Look at this amazing stately old library in which you can now wander around at night in your comfy jammies and fuzzy slippers!
Gladstone’s Library in Northern Wales, UK is a 130-year-old functioning library that is also a bed and breakfast. A dream come true for us bookish nerds!
Look how gorgeous and old-world it is with stacks of vintage books.
Gladstone’s Library is the UK’s only residential library where you can stay for a night, a week, or even live in residence for months! When you stay here, you are free to explore the collection of approximately 150,000 printed items.
Gladstone’s Library is named after William Gladstone, a former UK politician. Over his lifetime, he proudly amassed a personal collection of 150,000 books. Before his death, Gladstone decided that his collection of books would be made available to the public, and that the library he built be transformed into a haven for writers and book lovers.
Today, Gladstone’s Library has 26 boutique bedrooms you can rent, most with en suite facilities.
As a guest you are allowed extended use of the cozy Reading Rooms (pictured above and below).
Imagine having nothing to do all day but wander around a 130-year old library and look at books. Not everyone would appreciate it, but if you’re anything like House Crazy Sarah, it would be heaven on earth!
There are also lots of activities scheduled in the library, such as the Writers in Residence program where the library brings in famous writers to teach courses to aspiring writers.
Let’s have a peek in the bedrooms…
The rooms are rather sparse with really only a bed or two and reading desks. The books on the walls – not real. It’s merely bookish wallpaper!
You never really have to leave the library grounds, however, because they provide sustenance to guests at the Food For Thought Bistro – an on-site restaurant that offers homemade, locally sourced food from the surrounding Welsh villages. The bistro serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner that you can bring to your room so you can huddle in private.
The library also hosts a classic afternoon tea Monday through Friday, if you are more of the sociable type.
You are probably wondering how much it costs to stay at Gladstone’s Library.
Rooms average around £110.00 ($140 USD) per night, more or less depending on how big your room is.
Not cheap, but even one night in this place would be a night to remember.
Plus, House Crazy Sarah has to point out that every bedroom in the place has these cool vintage radios!
So if you would like to indulge your inner book worm by sleeping among books, head on over to the Gladstone’s Library website for more information.
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