Abbey Cwm Hir - Part 1

Today we had a day out at The Hall at Abbey Cwm Hir, a superb Victorian Gothic House which takes Christmas VERY seriously.  From the beginning of November until 6th January, the house is done up for Christmas, and every one of the 52 rooms has Christmas decorations and/or trees (I think there are 49 trees in all which are apparently stowed away beneath the huge Billiard Table during the summer months . . .)  We had a guided tour by the owner, and for a few minutes after our arrival, we thought we were going to be the only people there - and then (cue the music of "There's a Coach Comin' in"!!) a coach load of WI members arrived, so we had Company!

This was the Drawing Room, which had rag-rolled walls (it looked like wallpaper), and stunning gilded architrave.  Each room and Christmas tree has a different theme.  The theme in this room (for this year at least, as they change) was music.

As you can see, the room was very tastefully furnished and decorated.  The beautiful mirror behind the tree absolutely MADE the room for us.  I loved the decorated panels on the doors and they also had similar designs painted onto the wooden shutters.  We have wooden shutters in our Dining Room, and so I think I may be doing similar in the dark days of January.

This is the other end of the room.  The painting on the wall is of the house, as it might have been in its history - on this occasion it was the late 1950s and the family were holding a Ball for the young folk of the valley.  The artist is a local man and I think there are ten wonderful paintings which he has done of the house and Abbey in times gone by.  The owner's wife had made ALL the draperies herself.

The "blackamoor" in the window, and a slightly better view of the painted shutters.

Into the hallway, and one of 5 amazing tiled floors.  Sigh . . .

The mirror (another made in Indonesia) was draped with what strands of velvety green "rope".  It was very effective.

Another painting (in two separate halves) of Foxes and Pine Martins from the Valley.

A snow scene recreating the heavy snowfalls of 1895 and showing the Phillips family returning home from church.

This lovely cupboard full of crystal glasses was part of a job lot of furniture, designed by the owners, and made in Indonesia.  Many of these pieces have been dusted with gilding and look beautiful.

The chandelier was also hung with baubles and just look at that ceiling rose . . . .

I just had to take a photo of this display in the fireplace. All bits of fruit and sundries, painted with gold paint.

This was a very glamorous and dramatic room with a wonderful collection of Doulton's Flambe ceramics.  Keith was not impressed - not his style at all!!

They had replaced the original (lost) range in this room.

The centrepiece of the table, with the crackers made by the lady of the house (fabric enhanced with gold papers.   The runner had been made by her too.  The little crochet angels had been made by another lady who works in the house.

I took LOTS of photos, as you may imagine, so the next couple of days will have more posts in this vein.  If you get the chance, DO visit Abbey Cwm Hir (you may need to book though, and you will need to bring slippers or slipper socks as you have to take your shoes off inside the house).  Nearest town is Llandrindod Wells.