Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall is a neo-Elizabethan country house in the Welsh county of Powys. The hall was built in 1833 for Thomas Wilson, a London lawyer, on the site of a Tudor style house built c.1656 for the Fowler family, which was later owned by the Hastings family, Earls of Huntingdon. Wilson purchased the 3000 acre estate and landscaped the grounds, building the hall on a steep south facing slope overlooking the ruined abbey and creating a lake so the village would have water power for the sawmill. Having ruined himself financially in the process he emigrated to Australia where in 1842 he became Mayor of Adelaide. Eventually the hall and grounds fell into a state of disrepair. Wilson’s house was extended and altered as a Victorian mansion of ashlar, decorated with polychromatic bands and elaborate bargeboards, by Poundley and Walker of Liverpool in 1867–69 for the Philips family. The house was doubled in size in 1869, and they added the snooker room in 1894.
In 1837 Francis Philips (1771–1850) J.P., D.L., of Bank Hall, Heaton Norris, Lancashire, purchased the Abbeycwmhir Estate, which had fallen into a state of disrepair, and did much to improve it. His eldest son and heir, Francis Aspinall Philips (1793–1859), inherited both of his father's estates. Although he lived at Bank Hall, he spent much time at Abbeycwmhir, eventually becoming High Sheriff of Radnorshire. In turn, his eldest son succeeded to Bank Hall and it was Francis' younger son, George Henry Philips (1831–1886) J.P., D.L., of who inherited and lived at Abbeycwmhir. Presumably it was George Henry sculpted the house as it is seen today. The Philips were an old Staffordshire family who had held manors there since the reign of King Edward VI. Francis Philips' ancestors had been seated at The Heath House in that county since the early seventeenth century, and it is still owned by the Philips family today. In the mid-eighteenth century the family built the Tean Hall Mills and soon became well known as major cotton manufacturers in Manchester. Francis Philips was a first cousin once removed of Sir George Philips, 1st Baronet.
The gardens include: A walled garden, a lake, boathouse and waterfall, woodland walks, lawns, courtyards and terraces, a gypsy caravan, shepherds hut, a row of beach huts and a vintage caravan. All overlooking the ruins of the 12th c cistercian “Abbey of the Long Valley". Paul and Victoria Humpherston restored the house and gardens over 10 years and their work has been featured on a number of TV documentaries. 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. These include 23 fire places, rococo and stained glass ceilings, a Maw & Co tiled floor and original slate surfaces in the formal domestic areas and the cellarage. The house bursts with innovative and creative interior design ideas complimented by thousands of collectable items, all used as furnishings. They include, enamel signs, clocks, phonographs and radios, a boys & girls adventure story library, toys and vehicles, the Abbeycwmhir art collection, and items related to the Arthurian legend. The house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, although the access is limited within the house. Assistance dogs are welcome. Tours normally start at 10.30 or 14.00 (Start times can be varied at the time of booking).
Location : Abbeycwmhir, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6PH
Transport : Llandrindod Wells (National Rail) then taxi. Bus Routes : No bus service.
Opening Times : Daily Tours at 10:30 and 14:00; Fridays, group bookings only.
Tickets per tour: Adults £16.00 (£14.00 for 8 + groups); Children under 12 £5.00; Gardens Only £5.00
Tel. : 01597 851 727
