Pembrokeshire's Treleddyd Fawr Cottage Restored to Former Glory

The National Trust is delighted to have completed the restoration of Treleddyd Fawr Cottage, a Grade II listed property near St David's, and one of the last surviving examples of a traditional Pembrokeshire cottage.

Now it's ready to open the door to guests as cosy holiday accommodation, a decision taken by the Trust to allow more visitors to experience this rare slice of Welsh history.

Nestled in the coastal countryside, the one-bedroom cottage and its outbuildings date back to the early 1800s and were bequeathed to the Trust by Mr Glyn Griffiths, with the wish to preserve their personality and charm for others to enjoy.

Over the last 12 months, Treleddyd Fawr Cottage has undergone major conservation work to help safeguard the special place and restore it back to its former glory.

Speaking about the project, Curator Sarah Green said: "It's been a real team effort and everyone from builders to National Trust wallpaper expert to furniture restorer to archaeologist, supported by neighbours, friends and volunteers have all pulled together to ensure that Mr Griffiths' wishes could be honoured."

The project was funded by the charity's Neptune coastline campaign – a people-powered initiative established 50 years ago to protect coastal heritage – and included essential building works, from underpinning to re-roofing, along with extensive interior repairs.

Inside, the property's simple two-up, two-down layout has been retained, with the downstairs comprising of a parlour and living-dining room, and the upstairs including a double bedroom and dressing area.

The former dairy, attached to the back of the cottage, has been given a new lease of life as a galley kitchen and bathroom, with the outbuildings also featuring a utility room and outside toilet.

To stay true to Treleddyd Fawr's classic country roots, local materials were utilised where possible and many of the original features are still on display – quarry tiles in the parlour, wooden partitions and handmade coat pegs in the hallway, and a rather rustic-looking well pump in the garden.

The cottage itself has been lime-washed in a traditional clean yellow and Pembrokeshire soft blue, with the accompanying buildings sporting a bright white and contrasting dark red woodwork.

With the spirit and character of the place still very much alive, the Trust is now looking forward to welcoming visitors to the holiday cottage.

Jonathan Hughes, the National Trust's General Manager for Pembrokeshire, said: "We've worked very hard to try to respect the character and charm of this special place, in line with the wishes of the late Mr Griffiths. Hopefully people will enjoy staying here, and exploring the best of the St David's coastline."

Guests can book to stay at the rural retreat via www.nationaltrustholidays.org.uk

About the National Trust in Pembrokeshire

The National Trust is privileged to own and care for some of Pembrokeshire's most majestic and special places. From Tenby's Tudor Merchant's House to the prehistoric landscape of St David's Head, the portfolio covers 60 miles of the coast including 30 farms and 25 cottages. The National Trust is a charity and receives no government funding. Every visit – either by paying admission or using membership, helps the Trust maintain, conserve and improve special places for the enjoyment of everyone for ever. About the National Trust The National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 775 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information and ideas for great value family days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.