Today we celebrate 100 years of Laura Ashley, a true icon of timeless design. At our Welsh farmhouse, her vision continues to inspire how we live, decorate, and care for our heritage. From supporting local crafts to using sustainable materials, her legacy still shapes life at Plas Uchaf farm.

We were delighted to welcome the Cambrian Archaeological Association to Plas Uchaf as part of their 2025 Summer Talks. Sharing our historic walled garden, hillside farm and heritage stories with such knowledgeable guests was a real honour and quite the sight to see a 40-seater coach arrive! A highlight for us and, we’re told, for them too. Discover our shepherd’s hut stay for your own historical escape in North Wales.

Would you believe I grew up in the Conwy Valley and never went up Snowdon? Last week, Bledd came home and said, “Tomorrow, we’re going!” A sunny day, a quick ticket check, and off we went to Llanberis. The train ride was peaceful and stunning, with views for miles. I even packed binoculars (which I forgot to use!). It was a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be far, just an hour trip from our shepherd’s hut.

Late May brought a slow morning and a day trip to Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin, the oldest timber-framed house in Wales and one of our favourite historic places to wander. We arrived just in time for a wildflower sale in the garden, where we picked up native species like oxeye daisy, red campion, and bird’s-foot trefoil to try back at the farm. Since going no-input (no chemicals, no fertilisers), we’ve watched wildflowers return.

Tucked beneath the hillside at Plas Uchaf lies our once-forgotten "ghost pond" a silted-over spring-fed basin brought back to life through careful restoration. What was once a swamp beneath a fallen chestnut tree is now a thriving wildlife sanctuary, rich with frogs, reeds, and even wild ducks. This hidden gem reveals the ingenuity of 17th-century farm design and offers a peaceful retreat beside our shepherd’s hut, where heritage and rewilding meet.

Llannefydd is surrounded by quiet, beautiful countryside that’s full of character and history. From the wide views at the top of Mynydd y Gaer to the gentler route around Pedr Hir, these are the walks I return to again and again. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, local stories or just a bit of time outdoors, there’s plenty to explore right from the village.

Mae o wedi bod yn gorwynt o flwyddyn, ond rwan bod yr haf wedi cyrraedd, o’r diwedd rydw i yn gallu gymryd anadl a chanolbwyntio ar y...

The Beloved Peacocks of Plas: More Than Just Feathers and Superstitions Nestled in the heart of Plas, our charming peacocks have become...