The unique, colourful village of Portmeirion stands on cliff-top on a peninsular in Tremadoc Bay, just east of the town of Portmadoc.
The first historical reference to Portmeirion was in 1188 and two castles were built there. In the 17th century it consisted of a foundry, small shipyard and a few cottages. In the mid-19th century it was described as just a beautiful mansion with a fine garden.
By 1925 it had become a neglected wilderness when the architect Clough Williams-Ellis purchased the peninsula for almost £5,000. The idea of a compact coastal village had already formed in Clough's mind , and the definite vision of the Portmeirion village that he had, from the outset, came to be. The village, and its formal gardens and acres of sub-tropical woodland, were created in stages from 1925 to the 1970s. Several buildings were salvaged from demolition sites and Clough described Portmeirion as a home for fallen buildings. He died in 1978, aged 95.
Portmeirion was the location for 'The Village' in Patrick McGoohan's television series 'The Prisoner'. It is also known for the Portmeirion Pottery designed by Clough's daughter.
The village has around 50 buildings, some of which are colourful shops, cafes, restaurants and the Hotel Portmeirion, and most cottages are let as part of the hotel or as self-catering accommodation. Portmeirion is now owned by a charitable trust.