The Hall at Abbey Cwm Hir
Abbeycwmhir, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6PH, WalesAbout
The Hall is Grade II* listed as one of Wales's finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson, the great Victorian improver, the house was doubled in size by the Philips family in 1869, who then added the billiards room in 1894. Paul and Victoria Humpherston bought The Hall in 1997, and spent 9 years restoring it to a building of Gothic Victorian splendour. Their achievements have been featured on BBC2 documentaries "Discovering Welsh Houses" and "My Secret Wales", and on ITV Wales "How The Other Half Lives" and "Great Welsh Roads". They now offer tours to individuals, couples or groups conducted by themselves in a unique family atmosphere. Each of the 52 rooms contain their original features, in remarkably intact condition. In the formal areas of the house these include marble fireplaces, rococo ceilings, gothic windows, bell pulls, stained glass ceilings and Minton Hollins tiled floors. The formal rooms the entrance hall, billiards, library, drawing and dining rooms are particularly impressive. Most of the bedrooms contain 4 poster beds. Within the former domestic areas features include iron fireplaces and unique ceiling designs on the 2nd floor, original slate slab surfaces in the larder and pantry, and vaulted ceilings and pig salting slabs in the cellars. These rooms contain original domestic machines and equipment. The house bursts with innovative and creative interior design ideas. These include: images painted on to existing wallpapers; bathrooms themed to trains, castles and the 1930s; bedrooms themed to transport, schooldays and the seaside; a billiards room celebrating The Arthurian Legend and the remarkable Garden Room containing 136 enamel signs. Complementing the interior décor, Collections are used as furnishings. Overall collections include: clocks, phonographs and radios; childrens' books; The Abbey-Cwm-Hir Art and Photographic Collections; signs and packaging; The Arthurian Collection; Vehicles and toys. Most items have been bought in Mid Wales over the last 9 years, and they all contribute to the stunning interiors. The gardens and grounds have also been restored for visitors to enjoy between the months of April to October inclusive. Many Victorian features remain, or have been uncovered, through the restoration. Such features include a 1.5 acre walled garden, lawns and terraces, 4 courtyards, a lake and waterfall and some splendid mixed woodland. The grounds overlook the abbey, and give wonderful views along “The Long Valley". Christmas at The Hall is a magical time. All 52 rooms are decorated for the festive season from 6th November each year for a true Victorian Christmas. The Hall is also a favoured tours venue for visiting Car Clubs. Tours of all 52 rooms, conducted by the owners, are available daily on a pre-booked basis. Individuals, couples, small or larger groups may book for the tours of around two hours commencing at 10.30 am, 2 pm or 7 pm. The price for the two hour tour is £14 per head. The price per head for groups of 10 or more is £12 per head. The entrance fee includes full access to the 12 acre grounds. Refreshments are available at the end of each tour. Catering, in the form of finger buffets, knife and fork cold buffets, or hot meals can also be booked for groups of 10 or more touring the property. There is ample parking space for cars or coaches. Alternatively, the gardens (open between April and October inclusive) may be visited separately at a fee of £5 per head. This fee includes access to the remarkable Garden Room.
