If you’ve been enchanted by the spectacular setting of Alan Carr’s triumphant Traitors victory and have envisioned yourself staying in a castle akin to it, then your quest is over.
While the game-show castle is specifically for weddings, there is an impressive gothic alternative with a fascinating history, once possessed by a prominent American figure and utilized by Winston Churchill for strategic planning during World War II.
Pennsylvania Castle may sound like a whimsical notion, but it lives up to its promise. Constructed by the founder of Pennsylvania himself, this grand estate offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and, with a rare opening, could be yours just in time for the Christmas season. The Gothic mansion has hosted several Royal weddings and was graced by the presence of the King and Queen in 1800 to commemorate their wedding 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 majestic coastal residence with views overlooking Church Ope Cove.
Designed by renowned architect James Wyatt, it stands as a splendid representation of late 18th-century Gothic Revival – complete with turrets, battlements, and romantic coastal splendor rather than serving as a genuine military fortress.
In the early 1800s, the castle grew in popularity and welcomed occasional visits from Royal guests during Weymouth’s “sea-bathing” seasons, solidifying Portland’s social standing.
Legend has it that the strategy for the D-Day invasion was formulated in the castle’s drawing room, where Winston Churchill, General de Gaulle, and General Eisenhower reportedly gathered to plan their path to victory, according to Project Gutenberg.
Pennsylvania Castle’s contribution to the planning of 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 memorial stone in Victoria Gardens, paying homage to 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 spot, The Cove Inn, offers a picturesque setting for a relaxed dinner with stunning views of the English Channel.
Their menu showcases fresh seafood and refreshing Dorset ales. For those interested in an evening stroll, numerous cliff-top trails are waiting near Church Ope Cove or Chesil Beach – a spot that may be familiar from Ian McEwan’s novel adapted for the screen starring Saoirse Ronan.
For holidaymakers seeking a more adventurous outing, you can climb the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and explore the clifftops leading to Pulpit Rock for an even more spectacular sea view.