Behind the Door | 17th April 2023
Behind the Door: Inside Palé Hall with the Harpers
We go behind the doors at Palé Hall to speak with Alan and Angela to reveal the secrets of restoring this stunning country house into a boutique hotel
Heritage buildings and their sympathetic restorations are integral to maintaining and showcasing the finest British architecture.
Many families, trusts and business owners tackle the unique challenge of restoring unusual and historic buildings to their original grandeur and transforming them into public spaces, hotels, and private country homes. South Yorkshire’s Wentworth Woodhouse, one of England’s grandest stately homes is currently going through a huge restoration project, and Castle Drogo - England’s ‘last castle’ – was completed summer 2022.
Alan and Angela Harper are no strangers to the boom in restoration as owners of Palé Hall, situated in the tranquil Dee Valley on the edge of Snowdonia. The Harpers had originally planned to keep the estate as a home for themselves until they toured the grounds and house in 2015 and had a change of heart. Using Alan’s business savvy knowledge and Angela’s eye for decorating, the couple transformed the outdated property into a truly luxurious, award-winning boutique hotel, maintaining that homely and welcoming atmosphere while boasting five-star service.
We go behind the doors at Palé Hall to speak with Alan and Angela to reveal the secrets of restoring this stunning country house into a boutique hotel.
“We fell for the quality of the building, the attention to detail, the stunning position in the Welsh countryside”
What made you both fall in love with Palé Hall?
Palé Hall is a beautiful Victorian Gothic Mansion, and we went to look at her as a potential home because we loved her so much. We fell for the quality of the building, the attention to detail, the stunning position in the Welsh countryside, and we were inspired by the potential project, given she was in need of much TLC….!
You have beautifully restored the house paying homage to its heritage, what was your inspiration?
Palé herself was our inspiration. She told us what to do. We needed to preserve her heritage and to ensure she was returned to her full glory. To quote William Morris, “If I have succeeded in some small way, if only in one small corner of the world, amongst the men and women I love, then I shall count myself blessed, and blessed, and blessed, and the work goes on.”
As an independent hotelier, you create unique experiences for guests- how do you want guests to feel when they stay at Palé Hall?
That's easy. At home. A combination of a house full of our personal pictures, ornaments and furniture with a staff who blend the perfect balance of care, warmth and professionalism.
Luxury has a personal definition for all, what is yours?
Beauty, comfort, a feast for the senses.
PoB Hotels is all about opening the door to inspiration. As a member, what ‘must do’ activities do you recommend during a stay at Palé Hall?
North Wales is a base for walking, visiting castles, glorious coastlines, waterfalls and mountains. Palé herself is perfect to just relax and to jump off the world.
If you want to discover the Wales at your own pace, our curated Back to Nature break is the perfect source of inspiration - or plan your own using our PoB Breaks interactive map.
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