Heading west to Caernarfon on the northwest coast of Wales, we arrived at Plas Dinas on a gray and rainy summer night. It wasn't cold outside but to dispel the gloom, a cozy fire was roaring in the elegant yet comfortable parlor. Friendly and capable, Andy and Julian Banner-Price are in charge of the one-time family home of the Earl of Snowdon and his wife, Princess Margaret (the estate is still owned by a descendant).
I checked in to the South Room, a large and well-equipped double room with a generously proportioned bathroom, The bed was supremely comfortable with a white duvet cover under a heavy patterned bedcover. A loveseat, dressing table, armoire and fireplace added to the charm and convenience.
Back in the sitting room, we were served cocktails by the fireplace as we perused the dinner menu. We relaxed until dinner was about ready, as if we were guests in someone's home, then went on to the dining room.
Dinner was "fish pie," which sounded revolting to my stateside ears but turned out to be incredibly delicious comfort food, with salmon and shrimp covered in a creamy leek sauce with cheesy mashed potatoes. The strawberries in the dessert were picked on the estate grounds that day, as were the flowers on the tables.
Breakfast was also in the dining room, although you can choose to stretch outside on the terrace in better weather than we had. The breakfast menu was short but delicious; I had eggs and black pudding, while Judy feasted on salmon and double cream topping toasted bread.
