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Glansevern Grotto
Glansevern Hall Gardens
Berriew
Near Welshpool
Powys
United Kingdom
SY21 8AH
Telephone: 01686 640644
Glansevern Hall is romantically positioned on the A483 road near the pretty village of Berriew, Powys. The estate lies on the banks of the River Severn with gardens that extend to around 25 acres, surrounded by parkland.
Pictures right:
The garden gate to the secret grotto.
The nymph like water feature nearby.
The secret exit from the grotto cave.
Caverns measureless to man.
Built by the renowned Shrewsbury architect, Joseph Bromfield, Glansevern Hall is considered to be a fine example of early neo-classical design, dating from between 1801 and 1807. It was created for Sir Arthur Davies Owen, a member of one of the oldest and most illustrious families in Wales. The Owens family trace their origins back to 1165, when Catrin, the illegitimate daughter of Lord Rhys, married Cadifor ap Dinawal, Lord of Castell Hywell. The seven-bedroom Greek revival property features  18th century Chinese wallpaper in perfect condition, plus an unusual library which contains a 15th century traceried screen from Llangurig Church. Also there is 16th century panelling, which originated from Montgomery church.
Picture left - The Hall
The gardens are understood to have been designed in 1805 and reputed to have been magnificent in their day although they suffered neglect for nearly 50 years between 1939 and 1982. Within the gardens lies the grotto. It comprises a winding tunnel of some fifty feet in length. It is constructed from rough stone to form a rockery mound over which footpaths and steps lead the explorer. It is a Grade I listed structure and has an associated water feature nearby.
Retired QC Neville Thomas, aged 76, and his wife Jenny, aged 71, spent 30 years restoring the impressive property, which they say was derelict when they bought it with 20 acres for one hundred and fifty two thousand pounds in 1982. This historic Welsh hall and gardens, which contains the 'biggest bath tub in Wales' was up for sale with a price tag of four point five million pounds in 2013.
The Grotto entrance
Glansevern Halll, which is now Grade II listed, has been re-roofed, rewired and beautifully redecorated within, while its gardens have been brought back to life and extended. Caroline and Mark Owen now act as hosts for the visitors to view and enjoy their estate. The gardens were first opened to the public in 1996. There is a tearoom with home-cooked food, plus a gallery and a shop.
Website: Click Here
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
GREAT BRITISH GROTTO GRADING
Click to go to Grotto.Directory home page
Click above map to enlarge
CONSTRAINTS
On private property, Open set times only
FACILITIES
Access by Road, Access on Foot, Entry Fee, Grotto with extensive rock gardens, Restaurant/Food, Toilets
LANDSCAPE
Country town/village, Rural
REGION
Wales
THE FEATURES PRESENT
+Cared for and maintained in good condition, +Dark and mysterious chambers and cave like spaces, +External rock structures, either real or simulated, +Internal stonework that is natural, recycled or simulated to give a subterranean decor, +Sacred spring or integral water feature, +Stunning setting and location, GRADED SIX
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