Llwyn Celyn

A very rare survival

Landmark found Llwyn Celyn in a perilous state, and it is one of the most complex restorations we’ve ever undertaken. Over a decade later it is a fascinating and comfortable place to stay, with glorious views of the Skirrid and Sugar Loaf mountains. This borderland has hardly changed since priors, knights and Marcher Lords roamed; and since 1420, when Llwyn Celyn was built for a man of sophistication and status. 

It has three beautifully carved ogee-headed doorheads, the like of which in a domestic context are unknown anywhere else in Wales; the master’s fixed bench survives, as does a remnant of the canopy that once rose above his head. In Wales, any vernacular house dating from before 1450 is a rarity; one with features such as these is to be doubly prized.

'Enduring like a tree under the curious stars'

Sometime after the Dissolution of the Priory, perhaps around 1600 by when Llwyn Celyn had become the home of wealthy tenant farmers, a ceiling was inserted into the open hall to create a fine upper chamber. At the same time, a new-fangled chimney stack was built to replace the original smoky open hearth, and a wooden staircase put in alongside. And this is broadly how you will find the house, its layout little changed since the 16th century, guarding the mouth of the Llanthony Valley. Geological aeons can be read as you roam these valleys, along with the ebb and flow of our own centuries: ruined castles, ancient trackways and precious, tiny churches, and at their heart Llwyn Celyn, ‘enduring like a tree under the curious stars.’

Learn more about our 200th building and most complex project to date here.

The re-roofing also proved a project in its own right and a fantastic training opportunity to capture the roofers’ skill in the formation of, for example, the distinctive ‘Welsh valleys’ between roof slopes. The stone tiles were salvaged where possible, but most were too far eroded to re-use. New ones were quarried in the adjacent Olchon Valley and beautifully laid in diminishing courses. Meanwhile, skilful joiners patiently scarfed in repairs to rafters, doors and window frames.

The interest and engagement of the local community and volunteers in the Llwyn Celyn project was also a distinctive feature, thanks again to the HLF funding. Heritage at Work weeks were held, when volunteers contributed to many aspects of work on site, and an active local history group has been formed. Artists-in-residence captured their own lasting interpretations in various media. Not only has Llwyn Celyn been saved for anyone to experience living in for a while, we also hope its restoration will generate lasting to benefit to the valley where it sits.

You can find more information about the project's restoration by watching the video below. 

Supporters of Llwyn Celyn

We are hugely grateful to those who have already supported Llwyn Celyn, including:

Guardians: 
Sir Hugo and Lady Brunner, Dr and Mrs J Bull, The Hon Elizabeth Cayzer, Mr R Eaton, Mrs F Fairbairn, Dr and Mrs J Gibbs, Mr C P Giles, Ms J Graham, Dr C Guettler, Miss J Hodgkinson, Mr and Mrs S Jordan, Professor R Mayou, Mr M Power, Mr G Ruthen and Mrs S Andrew, Mr B Sealey CBE

Patrons and other generous individuals: 
Mr R Burns, Mrs M Haddow, Mr D Giles, Mr and Mrs M Gwinnell, Mr and Mrs C Hutt, Mr and Mrs G Kingston, Dr C Mitchell, Mr A Murray-Jones, Mr C Nugent, Mrs P Parker, Mr D Purcell, Mrs H Quarmby, Mr and Mrs D Quartermaine, Mr T Reid and Ms L Ambrose, Mrs P Spens, Mr Oliver Thomas, In Memory of Andrew Murray 

Charitable Trusts and Statutory Grants: 
The Architectural Heritage Fund, Aurelius Charitable Trust, The Viscountess Boyd Charitable Trust, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons Trust, Cadw, Country Houses Foundation, The Gunter Charitable Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, John R Murray Charitable Trust, Scouloudi Foundation, ShareGift

We are also grateful to the generous Guardians, Patrons and other supporters who have chosen to remain anonymous and to everybody else who supported the appeal.