Stay at Baskerville Hall Hotel – the very haunted hotel that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – RICK HALE reports
Baskerville Hall Hotel
Clyro Court, Hay-on-Wye,
Powys HR3 5LE
In 1901, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, penned his classic tale of supernatural horror, The Hound Of The Baskervilles.
In the story the world’s greatest consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, must save the last of the Baskerville line from a vicious hellhound.
What many don’t know is that Baskerville Hall in based on a real house in Wales.
Today, the real Baskerville Hall is a hotel. And although there may not be any murderous hellhounds stalking the house, it is home to a few very active ghosts.
History Of Baskerville Hall Hotel
The legendary house, Baskerville Hall, was built in 1839, by Thomas Mynors Baskerville for his beloved wife, Elizabeth.
The Baskervilles were related to the Dukes of Normandy and assisted William the Conqueror to become king in 1066 CE.
The author, Arthur Conan Doyle was a family friend of the Baskervilles and visited frequently.
While there, he undoubtedly heard the legends of spectral hounds attacking people and dragging their souls to hell.
With such source material, it’s little wonder the story became an instant classic.
Following World War II, the house was used as a school and a health farm
In 1984, David Hodby bought the building and turned into a hotel.
Baskerville Hall has long been believed to be haunted, but the renovations carried out by Hodby may have given fuel to the supernatural activity in the iconic building.
The Hauntings Of Baskerville Hall Hotel
Legends of giant black dogs is a staple in the supernatural folklore of Great Britain.
However, despite its famous association, there are no spectral hounds found at this Welsh hotel.
But rather two apparitions that are encountered regularly. And a slew of other unexplained phenomena.
The White Lady
Visitors and guests of Baskerville Hall Hotel, have reported the apparition of a white lady.
Although she has been seen in other parts of the house, the rose garden is where she prefers to spend her time.
It’s believed the apparition is the lady of the house, Elizabeth Baskerville, as she spent a great deal of time in the garden to find peace and quiet.
The Unknown Man
The figure of an unknown male apparition has been witnessed by both staff and guests.
This apparition is typically seen walking up and down the stairs. And will oftentimes stare at people with cold lifeless eyes.
He’s also been seen in guests rooms and vanishes when his presence is challenged.
Bangs and Footsteps
Many guests of the hotel have reported unexplained knocks and hangs on the walls of their rooms.
When they report the phenomena to the front desk, they’re shocked to discover that no one is in the neighbouring rooms.
Lastly, guests have reported the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps following them around the hotel.
They only seem to stop when they either enter their room or leave through the front door.
What The Hotel Offers
Baskerville Hall Hotel sits on 130 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside. And has 30 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar where you can unwind with a few drinks. The hotel also has a heated swimming pool and a relaxing sauna.
Baskerville Hall Hotel is located near the River Wye where you can enjoy fishing, canoeing and river rafting.
And the Brecon Beacons are nearby, where you can indulge in any number of outdoor activities.
The Baskerville Hall Hotel is a quiet hotel to stay in if you wish to experience a building that inspired a literary masterpiece. And the ghosts believed to haunt it as well.
we stayed at baskerville hall this weekend and I heard someone walking around my room at 2am room 8 I thought itbwas my husband getting up to use the bathroom but to my shock he was sound asleep next to me! my son stayed in room 2 and his bathroom tap turned on by itself early hours too
Interesting stuff Claire – had you experienced anything like that at any other property?