Gardens Archives - Aberyscir Coach House

Abercamlais House

July 17, 2019 By Valerie Davies

Abercamlais House and Penpont

There are many fine examples of grand houses in the Brecon Beacons. Two of these can be found on the Usk river just a short drive from the coach house. The Grade 1 houses date back to the middle ages and have been a very important part of the local history. Each house has taken a slightly different route to the ones you see today but both remain linked by family and history. If you get the chance I would recommend you visit one or both during your stay.

Abercamlais House

The family history started with Bernard de Neufmarché arriving with William the Conqueror and becoming the Lord of Brecon. He awarded Sir Thomas de Boulogne land in the upper Usk Valley. One of his descendants, Thomas Williams, who was Vicar of Llanspyddid inherited the medieval house in 1580. It is his family that have lived there ever since.

The original Medieval house has been altered extensively both in Georgian and Victorian times. There are beautiful grounds including a large walled garden, woodland and river walks.

The house is open at certain times of the year. You are taken on a guided walk of the grounds and some of the room in the house. This is usually done by the current owners who are devoting themselves to the restoration of the grounds.

Penpont

Penpont House was built in 1666 by another part of the family. It is literally next door. In 1992 the current owners decided to open the house to the public for the first time.

There is self catering accommodation, function rooms and camping. They also have a very good farm shop. Everything is being done organically and they are trying to be self sufficient adding a number of renewable energy and sustainable systems within the buildings.

Aberyscir Coach House – Brecon Beacons Guide

Glanusk National Garden Scheme

May 22, 2019 By Valerie Davies

National Garden Scheme

Glanusk Estate Garden Crickhowell takes part in the National Garden Scheme each year. You have a chance to visit gardens not normally open to the public. This happens in the latter part of May on a Sunday and is particularly beautiful at that time of year. The estate is probably better known for its Green Man Festival that takes part in August in the meadows below the house. This event is far more low key and quiet!

These gardens have magnificent displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas plus many more. Every year there is something new to see. The naturally fed series of pools are normally full of tadpoles.

You are able to wander around large areas of the estate, including the newly opened woodland walk and visit the private church. Indeed they are going to open the woodland walk at other times during the summer. The dates for which can be found on their website.

There are local artisan stalls around the house selling all manner of things from BBQ’s to bees wax products. There are various talks and displays throughout the day held under the stretchy tent. Handy place to shelter if the weather is bad or indeed if it is hot.

The best part for me is to visit early before the crouds arrive. You can wander down by the River Usk and just listern to the birds. Along the way you will see various sculptures made from natural materials like willow or stone. A log pile even has an image of a trout, a reflection on the terrific fishing in the river below.

If you are hungry the local venison centre brings its catering truck or alternatively volunteers serve you tea and homemade cake. A very worthwhile cause to support.

Aberyscir Coach House – Brecon Beacons Guide

Ty-Mawr Kitchen Garden

June 10, 2017 By Valerie Davies

I spent this morning at Ty-Mawr Kitchen Garden on the Get Growing course run by Rae Gervis. The 3 hour course aims to show you how to get the best from your kitchen garden sustainably and organically. Rae’s depth of knowledge was extensive and even if you are not totally organic there were so many ways to improve what you are doing.

You come away from the course full of ideas and inspiration and in my case some different veg plants to try growing.

There are several different courses run throughout the year which would make a great green fingered gift for somebody. You can also buy the produce Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Aberglasney Gardens

November 4, 2016 By Valerie Davies

Today I visited Aberglasney Gardens just outside Llandeilo to see the autumn colours. This country house dates from the 16th century and has had a very varied past full of highs and lows. Other than an imposing house and gardens it was used to house troops in the war. Sadly it then went into a severe decline and was derelict before being saved by a generous benefactor. Today the restored house and gardens is a pleasure to see. They turned part of the derelict building into the Ninfarium complete with guttering and window frames from the original house as a reminder of how it was saved.

The gardens cover some 10 acres with both formal and woodland settings. There is a cafe serving refreshments and a plant centre. A very pleasant place to visit in the west of the park.