Restoration Update of Dyffryn Gardens
With assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Gardens
have been undergoing an extensive restoration programme, which
began in 1997. The objective was to return the Gardens to the
original plan of 1906 by acclaimed landscape architect Thomas
Mawson and avid plant collector and owner of the estate at the
time, Reginald Cory.
Works have covered all aspects of the Gardens from: repairs to
the garden rooms; reinstating lost areas; improving the pathways;
repairs to the statue collection; tree works; and improving the
visitor facilities.
One of the first projects undertaken was the restoration of the
Pompeian
Garden, which at the time, had been closed to the public for
nearly 10 years. This stunning garden room is now regularly used as
a venue for civil wedding ceremonies.
2008
With the completion of the new Visitor Centre and Tea rooms in 2007, the
programme is now entering the final stages. 2008 will see the
completion of works to the Lavender Court and the fountain pool,
both located at the west end of the Gardens.
Reinstatement of the Glasshouse and restoration of the Walled
Garden is also due to being this year, with a view to opening them
to the public late 2009.
Dyffryn House
Work on replacing the roof and restoring the exterior stonework
of the house began in September, 2006, with 150 tons of scaffolding
being used to envelope the building and create a false roof. The
original 1893 roof was replaced with new Welsh slate. Decorative
stone features were carefully restored by specialist stonemasons
and, in October, the scaffolding was removed and exterior painting
and masonry works completed.
Although the house is still closed to the general public and a
final use is yet to be decided, the exterior restoration works all
help to restore the house it to its rightful place as the stunning
centrepiece of the beautiful gardens.
Contact
Tel: 029 2059 3328
Address: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5
6SU
Email: dyffryn@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk