Portmeirion, Wales
The seaside village of Portmeirion was conceived by eccentric architect and conservationist Clough
Williams-Ellis. Although architect is perhaps not the correct title. After three months of studies, he
decided he had learned enough. Firmly believing a planned community could be beautiful, he created
Portmeirion. It's an absolute masterpiece. And probably unlike anything you've ever seen.
After entering the village through a Michelangelesque archway reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel,
everything is magic: a piazza with a pool, a fountain and golden statues on tall pedestals. Turn a corner,
and you'll see houses with lofty bell towers and odd little balconies, statues in niches, a Gothic pavilion,
secret grottos, a gazebo, a bandstand, gargoyles, even a giant golden Buddha in a temple.
Heaps of flowers are everywhere, along with tall firs, oaks, willows and a giant sycamore. All is vibrant, lush. As is the bright turquoise of the pools,
the houses painted in warm lavender, rich persimmon, shimmering cerise and golden honey. In the woods immediately outside the village is the
slightly spooky Castell Deudraeth. Portmeirion is a fairytale!
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