The property, which has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, is cared for by Susan and Peter Martin alongside their family and run as a self-catering estate and wedding venue. There is also a popular wellness spa – used by both guests and the local community.
Before it became known as Bryn Tanat Hall, the estate was called Gravel Hill, a key part of the Godolphin estate. In the late 18th century, the estate became tied to one of the era’s notable family disputes.
Mary Godolphin married William Owen of Brogyntyn, and together they had two sons – Francis and Robert.
After Francis’s untimely death, his younger brother Robert assumed the inheritance, much to the dismay of their uncle, Francis Godolphin.
In protest, he disinherited Robert entirely, instead leaving the Aber Tanat estate to Lord Francis Osborne, the second son of the Duke of Leeds.
In 1848, Mary Perry first rented the estate, later purchasing it in 1862.
It was through her son-in-law, Henry Leslie, that the hall flourished as a cultural haven. A champion of English choral music, Leslie founded a celebrated choir that won first prize at the Paris Exhibition and, in 1880, established the Oswestry School of Music, setting the tone for decades of musical excellence.
His son, William Leslie, carried that passion forward. During the 1920s and 1930s, he hosted music festivals at Bryn Tanat Hall, drawing professional orchestras and acclaimed conductors such as Sir Walford Davies.
During the Second World War, Bryn Tanat Hall provided shelter for members of the Women’s Land Army and also housed American servicemen.
It was later acquired by the Highfield family, and was transformed into a vegetarian guest house.
The most recent chapter in its history started in 1967 when Bill and Flora Hall arrived in Mid Wales with their children, Susan and Andrew. Bryn Tanat Hall became a thriving country hotel under the couple’s care.
In 1989, Susan and her husband, Peter, returned to the estate with their three young children – Jonathan, James and Annabel and began transforming it into the luxurious retreat it is today.
Alongside the elegant Bryn Tanat Hall, the estate now features a collection of themed lodges and an eco-friendly Mercury cabin, offering a range of distinctive accommodation options for guests.
The Wellness Spa and Fitness Suite are managed by Kirsty Martin, who is married to James and lives on the estate with their three children, Olivia, Sophia and George. Kirsty changed her career path and joined the family business full-time in 2013 and works closely with Susan across the wider operations.
“Bryn Tanat Hall has been in my husband’s family since his mother was 10 years old,” Kirsty explains. “Susan’s parents ran it as a hotel, and in 2008 we introduced self-catering stays. The main house now offers large group accommodation for up to 28 guests, while our larger lodges each sleep up to eight. We also have an eco-cabin, which is primarily used for one and two-night spa breaks.”
She adds: “Our focus has always been how we can improve and create a truly unique guest experience. That’s why we’ve continually invested in the estate, introducing facilities such as the tennis court, gym and, more recently, the Wellness Spa in its current form.
“We have really enhanced what we offer,” Kirsty adds. “Groups can simply enjoy the accommodation, or make full use of the facilities to create a truly bespoke stay.”
The family team also includes Susan and Peter’s son, James, who plays a key role in maintaining and developing the estate’s buildings, ensuring Bryn Tanat Hall continues to evolve while remaining true to its heritage.
Jonathan and his wife, Jo-anna, live at Bryn Tanat Hall with their two children, Edward and Anna. Jonathan is closely involved in the maintenance and ongoing development of the estate, as well as supporting the business through administrative and operational improvements.
Jo-anna is an essential part of the behind the scenes team, overseeing finance and administration to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business.
Set amid the picturesque River Tanat and the Meifod Valley, Bryn Tanat Hall regularly welcomes guests from across the UK and beyond.
“Due to the main house sleeping up to 28 guests, it’s an ideal setting for large family gatherings or reunions with friends,” says Kirsty. “There’s almost always a celebration behind a stay in the main house.”
She adds: “We often have guests staying for a weekend who travel from London or the north of England. Our central location and easy access to major motorway routes make the estate a natural meeting point. We often welcome groups with guests flying in from overseas. We’re very versatile – rural, but not too remote.”
The Wellness Spa is a major draw, not only for overnight guests but also for the local community. Designed as a year-round retreat, focusing on relaxation, restoration and overall wellbeing.
Recognising a gap in the market for a more holistic, experience-led wellness offering, Kirsty retrained as a massage therapist a decade ago. Her hands-on background gives her a deep, practical understanding of the spa and wellbeing side of the business, shaping everything from treatment menus to the overall guest experience.
By combining professional expertise with a genuine passion for wellness, Kirsty has helped develop the spa into an integral part of Bryn Tanat Hall, ensuring it reflects both industry standards and the personal, restorative approach the estate is known for.
Available exclusively for individual bookings, including spa day guests and Wellness Club members, the Spa Suite features a large hydrotherapy tub, an infrared sauna with red-light therapy and a rain-drench shower. The treatment menu blends restorative therapies with beauty essentials.
In addition, Bryn Tanat offers fitness and wellbeing memberships, providing access to the gym, tennis courts and Spa Suite, alongside exclusive discounts on treatments and retail products.
In recognition of its continued excellence, Bryn Tanat Hall was named Best Self-Catering Accommodation in Mid Wales 2024/25 at the Mid Wales Tourism Awards – an accolade Kirsty describes as “a huge achievement for the team and the family”.
“We really care about the property — it’s under our skin, in our family and in our blood,” Kirsty adds. “We want everything we offer to be five-star, and we’re always on hand to support our guests and ensure the estate runs smoothly. Nothing is overlooked because Bryn Tanat means so much to us, and it’s important that it’s presented in the very best way.”
She continues: “The most rewarding part is seeing guests arrive and truly enjoy their time here – watching their reactions, making them feel special, and knowing they’re able to relax and experience everything Bryn Tanat has to offer.”
When asked what makes the estate such a special place to live on or to visit, Kirsty points to its character and history.
“The main house, in particular, has a story that stretches back to the 17th century. Every room has its own history, and there’s a real sense of warmth and homeliness throughout. Even when you’re staying as part of a large group, there’s always space to find a quiet corner to unwind away from the main hubbub.”
She also highlights the estate’s grounds, which have been lovingly restored by her mother-in-law. “She has a deep affection for trees and the landscape, and the restoration has been done sympathetically, with lots of native species. We sit above the River Tanat, which runs along the bottom of the garden, adding to the beauty and tranquillity of the setting.”
Kirsty has plenty of recommendations for first time visitors. “I’d suggest starting with a walk around the grounds, take it all in and relax and then perhaps book a treatment. Our team of fantastic therapists provide the most amazing treatments. We are very proud of our spa partnerships with VOYA and Wild Beauty from the Rhug Estate in Corwen, offering guests something truly special. Those staying on a self-catering basis can really benefit from treating themselves to a relaxing experience they might not normally make time for.”
She adds: “I’d encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in what we offer here, while also taking the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Mid Wales is home to some incredible places, all within easy reach.”
For more information, see www.bryntanat.co.uk
