For those enchanted by the picturesque setting of Alan Carr’s triumphant Traitors win and envisioning a stay in a similar castle, your quest concludes here.
While the castle featured in the game show is exclusively for weddings, there is an impressive gothic alternative with a fascinating history, once frequented by Winston Churchill for strategic meetings during World War II.
Pennsylvania Castle, despite its whimsical name, fulfills its promises. Originally built by the founder of Pennsylvania, this grand estate offers commanding views of rugged cliffs and, with a rare opening, can be yours just in time for the holiday season. The Gothic mansion has hosted several royal weddings and was visited by the King and Queen in 1800 to celebrate their own nuptials upon its completion, as per reports from the Express.
With a pristine sandy beach mere steps away and the stunning Jurassic Coast a short walk across the impeccably manicured lawn, it’s an idyllic location. The property features a sophisticated reception room and ample space for two or three families to enjoy a collective stay. Moreover, its proximity to both Weymouth and Portland makes it ideal for those seeking festive cheer and a leisurely walk to a welcoming pub.
Constructed between 1797 and 1800 for John Penn, the grandson of William Penn, the castle on Portland was erected after his appointment as Governor of the Isle of Portland, desiring a grand coastal residence overlooking Church Ope Cove.
Designed by the esteemed architect James Wyatt, it stands as a splendid example of late 18th-century Gothic Revival, complete with turrets, battlements, and romantic coastal grandeur rather than serving a purely military function.
During the early 1800s, the castle gained significant popularity and welcomed occasional visits from royalty during Weymouth’s “sea-bathing” seasons, cementing Portland’s social standing.
Legend has it that the strategy for the D-Day invasion was devised in the castle’s drawing room, where Winston Churchill, General de Gaulle, and General Eisenhower purportedly convened to plan their route to victory, according to Project Gutenberg.
Pennsylvania Castle’s contribution to planning 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, 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 spot, The Cove Inn, offers an ideal setting for a relaxed dinner with stunning views of the English Channel.
Their menu highlights fresh seafood and refreshing Dorset ales. For those desiring an evening stroll, numerous cliff-top trails await near Church Ope Cove or Chesil Beach, a locale perhaps familiar from Ian Mc
