If you’ve been enchanted by the picturesque setting of Alan Carr’s triumphant Traitors victory and fantasize about residing in a castle akin to it, your quest concludes here.
Although the game-show castle is exclusively for weddings, there exists a remarkable gothic alternative with a fascinating history, once possessed by a well-known American and utilized by Winston Churchill for strategic planning during WW2.
Pennsylvania Castle may sound whimsical, but it lives up to its promise. Built by the founder of Pennsylvania himself, this splendid estate offers stunning views of rugged cliffs and, thanks to an uncommon availability, could be yours just in time for Christmas. The Gothic mansion has hosted numerous Royal weddings and was graced by the presence of the King and Queen in 1800 to commemorate their nuptials upon its completion, as per the Express.
Situated between 1797 and 1800 for John Penn, the grandson of William Penn, the castle on Portland was established after his appointment as Governor of the Isle of Portland and his desire for a grand coastal residence overlooking Church Ope Cove.
Designed by acclaimed architect James Wyatt, it serves as a magnificent representation of late 18th Century Gothic Revival – featuring turrets, battlements, and romantic coastal splendor rather than functioning as a genuine military fortress.
Throughout the early 1800s, the castle garnered significant popularity and welcomed occasional Royal guests during Weymouth’s “sea-bathing” seasons, solidifying Portland’s social prestige.
Legend has it that the D-Day invasion strategy was formulated within the castle’s drawing room, where Winston Churchill, General de Gaulle, and General Eisenhower purportedly gathered to devise their path to victory, according to Project Gutenberg.
The pivotal role of Pennsylvania Castle in planning the D-Day landings was commemorated with a grand ceremony on August 22, 1945, as per 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 had passed through the location the previous year.
Exclusively available, the estate features nine en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 20 guests. The nearby dining establishment, The Cove Inn, offers a perfect setting for a relaxed dinner with breathtaking views of the English Channel.
Their menu showcases fresh seafood and crisp Dorset ales. For those seeking an evening stroll, numerous cliff-top trails await near Church Ope Cove or Chesil Beach – a setting that may be familiar from Ian McEwan’s novel adapted for the screen starring Saoirse Ronan.
For holidaymakers seeking a more adventurous outing, ascending the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and a walk along the clifftops to the Pulpit Rock for an even more spectacular sea view is highly recommended.