our gardens are superb, and everyone always comments on how beautiful they are. I personally pride myself in the gardens, and feel as though we have finally got the credit we deserve for these impeccable grounds. We’re only a stone’s throw from Cardiff City centre; so to have these grounds looking as charming and picturesque as they do, you can see why we are worthy winner of  Wales in Bloom.’’ said Mrs Rosenberg.

Reverend Jenny Judd, a Wales in Bloom judge commented on the fantastic win. '’The gardens and horticultural features of Miskin Manor have been the best well kept secret in all the years I have been a Wales in Bloom Judge. The standard of maintenance and cleanness of the site is to the standard I would expect. The Miskin Manor is a joy to visit and an inspiration to passionate horticulturists.’’

Miskin Manor encourage all visitors, old and new, to explore the gardens with events they are holding for the remainder of 2013 such as the Tasmanian Wine Tasting evening on Thursday 26th September and the Wedding Fayre on Sunday 27^th October.

Due to the high demand of our unbeatable Afternoon Tea, we kindly ask that all bookings are made at least 24 hours in advance along with pre-payment.

Served from 2pm to 6 pm Daily (subject to change through our peak times).

Choose from a traditional

Traditional Miskin Manor Cream Tea
A delightful selection of finger sandwiches and scones, freshly baked, served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, together with an assortment of mouth-watering cakes made by our own chefs.

Welsh Afternoon Tea
A delightful selection of finger sandwiches and scones, freshly baked, served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, together with Welsh cakes and Bara Brith.

Both served with a choice of tea.

Cost: £15.00 per person

Due to the high demand of our unbeatable Afternoon Tea, we kindly ask that all bookings are made at least 24 hours in advance along with pre-payment.

Please contact reception on 01443 224 204 or email  to make a booking.