Holds two AA Rosettes for exceptional high-quality dining
Mansion House Llansteffan sits above the Towy Estuary and has been part of the landscape since the early 1800s, with a careful restoration completed in 2012. Today, the house brings together good food, celebrations, and relaxed stays all under one roof. Its restaurant holds two AA Rosettes and focuses on seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Weddings are a big part of life here, with private use of the house and space for all kinds of events. Step outside and you’ll find coastal walks, castle ruins, and peaceful estuary views nearby, all easy to explore. Throughout the year, the house also hosts private celebrations, afternoon teas, and seasonal events, with gardens that keep the property feeling alive in every season.
Pantyrathro, SA33 5AJ Carmarthen, United Kingdom
The Mansion House dates back to around 1820, with Georgian roots, though much of its current character comes from Victorian-era owner John Richards. A successful dairy farmer from West Wales, Richards made his fortune supplying milk to England and added many striking features to the house, including a grand stained glass window above an ornate staircase that still catches the eye today.
Since the 1970s, the property and its grounds have operated as a wedding and dining venue, evolving steadily over the years. In 2012, Wendy and David Beaney took over, returning to Wendy’s native Carmarthenshire after years of traveling. The couple, who had celebrated their own wedding at the Mansion House in 1996, have carefully restored the property. Today, they and their four children, alongside a dedicated team, focus on creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where guests can enjoy the house in all its warmth and elegance.
The Mansion House in Llansteffan is rooted in Georgian architectural style, celebrated for its balanced proportions, elegant symmetry, and classic lines popular in the early 1800s. Its refined facade overlooks Carmarthen Bay, with stonework, sash windows, and a gently pitched roof reflecting the timeless charm of the period. Inside, many original features have been preserved, including a grand staircase with a striking stained glass window that draws attention.
Restoration work has maintained these historical details while introducing modern comforts, particularly in the Orangery and dining areas, where natural light and views are emphasized. The mansion contains eight luxurious bedrooms, each named after a Welsh hill farm and designed with its own distinct character, combining heritage elements with contemporary touches. Selected areas of the property are wheelchair accessible, with facilities to support guests with mobility needs.
Moryd Restaurant
“Moryd” means “estuary” in Welsh, named after the River Towy visible from the tall windows of the Georgian dining room. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a period setting with views of the gardens and estuary. The food is fresh, with a strong focus on local ingredients. Seafood comes from Milford Haven, Welsh lamb and beef from a family butcher in St Clears, eggs from nearby Llanybri, local ales, and coracle-caught Sewin when it’s in season.
Guests can choose between a Market Menu or an à la carte menu, both full of well-prepared dishes. The restaurant has earned two AA Rosettes, reflecting the quality and care in its cooking. Dylan leads the kitchen with his team, making the most of seasonal produce. A thoughtfully put-together wine list offers plenty of choice to pair with the menu and there is also a dedicated kids menu available, too. Tea and coffee are served throughout the morning and afternoon.
Opening hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: Lunch - 12 pm to 2 pm | Dinner - 6 pm to 8.30 pm
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea comes as a relaxed mix of savory bites and sweet treats. It starts with finger sandwiches filled with ham and mustard, turkey with stuffing and cranberry, beef with horseradish, chicken with avocado, cheese with house relish, and tomato with pesto. Four fillings can be chosen, with vegetarian options included. There are warm savory options too, like egg and chive mayo, cream cheese with cucumber, cheese and apple slaw, smoked salmon with cream cheese, tuna with cucumber mayo, salmon with lemon mayo, and a warm sausage and pickle Wellington.
For sweets, there’s a traditional sponge cake to choose from, chocolate, carrot with cream cheese, or vanilla, along with classic chocolate eclairs and handmade scones served with homemade jam and clotted cream. Everything is served with a selection of Joe’s Teas and freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon Tea is available by advance booking and is suited to groups of 15 or more. Any dietary allergies should be shared ahead of time, and final numbers need to be confirmed and paid for at least 10 days in advance.
Opening hours: 3 pm onwards
Sunday Lunch
Sunday lunch is built around comforting, familiar dishes with a seasonal feel. Starters often include warming soups, simple sourdough dishes, or small plates made with local meat and seafood. The main courses lean into traditional Sunday roasts, with options like beef, lamb, or turkey served with classic accompaniments, alongside fish dishes and well-thought-out vegetarian choices.
There is usually something for everyone, whether you prefer a hearty roast or a lighter plate. The menu changes each week to reflect what is fresh and available, keeping things interesting while staying true to Sunday lunch traditions. Two-course options are available, with prices starting from GBP 25 (around USD 34) per person.
Opening hours: 12 pm to 2.30 pm
Mansion House Llansteffan offers wedding packages that take care of pretty much everything you’ll need for the big day. From the grand entrance to the garden’s bright Orangery, which can host up to 120 guests, the house offers plenty of space for celebrations. Romantic and breathtaking views add to the experience. Exclusive use of the house is included, and the team helps plan everything from start to finish. The two-day package covers a two-night stay for up to 18 guests, with breakfast, dinner, and wine included. It also includes a full civil ceremony setup, flowers, decor, ceremony music, evening entertainment, and a wedding photographer.
The three-day package adds extra styling touches, additional floral arrangements, live music, and extended photography during the stay. The four-day package builds on this with more decor choices, feature furnishings, extra photography and content coverage, and a wider range of entertainment such as a magician, illustrator, or photo booth. Food is also a big part of the day. Canapés include vegetable, fish, meat, and sweet options, while drinks range from cocktails to sparkling wine and bottled beers.
Mansion House Llansteffan is set among gentle Welsh hills that lead down to Carmarthen Bay. It’s a peaceful spot for exploring the area. Just a short trip takes you to Llansteffan Castle, where the ruins sit on a headland with views over the Towy Estuary and sandy beaches. Nearby, footpaths lead to the National Trust’s Wharley Point, a great place for a walk or a picnic. History is all around, from the imposing walls of Kidwelly Castle to The Boat House at Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas once lived and wrote by the Taf Estuary.
Nature lovers will enjoy WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, a peaceful spot full of birds and wildlife. The National Botanic Gardens of Wales are nearby, with extensive parkland and a striking glasshouse by Norman Foster, featuring exotic plants, terraces, and winding paths. For something a bit different, the Gwili Steam Railway offers a nostalgic ride on antique steam trains, complete with dining cars and special events. With castles, gardens, and unique local experiences all nearby, there’s something for every kind of traveler in and around Llansteffan.
Mansion House Llansteffan hosts a range of festive events during the holidays. Christmas Day Lunch starts with a glass of Champagne, followed by a five-course meal, with options for kids, little ones, and even a takeaway for two. There’s also a festive brunch, perfect for friends and family to celebrate together, and a Christmas Party Band Night with a three-course dinner and live music from Anthology. A deposit is needed to book, but you can cancel for free until the end of November. It’s a fun and lively way to celebrate the holidays at the mansion.
Mansion House Llansteffan is great for all sorts of celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to family get-togethers or work events. There’s plenty of space, from the bright Orangery, which can host up to 120 guests, to the private rooms at Moryd, and you can enjoy the views over the Towy Estuary and Carmarthen Bay. Garden terraces give a nice, relaxed feel, too. Whether it’s a weekend with family, a small work meeting, or a bigger gathering, Mansion House makes it easy to have a memorable event in beautiful surroundings. For more information or to plan your event, reach out to the team directly.
Medieval fortress ruins in the heart of Carmarthen, offering a glimpse into Welsh history and views over the town. (17-minute drive)
A peaceful historic spring set in woodland near Llansteffan, great for a short walk and relaxing. (10-minute drive)
Local history museum set in the historic Bishop’s Palace gardens, with diverse regional exhibits. (18-minute drive)
Swansea Airport is the closest airport to Mansion House, Llansteffan, about an hour away by car.
Carmarthen Railway Station is the nearest major train terminal to the Mansion House, Llansteffan, about 15 minutes away by car.