Nestled half way between Swansea and Brecon is a stunning gothic mansion which looks as though it has leapt straight off the page of a romantic fairytale book. Once upon a time its grounds were the estate of celebrated Italian opera diva Adelina Patti, who became one of the world's most famous and highly rewarded entertainers during her lifetime between 1843 and 1919.
Her talent and worldwide fame was gained from the quality of her voice and ability to perform "vocal gymnastics" without effort. In between tours she would re-charge her energy and entertain her many friends at Craig-y-Nos Castle in Brecon Road, according to the venue's website.
Once coined as the "second most celebrated woman in the world" in 1900 - after Queen Victoria - she is today something of an enigma. Her talents have largely been forgotten since all who once flocked to hear her voice in person are no longer alive, although she is still respected by opera lovers. You can get more local news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Built in roughly 1841 on what is now the A4067 between Pen-y-Cae and Glyntawe, and steeped in history, it's no wonder why the impressive building, with its ornate stone facade, is said to be one of the most haunted castles in Wales. Today, chilling ghost tours are on offer, with members guided through the venue's most haunted rooms.
These include the theatre basement where Adelina Patti would once have made her entrance onto the stage, the children's ward at the end of a long dark corridor complete with original light fittings, and the treatment room which was once home to tuberculosis patients in the 1920s.
Perhaps one of the most unnerving elements of the tour is the room of John Mellon, who was said to be an employee of Adelina Patti and suffered an untimely death in a room on the building's top floor. During an episode of Most Haunted, psychic Derek Acorah said he felt as though he was being pushed out of its window.
For those brave enough, there is also an opportunity to stay as a guest: whether you're looking for a short B&B break, a dog-friendly getaway or a budget-friendly family holiday. According to its website, it boasts 36 rooms in total with a bar, kitchen, gym and dining facilities "for the perfect break away".
Most rooms at Craig-y-Nos are en-suite doubles, family rooms or apartments, with two rooms equipped with disabled facilities. A separate block of budget rooms without ensuites is available and includes nine doubles and one single room. Many of the rooms are embellished with fine period features, classic florals and oak.
But you can also enjoy the delights of Craig-y-Nos for nothing as its surrounding country park, part of the castle's historic grounds, is free to wander at your leisure and is a wonderful place to while away an hour or two. Its waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are surrounded by the towering mountains of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
To reach it, there's a bus service from Brecon and Swansea. And if you're travelling by car, there is a large pay and display car park with free parking for disabled parking badge holders only. Paths to the woodland, meadows, lakes and picnic areas are mainly surfaced, but some routes over the meadow area can be soft underfoot. But there are tactile maps and information boards to make sure you don't get lost in the serene and tranquil grounds - unless you want to, that is.
The setting is why so many couples choose Craig-y-Nos as a perfect yet unique wedding venue, using Adelina Patti's grand theatre for an unforgettable ceremony and the country park for a breathtaking photo opportunity.
Pictures on the venue's website show the already handsome conservatory and function rooms adorned to any couple's taste, whether you're into extravagant florals or a more neutral minimalist design. For more information on how to make a booking at Craig-y-Nos Castle, you can visit its website here.
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