Plas Newydd is a Grade II* listed Gothick house, celebrated for its association with Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, the Ladies of Llangollen. Its distinctive character comes from pointed windows, richly decorated interiors and extensive reused carved timberwork, giving the house its highly individual and theatrical appearance.
To have the opportunity to work on a building of this character is a real privilege.
Our current work is focused on the gable wall, where a modern render has effectively formed a straitjacket around the historic fabric. Its careful removal is allowing us to understand the wall more closely before replacing it with a traditional hot lime render – a material better suited to an older building, allowing moisture to move through the fabric rather than becoming trapped within it.
In many ways, the approach to the gable reflects Plas Newydd itself. A building of such complexity calls for a comprehensive response – bringing together traditional skills and materials with careful attention to detail.
It is painstaking work, but also fascinating. The closer you look at Plas Newydd, the more it seems to reveal.
Plas Newydd is open to the public. More information here.
