Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let

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Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let

The Welsh Gatehouse is a historic holiday let for 2 people, in Chepstow, South Wales, UK. Built approx 1270, Grade 2*, it combines history and luxury.

You have: a beautiful garden for your BBQ, an EV charger for your car, and a wood burning stove. Juliet Grayson is a psychosexual therapist and counsellor. William Ayot is a poet, writer, and leadership mentor. He brings his love of story, ritual and history to this unique space, adding depth and character to the experience of staying here. Don't forget to read the 50 page history that you'll find in the Gatehouse. Jon manages the Gatehouse and is part of our team.

30/05/2026

I opened the huge gates this afternoon at the Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let.

And I wonder which other gates on historical buildings have a similar structure, of the 'bracing' bar.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and theories.

I'm curious, how old are these gates. They are still working as well as when they were new. Easy to open even though they must weigh an extraordinary amount.

And given that extra defensive strength by the bar that attaches to the wall and one end, and would give fantastic resistance against a battering ram.

You can see the bar flat against the wall in the 2nd photo...and in it's 'proper' place holding the gates shut in the 3rd photo. I don't know what the technical name for this bar would be?

Does anyone know of another ancient gate with a similar structure - with that bar?

Nearby Chepstow Castle is recognised as the having the oldest known surviving castle doors in Europe. They were initially thought to date from around 1245.
But Dendrochronological analysis revealed they were constructed no later than 1190. Those gates are a remarkable example of medieval engineering, featuring iron sheathing for protection against attacks and a unique lattice framework with early mortice-and-tenon joints.

Makes me wonder about our gates.

We think the Welsh Gatehouse was built around 1270. The first mention was in a will in 1307. So...are these likely to be the original gates?

28/05/2026

I WAS REMINDED TODAY OF OUR AWARD

We were so happy to have been awarded this by Prestige Awards. We were given the award in 2025 - and it was for 2025 and 2026

23/05/2026

Just got another fab review. We are very grateful for these as it really helps people who might choose to stay with us. It's such a unique property it's hard to describe to people.

22/05/2026

Isn't it fab when your guests make your day!!!

They gave us a lovely bunch of peonies. And a lush hanging basket. And a note saying Thank you so much for a beautiful stay in the Gatehouse.

It's the first time a guest has bought us flowers.

I'm tickled pink.

Thank you Lynn and Peter

16/05/2026

Want a different experience when visiting the Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let? I highly recommend going to the Wren’s Birds of Prey. It is only 35 minutes drive from the Welsh Gatehouse. Jenny is a fabulous host and advocate for falconry and her birds. We saw a wide range, owls, hawks, and went for a walk with a buzzard. A VIP experience for 3 people was £180. It was just us. And I thoroughly thoroughly recommend it. Our god daughter, my disabled husband and I had a wonderful time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

As you know, Facebook loves engagement, so please help me publicise the great work of Jenny who owns Wren’s Birds of Prey by making a comment.

If you have ever done anything like this (a hawk walk, or bird of prey experience, let me know in the comments).

15/05/2026

THIS IS AN UPDATE
AFTER MANY MANY REPLIES ON POSTING THIS QUESTION IN A DOG FRIENDLY GROUP...THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE WAS THE DOG OWNERS WANT COTTON BEDDING. OR THEY WILL BRING THEIR OWN. So my intention is to check with each dog owner, individually, when the book. And to provide cotton bedding.
Thanks everyone who responded.

A QUESTION FOR DOG OWNERS WHO CO-SLEEP with their got on holiday.

Those of you who take a dog on holiday, and co-sleep with your dog. And thus take your own bedding.

What exactly do you expect the holiday let to provide. A mattress, bottom sheet? Pillows that you can put pillow cases on?

thanks in advance.
Juliet

14/05/2026

We are creating a history document with some places for people to visit in the area.

Looking up various facts, I have come across this coat of arms, which was that of Sir Bogo de Knovil - who built the Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let in about 1270.

Sir Bogo de Knovill was an important Marcher lord and royal official during the reign of King Edward I in the late 13th century. Serving as Sheriff of Shropshire and Staffordshire, and later as Justiciar of West Wales, he played a key role in maintaining royal authority along the volatile Welsh borderlands. He fought in the king’s military campaigns in both Wales and Scotland and was among the English nobles who signed the famous Barons’ Letter to Pope Boniface VIII in 1301, asserting England’s independence over Scotland. His influence in the Welsh Marches helped shape the political stability of medieval border England.

Fascinating stuff!

07/05/2026

Which is your favourite photo?

I am loving the pics of dogs who have recently visited the Welsh Gatehouse....especially the short video of bouncy Monty enjoying the garden, Flea sleeping by the bluebells, Flea looking thoughtful with Courtyard House in the background (which is at the other end of the garden), Gwen the cockerpoo, roasting by the fire. The two labs Bonnie and Clyde relaxing on the sofa, and the three outside the Welsh Gatehouse, Daisy, Teddy and Milo.

Thanks all for sharing these photos

25/04/2026

We were delighted that this guest and her dog Flea had such a great time Welsh Gatehouse: Historic Holiday Let

Address

The Welsh Gatehouse, Moynes Court, Mathern
Chepstow
NP166HZ

Telephone

01291 638806

Website

http://www.welshgatehouse.com/

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