If you’ve been enchanted by the magnificent setting of Alan Carr’s victorious Traitors win and have envisioned yourself staying in a castle akin to it, then your quest concludes here.
While 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 figure and utilized by Winston Churchill for strategizing during WW2.
Pennsylvania Castle may sound like a novelty, but it indeed lives up to its name. Constructed by the founder of Pennsylvania himself, this grand estate offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and, due to a rare availability, could be yours just in time for Christmas. The Gothic mansion has been the site of numerous Royal weddings and was graced by the presence of the King and Queen in 1800 to celebrate their nuptials upon its completion, as reported by the Express.
Situated between 1797 and 1800 for John Penn, the grandson of William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania), the castle on Portland was built after he was appointed Governor of the Isle of Portland and desired a lavish coastal abode overlooking Church Ope Cove.
Designed by renowned architect James Wyatt, it stands as an impressive representation of late 18th Century Gothic Revival – featuring turrets, battlements, and romantic coastal splendor rather than serving as an actual military fortress.
During the early 1800s, the castle gained significant popularity and welcomed occasional Royal visitors during Weymouth’s “sea-bathing” seasons, solidifying Portland’s social prominence.
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 plan their route to victory, according to Project Gutenberg.
The pivotal role of Pennsylvania Castle in the planning of the D-Day landings was commemorated with a grand ceremony on August 22, 1945, as noted by Elysian Estates.
American ambassador John D. Winant unveiled a memorial 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 property features nine en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 20 guests. The nearby dining establishment, The Cove Inn, offers a picturesque setting for a relaxed dinner with stunning views of the English Channel.
Their culinary offerings highlight fresh seafood and refreshing Dorset ales. For those seeking an evening stroll, numerous cliff-top trails beckon near Church Ope Cove or Chesil Beach – a locale made famous by Ian McEwan’s novel adapted for the screen starring Saoirse Ronan.
For travelers seeking a more adventurous experience, ascending the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse provides panoramic coastal views, and a walk along the clifftops to the Pulpit Rock offers an even more spectacular sea view.