The Welsh Gatehouse
South Wales Monmouthshire Chepstow
- From £150 a night
- Sleeps 2
- Castle
- Cottage
A romantic and historic self-catering cottage near Chepstow and the Wye Valley
The Welsh Gatehouse is a holiday home with twin towers, turrets, and a Grade II* listing. Book a stay and you’ll feel like the king of the castle, except there’s no one to wait on you here. This is a self-catering place to stay, which means you’ll have these age-old walls to yourselves – and, as it’s just for two, it’s as romantic as it is historic. This place almost certainly predates every other holiday home you’ve stayed in, having been built more than 700 years ago. To put it in context, that’s just 200 years after nearby Chepstow Castle and two centuries before Henry VIII was born.
To arrive, you drive up the long(ish) driveway, where you will find the huge wooden doors that lead into the Courtyard Garden. These are mostly kept closed, but you're invited to duck through the smaller inset door. Go round the corner to the left, and there's your front door. You'll ascend up the spiral staircase. So far, so medieval, but enter the first-floor living space and you’ll see a combination of old and new.
Exposed stonework, beams, and diamond leaded windows with original glass were carefully retained in the renovation of the gatehouse, but modern amenities have been added, too. Some, like the log-burning stove, feel totally in keeping. Others, like the kitchen and mezzanine bedroom, are contemporary, but still somehow fit in. The big surprise is how cosy and homely a 13th-century gatehouse can feel: the building itself is certainly dramatic, and the same word could be applied to the regally coloured red and gold curtains that hang down two storeys from the highest point of this open-plan room. The biggest drama of all is even higher than that – you can access one of the gatehouse towers for spectacular views, including sunsets over the green countryside of Monmouthshire, and both the old and new Severn Bridges. Needless to say, it’s a popular spot for proposals.
It's certainly a romantic place to stay, and you’ll feel its loved-up vibes even more in the evenings when the log burner creates a warm glow, or when you sit outside in the pretty garden after a meal at the nearby Millers Arms. The area can be pretty magical, too. The Welsh Gatehouse is four miles from Chepstow, where there are medieval walls and a clifftop castle overlooking the River Wye. It sits at the southern end of the beautiful Wye Valley, not far from the enchanting riverside ruins of Tintern Abbey, all of which are lovely places to explore on walks or from the water.
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Details
Facilities
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger for your car. One double bed. Wifi. Smart TV. Welcome basket. Toiletries. Bathroom Robes. JKey safe so you can arrive any time of the afternoon or evening. Lovely garden to sit out it. Bench, sun lounger and barbecue equipment available.Suitable For
No pets. Not suitable for people who struggle with steps. Bring 2 small bags rather than a large suitcase, as there is a stone spiral staircase to enter to property.Nearby
St Pierre Golf Course is next door. Chepstow Castle is nearby. Chepstow Racecourse is very close. Tintern Abbey. The hidden gem is Wye Valley. Bristol, Bath, Monmouth and Cardiff are all a short drive away.Food & Drink
Pub in walking distance (8 minutes walk) that serves food (The Millers Arms). Walks from the door (the Mathern Mill Fishery - Fishing Ponds are lovely to walk around).Open
All year.Pricing
From £150 a night, £1050 a week. It gets cheaper the longer you stay. One night in low season costs £220, and £265 for one night in high season.Why Book Direct?
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The Owner Says
The Welsh Gatehouse offers a unique and enchanting escape, perfect for romantic holidays. Built in 1270, this beautifully preserved medieval tower weaves centuries of history into every stone arch and timber beam. Yet inside, you’ll find all the warmth and comfort of modern living—from excellent heating to a cosy, comfortable sofa and luxurious touches throughout. It’s a rare blend of heritage and indulgence, where you can step back in time without sacrificing ease. Ideal for couples seeking atmosphere, seclusion, and a storybook setting to relax and reconnect. Like living in a fairytale castle.
Location
Contact Website 01291 63 880 6 The Welsh Gatehouse, Mathern, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6HZGetting There
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Let us know what you think of your stay.
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 10 reviews
Unique experience
Outstanding
Magical
We'll be back
The best place we have ever stayed in
Would recommend to everyone
Highly recommended. Steeped in history yet really comfortable and warm
Would definitely recommend!
A charming place with so much history
We couldn’t have asked for anything more!
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