The Falcondale Country House Hotel

On the outskirts of Lampeter sits the beautiful estate of Pant-y-Curyll, known by the English translation of its name, Falcondale. The property land itself was linked to various tenants or owners, but the first definitive lord of the estate was John Scandrett Harford, a successful banker and influential abolitionist. It was inherited by John Battersby Harford, who commissioned a country manor be built in 1859. The London architect Talbot Bury envisioned a splendid Italianate villa surrounded by the landscaped gardens and the lush greenery of the Welsh countryside. The Harfords are also credited with improving Lampeter's economy by providing jobs in and around the estate to locals.

As Britain's gentry gradually declined in influence and importance in the 20th century, the Falcondale Estate was sold off in the early 1950s. The main house was repurposed by the local council as a home for the elderly, operating for a couple of decades. It was acquired by one H. L. Smith in 1975, who promptly converted the manor into a hotel. As the new millennium rolled in, Chris and Lisa Hutton bought the estate in 2000, adapting the hotel for modern hospitality while preserving its historical character.

The Falcondale Hotel is recognized and listed as a Grade II historic property, built in 1859. The manor's Italianate villa design was made by London architect Talbot T. Bury, replacing an earlier house on the estate. Aside from the style becoming popular during the Victorian Era, another factor cited was Harford's stay in Italy.

The manor easily stands out from the green countryside thanks to its exterior features. The white stuccoed walls gleam in the sun, while the deep-eaved, low-pitched hipped roofs and chimney stacks peek over the treeline. The layout follows a symmetrical order, with walls lined with detailed pilasters and French windows framed by balconies.

For the interior areas, modern alterations are carefully integrated with existing heritage features, such as the panelled shutters and coffered ceilings. Contemporary furnishings stand side by side with antique dressers and drawers, and some of the hotel's rooms have been modified for accessibility, providing wheelchair friendly fixtures.

Dining

Waiting for you at The Falcondale Hotel are thoughtfully curated all‑day dining experiences showcasing Welsh gastronomy. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast buffet, a traditional full Welsh platter, or a healthy vegetarian variant. Lunches are served in The Conservatory during mid‑day, while lighter fare is available both during the afternoons and the dinner service. More substantial options are available during dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. Traditional Sunday lunches feature classic roasts, which are best paired with one of the bottles from the estate's growing wine list.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 8 am - 10 am
Lunch: 12 pm - 2 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm - 8 pm

Afternoon Tea

A highlight of the hotel is the Afternoon Tea service, held in the Conservatory or on the terrace overlooking the Teifi Valley. This beloved British tradition includes a selection of tasty cakes, savory light bites, and flavorful sandwiches, paired perfectly with seasonal teas and coffee.

Availability: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

If you're looking for a scenic yet also versatile wedding venue while visiting Wales, then The Falcondale estate is a practical and beautiful choice. The hotel is licensed for civil marriages and partnership ceremonies, and offers a range of indoor ceremony spaces. The intimate Peterwell Room accommodates up to 30 guests, while larger lounges can host 80 attendees. For particularly large celebrations, the outdoor gazebo overlooking the Teifi valley is available for functions expecting around 200 guests.

The hotel and its dedicated teams pride themselves on tailoring celebrations to each couple’s desires and vision, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lavish gala. Banquets can be customised with a variety of menus, and tasting sessions can be arranged with the head chef. The wedding coordinator will also ensure that every detail is handled smoothly, including the logistics, and acquiring additional services such as stylists or entertainers.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

While visiting Lampeter, you'll be spoiled for choice on what to do and where to go. Despite being nestled in the Welsh countryside, Lampeter is a bustling historic market town with plenty of shops, dining spots, and small museums. Notable stops include the Welsh Quilt Centre, which showcases traditional and modern Welsh textile craftsmanship, and the Lampeter Museum, a quaint museum about the town's history. The town also boasts seasonal highlights like farmers’ markets and the Lampeter Food Festival, held every July. If you'd like to spend a day close to nature, head over to the beautiful Cae Hir Gardens or teach your children about sustainable agriculture at the Denmark Farm Conservation Centre.

Ceredigion's green spaces and nature spots are also fantastic places to spend your time. Parc yr Orsedd and Longwood Community Woodland offer walking and cycling routes. Brechfa Forest is a mix of old growth and trees from conservation planting efforts, with mountain biking and hiking areas. The Ceredigion coast is also within reach for day trips, where you can charter boats for fishing or wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Aside from weddings, The Falcondale Hotel also welcomes a variety of private events at their Victorian estate. Choose from elegant indoor spaces filled with historic atmosphere, to manicured lawns and landscaped gardens surrounded by the scenic Welsh countryside. Dedicated teams will handle the preparations for your function, whether it's a conference, banquet, or memorial. Likewise, the culinary team will also prepare bespoke three-course banquets that will also meet specific requirements and palates.