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 | | Wednesday, 28 July, 1999, 11:17 GMT 12:17 UK Port Meirion castle dream becomes reality  Castell Deudraeth fell into disuse in 1988 Trustees at one of Wales' most eccentric tourist attractions are celebrating a �1.8m grant to restore a crumbling building to its former glory. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the creator of the beautiful Italianate village of Port Meirion in north Wales, had always intended to have Castell Deudraeth included as part of the site. Without the funding and the time his wish never came true and the building took on a different life as a hotel, which fell into disuse in 1988. The grant from the Heritage Lottery mean the trustees can now ensure Sir Clough's dreams are fulfilled. Conference venue The money will be spent on renovating the building, which will eventually host conferences and exhibitions and will feature restored gardens.
The Italianate village is famous for both its fantastic mock, two-dimensional buildings and the fact that it was the location used for filming The Prisoner, the cult Sixties television series. With its scenic setting by the north Wales coast, Port Meirion is one of the most visited attractions in Wales. Sir Clough bought Castell Deudraeth in 1931, when it was home to David Williams, Meirionydd's first Liberal MP. Trustees' responsibility Trustee Mervyn Williams said: "It has real character, like all Port Meirion has. "There is a tremendous amount of work to be done. We have a responsibility as trustees to maintain the buildings and we will maintain the character of Castell Deudraeth during the restoration work. "The project will incorporate it into the whole estate." Mr Williams said the work would make the building as accessible to the public as possible. | |
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