If you’ve been enchanted by the magnificent setting of Alan Carr’s triumphant Traitors victory and have envisioned yourself staying in a castle akin to it, then your quest concludes here.
Although the game-show castle is exclusively for weddings, there exists a striking gothic alternative with a fascinating history, formerly owned by a prominent American and utilized by Winston Churchill for strategic planning during WW2.
Pennsylvania Castle may sound like a novelty, but it fulfills its promises. Erected by the founding father of Pennsylvania himself, this grand estate offers stunning views of rugged cliffs and, with a rare availability, could be yours just in time for the Christmas season. Hosting several Royal weddings and graced by the presence of the King and Queen in 1800 to celebrate their nuptials upon completion, as reported by the Express.
Situated between 1797 and 1800 for John Penn, the grandson of William Penn (Pennsylvania’s founder), the castle on Portland was built following his appointment as Governor of the Isle of Portland, desiring a majestic coastal abode overseeing Church Ope Cove.
Designed by the renowned architect James Wyatt, it stands as a splendid representation of late 18th-century Gothic Revival, adorned with turrets, battlements, and romantic coastal splendor rather than serving as a conventional military fortress.
During the early 1800s, the castle gained significant popularity and welcomed occasional Royal guests during Weymouth’s “sea-bathing” seasons, solidifying Portland’s social prominence.
Legend has it that the D-Day invasion strategy was conceived within the castle’s drawing room, where Winston Churchill, General de Gaulle, and General Eisenhower purportedly gathered to chart their path to victory, according to Project Gutenberg.
Pennsylvania Castle’s contribution to planning the D-Day landings was commemorated with a grand ceremony on August 22, 1945, as documented by Elysian Estates.
American ambassador John D. Winant unveiled a commemorative stone in Victoria Gardens, honoring the 418,585 troops and nearly 144,093 military vehicles that passed through the location the previous year.
Exclusively available, the estate features nine en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 20 guests. The nearby dining venue, The Cove Inn, offers an ideal setting for a relaxed dinner with breathtaking English Channel views.
Their menu highlights fresh seafood and refreshing Dorset ales. For those in search of an evening stroll, numerous cliff-top trails await near Church Ope Cove or Chesil Beach – a locale recognizable from Ian McEwan’s novel adapted for the screen starring Saoirse Ronan.
For travelers seeking a more adventurous experience, ascending the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and a leisurely walk along the clifftops to Pulpit Rock for an enhanced sea view is recommended.