Commanding a cliff top position, with sweeping views overlooking the Dovey Estuary and Snowdonia National Park, the gothic towers and turrets of Glandyfi Castle rise from the surrounding woodland.
No wonder the incredible home has been popular as a venue for weddings and romantic breaks over the years.
But now the impressive stone Gothic Revival castle is for sale and, if you have the budget, this castle could be all yours.
Built within the Regency period in around 1812 the castle near Machynlleth is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style, featuring a castellated roof-line, mullion windows, and towers and turrets that would not look out of place in a Hollywood movie, maybe the Welsh version of Batman's Wayne Manor?
But there's no batcave here, just a unique 10 bedroom and 10 bathroom home that is teeming with breath-taking period features.
Inside this fairytale castle there is plenty to impress.
Arguably the stand out rooms are those in the main tower.
On the ground floor the 'tower room' makes a strong impact, boasting an opulent vaulted ceiling painted in gold, gothic arch windows, a solid marble fireplace and, of course, the quirky octagonal shape of the room itself. The current owners use this room as a library.
Upstairs on the second floor of the tower there is an undeniably romantic bedroom, with the arched windows revealing the stunning mountain views that can be enjoyed directly from the pillow.
Another feature laden room is the inner hall, and what an entrance it creates for any visitor, hinting of the intriguing period interior design that awaits within.
This space is fitted throughout with wood wall panelling, has distinctive ceiling beams and features a double arch doorway that leads eventually to the dining room and the drawing room.
The formal dining room is a luxurious room for entertaining dinner guests, with another feature vaulted gold ceiling distracting from the meal being served. Again gothic style arch windows allow all diners to admire the glorious views beyond the building.
Oak wood panelling also features in this room and adds to the more formal atmosphere.
For maybe more relaxed eating and socialising, there is the welcoming atrium that has been created by adding a huge glass roof to a courtyard space, bathing it in natural sunlight.
This generous, double height room has exposed stone walls, slate floor, comfy furnishings and indoor plants to create a welcoming atmosphere and an attractive area to stop and relax.
A lounge, ensuite guest bedroom, laundry room, store room and garage complete the ground floor accommodation.
Up the intricately carved staircase, there are the remaining nine bedrooms and bathrooms to explore. The master suite is particularly unique, featuring its own decorated ceiling, with a gold escalloped design around a gold central ceiling rose.
The castle may be festooned with original and eye-catching period features, but the current owners have worked hard to update the property to provide a home appropriate for modern living.
The high end, contemporary glossy kitchen includes integrated appliances and overlooks the atrium and all the bathrooms have luxury fixtures and fittings, and modern tiling.
The property now has an efficient zoned heating system, so bills should not be as hefty as a prospective buyer might at first assume.
The location of the castle, perched at the top of a wooded hillside known locally as Garreg, creates arguably the most incredible panoramic vistas in the region and the formal landscaped gardens make the most of it.
Well positioned patios becon to anyone who just wants to sit, relax and drink-in the magnificent panoramic views.
The castle comes with about 31 acres of gardens, woodland and pasture but with such open views to the river and the mountains, a new owner might well feel like they own a large slice of the county too.
Within the land, near the beginning of the winding, steep driveway, there is a two bedroom lodge that has already been converted, and there are a number of remaining outbuildings waiting for a transformation to either extra living space or holiday lets.
Of course, any proposed alterations need to be subject to planning consent. According to the website britishlstedbuildings.co.uk the castle was Grade II listed in 1964 as ' a Georgian country house in picturesque castellated style, the only example in the country.'
The castle is believed to have been built in local stone and slate for Edward Jeffreys and remained in the family until the estate was broken up in 1906.
One of the most notable owners since then was Sir Bernard Docker, managing director of the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) group of companies who made the Daimler car.
Docker and his socialite wife Norah Collins bought the castle in the 1950s and began a programme of lavish refurbishment, most probably to impress their powerful friends such as Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.
According to author Dennis Williams on the website birminghamhistory.co.uk in 1956 it was discovered that the castle was bought for £12,000 using company funds, with the company unknowingly also funding the opulent renovations of the home which cost around an extra £25,000.
The couple were forced to hand the castle over to the company, which later went bankrupt and was bought by Jaguar in 1960.
The Dockers' fall from grace resulted in being shunned by society and living in near poverty.
More recently the castle has undergone another restoration that has created a modern home popular as a wedding and bed and breakfast destination.
The current owners have recently refurbished the castle throughout, not in the Docker's ostentatious manner but in a way that has created a modern and stylish home that adds to the property's interior design timeline.
Glandyfi Castle is on the market with estate agent Strutt & Parker for £2.85m and is currently being operated as a bed & breakfast.
According to the castle's website the property will no longer operate as a B&B from the end of September 2019, but all outstanding bookings up to then will be honoured to the five star Tripadvisor rating the current owners have achieved.
Call the Shrewsbury branch of Strutt & Parker on 01743 284200 for further details
