Portmeirion was built by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1973 to demonstrate that development of a naturally beautiful site need not result in its defilement. He wanted to practise what he preached as a conservationist and campaigner for the protection of the environment.

The Portmeirion estate includes 70 acres are sub-tropical woodlands known as the Gwyllt as well as farmland and the village itself on the southern side of its own private peninsula on the coast of Snowdonia. The estate is owned by a registered charity called Ymddiriedolaeth Clough Williams-Ellis Foundation. Portmeirion is managed by Portmeirion Limited, a company established by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925. It's Managing Director is Robin Llywelyn, a grandson of Clough Williams-Ellis. The company is owned by Clough Williams-Ellis' 9 grandchildren.

Portmeirion is open every day of the year and provides hotel accommodation and self-catering accommodation in the cottages that make up the village. The village is also a popular visitor attraction, open daily all year from 09:30 to 17:30