Mention Wales to anyone and they are bound to think of rugby teams, the Fron choir, Snowdonia and the International Eisteddfod. Rarely though will one think of historic architecture, landscapes, parks and gardens. Yet for those who are interested in the subject, the country is peppered with a surprising richness of heritage property often of vernacular origin. Whilst you will not find a Blenheim or Chatsworth in Wales, you will find houses and gardens that are not one whit less inspiring, frequently set in breathtaking surroundings. Sadly though, a large portion of these properties have been forgotten and abandoned for decades, thus now providing exceptional opportunities for those in search of their own paradise in the United Kingdom. In this book the authors succeed in bringing the issue of heritage at risk into the public domain with informed humour when looking at renovation possibilities the length and breadth of the Principality. They have as a result discovered what should become in due course some of the most delightful homes to be found anywhere. Not only is the book intended to whet the appetite of any discerning family in search of a spectacular home of high amenity but also to assist in demystifying the rescue process. Much sage advice is given as to how to acquire and rescue heritage items that are now in distress. In addition, and by way of encouragement they mention some fascinating examples of success stories. Some readers will no doubt try to turn dreams into reality, whilst others will turn reality into dreams, and that is always how it has been…
The book was a compendium of 150 heritage properties mostly empty and at risk, with acquisition advice and success stories regarding similar buildings. It was sponsored by the Georgian Group and SAVE Britain’s Heritage. With support from the Victorian Society and Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales
The authors have discovered a fascinating array of before and after photographs which illustrate a phenomenal variety of architectural opportunities that maybe available in due course to those seeking homes of aesthetic merit in spectacular surroundings. This lavishly illustrated book chronicles a huge number of derelict Welsh mansions, smaller houses and buildings that are currently at risk of being lost to posterity. The book consists of three parts; the illustrated 10,000 word introduction offers some sage advice on the rescue process, secondly over sixty double page spreads detailing individual buildings with before and after photographs, as well as their histories, current problems and potential solutions. Finally, the third section consists of a gazetteer of another sixty properties, all illustrated with brief descriptions of their current status.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has kindly written a foreword which, altogether, makes this privately published book a notable addition to any coffee table as well as being an interesting yet enlightening statement of our time.
Book Details:
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Hendre House Publishing (1 Sept. 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0955968402
ISBN-13: 978-0955968402
Product Dimensions: 27.8 x 20 x 1.2 cm
Contents:
Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales
Introduction
The Forgotten Houses
Gazeteer
Acknowledgements
Index
