New era begins for Gregynog Hall near Newtown, Powys

The process began in 2019, ending six decades of ownership by the University of Wales which was bequeathed the propery in 1960 by Margaret Davies, who, along with her late sister, Gwendoline, had put the Gregynog on the cultural map of Europe.

Lydia Bassett, head of business development said: "We are working hard to cover the daily costs of running the hall and estate – with accommodation for conferences and events as well as holidays, concerts and events, our 750-acre estate and our lovely Courtyard Café.

Lydia Bassett and David Chell at Gregynog Hall.

"But there is a huge amount of work to be done to repair the historic house and estate and to restore our Grade 1 listed gardens.

"We need to raise substantial amounts of money in the next five years to replace the roof and repair some of the long-term damage to our buildings.

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"We believe Gregynog has vital role to play – not just in history, but in future thinking: in wonder, culture and inspiration; in our wellbeing and spirit; in learning; in powering our local rural economy in Montgomeryshire. With your support the possibilities are endless."

The hall and gardens have also made an impression on David Chell who joined as interim chief executive from the Lancashire FA and has a background in leisure, sport, hospitality and venue management.

He said: "I have been here four weeks, and in that time I have discovered how passionate the staff are about Gregynog.

"It is a real hidden gem with an amazing story behind it. There is a story in every room and it has played such a big part in the history of Wales and it is a privilege to help it on its journey.

“In the future we want to engage more with the community and make it more accessible to everyone. We want to invite people in and make everyone welcome. We want to continue the cultural traditions of Gregynog with music, theatre and the arts and to start to restore the hall and gardens to its former glory."

The public has been encouraged to get involved by making a donation or leaving a legacy in your will, volunteering to help in the gardens or as a steward in the house for special events and open days, booking your wedding, conference or events or joining the Friends Scheme.

Stanley Baldwin PM visited Gregynog Hall in 1936. Pictuer: Wiki Commons

A host of events are being held during autumn, starting with Bonham's Valuation Day from 11am-3pm on Monday, October 2nd and on Saturday, October 7th Sinfonia Cymru family strings concert will be entertaining music lovers from 11.30am with tickets £9.50 per adults and £2 per child.

Mid Wales Opera's comic opera Berlioz’s Beatrice and Benedict will entertain on Saturday, October 14th from 7.30pm and from October 28th to November 5th the hall will host a Haunted Half Term Halloween Trail from 10am-4pm.

Lydia added: "Gregynog has always been a very special place for me, ever since I first came here as a student.

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"From Fairy Trails to our first outdoor wedding it has been a busy summer and we have great plans for the rest of 2023 including more musical events, our Halloween trail, breakfasts with Santa and carols in the music room.

"The hall has huge potential and it’s a wonderful place to be – we want to share it with as many people as possible."

When Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin visited the house in August 1936 he was heard to say "What a country, what peace, what healing air, I am soaking up the Welsh spirit".

Certainly the Prime Minister was not the first or the last to benefit from the beauty of one of Powys' historical gems which became a haven for artists, musicians and refugees over the next two decades.