About
Cartrefle is a significant Arts & Crafts home and garden and with a rich history that has recently been sympathetically renovated to blend timeless charm with contemporary luxury.
CARTREFLE TODAY
Reflecting Cartrefle’s location and history
Heather, the owner, originally from nearby Amlwch on the Isle of Anglesey, has lovingly and thoughtfully restored Cartrefle to honour its heritage and creat an enriching experience for those who stay here. After substantial renovations, then came the task of meticulously sourcing furniture and fittings to reflect the era of the property. The result celebrates Cartrefle’s original elegant design while weaving in the timeless beauty of its historic gardens and the dramatic Welsh countryside.
Warm, earthy paint colours, handmade tiles and wooden panelling invite a sense of calm. Vintage rugs and Roger Oates runners mingle with kilim cushions, while locally upholstered benches and chairs in Liberty and Mulberry fabrics pay homage to Cartrefle’s noble former owners. Subtle accents of Melin Tregwynt Welsh blankets and curtains add authentic warmth, and tadelakt plaster and modern bathrooms introduce contemporary comforts.
We hope your stay mirrors that of Heather and her family – creating beautiful memories in Cartrefle….meaning ‘homestead’ signifying a place of belonging and comfort.
CARTREFLES HISTORY
How the past has impacted Cartrefle today
The land on which Cartrefle stands was owned by the 4th Marquis of Anglesey, Cartrefle, Llantysilio to Sir Charles,10th Baronet of Isham . Sir Isham built Cartrefle in the late 1800’s as a Welsh retreat for himself and his wife, Lady Isham. A passionate botanist and world traveler, Sir Isham filled Cartrefle’s gardens with exotic plants suited to the coastal microclimate—many thriving today in the arboretum he planted. Sir Isham is also credited with introducing garden gnomes to Britain, a whimsical legacy we celebrate in the woods in the garden.
The estate later passed to a successful industrialist, then ownership moved to the Church, becoming Llys yr Esgob , residence of the Bishops of Bangor.
The house at some point had a serious fire which damaged the orangery, balcony and the Tudor style facia of the Menai Straits side of the house. The house staff can be seen in the photograph.
Sold in 1956, to a doctor and his family, Cartrefle reclaimed it’s original name.
