Hafodunos Hall

SUNDAY

I started the day with an l hour in the garden, before heading out for a half-hour drive to Hafodunos Hall. The hall was hosting an open day and artisan market with an array of craft and food stalls. The sunny weather made it even more enjoyable, with outdoor music and entertainment. 

Hafodunos Hall is a spectacular Gothic Revival house near the village of Llangernyw in Conwy, Wales. Designed by  Sir George Gilbert Scott, the hall was constructed between 1861 and 1866 replacing a previous house from 1674.

Tragically, on the night of October 13, 2004, the hall was severely damaged by a fire that gutted the main block, leaving only the conservatories and service wing largely intact. Two men from North Wales were later sentenced for the arson attack.

Following the fire, Hafodunos Hall and its gardens fell into disrepair. In April 2008, the property was put on the market with a guide price of £500,000 – £750,000. Despite its condition, the estate retained several notable features, including a Grade II-listed gate lodge, a carriage drive, the Grade I-listed ruins of the hall, a keeper's cottage, a games pavilion, a gymnasium/theatre, and approximately 60 acres of land with formal gardens, woodland, and a walled garden, all listed as Grade II.

 In January 2010, the property was sold for £390,000, with the new owners expressing their intention to restore the hall as a private residence.

The day concluded with a family dinner at home, where we were treated to a striking and unusual sunset. The  hues were influenced by atmospheric smoke from recent wildfires in North America, adding a surreal touch to the evening sky (see extra).