RHAYADER’S newest – and surely most famous – resident visited shops and local businesses this week, as she continues to settle into life in the Radnorshire town.
Charlotte Church happily posed for pictures with volunteers and staff at The Arches in town, Rhayader and district’s community support group, with daughter Freda in tow.
The 36-year-old Welsh singer made headlines in May 2021 when it was revealed she’d bought Rhydoldog House – the former home of Welsh fashion icon Laura Ashley – which is nestled in the Elan Valley, just outside Rhayader.
“Today we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the wonderful Charlotte Church and her delightful little girl, Freda, to The Arches,” Arches Rhayader & District Community Support said in a post on their Facebook page on Tuesday.
“Charlotte has undergone a huge project at Rhydoldog House – formerly owned by Laura Ashley and her family – transforming it into 'The Dreaming', a relaxing retreat in the wonderful setting of the Elan Valley.
“Charlotte and her film crew could be seen around town today, visiting shops and local businesses, and Charlotte made a special request to pop into The Arches to find out all about who we are and what we do for our wonderful little community, stating she can't wait to get involved with us in the future.
“Here are a few snaps with two of our wonderful shop volunteers, Pat and Ruth, former chief-officer-come-volunteer Pippa, and staff members Emma and Julie.”
Charlotte announced in July that the transformation of the 15th century stately home into a wellness retreat is set to return to our television screens for a second series later this year.
Charlotte Church’s Dream Build is returning on Really and Discovery+ later this year, having first hit UK screens in January.
Series one of the programme aired eight episodes and followed Charlotte on her pilgrimage to turn Rhydoldog into a holiday retreat, wellness centre and wedding venue.
Charlotte bought the 47-acre Elan Valley property for around £1.5 million in May last year.
Rhydoldog was originally bought by the late fashion designer Ms Ashley – who died in 1985 – and her husband Sir Bernard in 1973, as the couple wanted to raise their family and be near to their fledgling business in Carno. The family sold it in 2009.
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