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The Plas Uchaf Journal
FIELD NOTES FROM PLAS UCHAF
Stories from an old Welsh farm: its history, the work of restoration, the changing seasons and the places we discover along the way.
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Honouring Laura Ashley’s 100th Birthday from Our Welsh Farmhouse at Plas Uchaf
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.
Sep 7, 20252 min read


Cambrian Archaeological Association Visits Plas Uchaf: A Heritage Highlight
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.
Jul 13, 20252 min read


From Ghost Pond to Wildlife Haven: Restoring Our Farm Pond at Plas Uchaf
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.
May 25, 20253 min read


Exploring Welsh Historic Houses: A Visit from ISWE, Bangor University
We were delighted to welcome the Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates (ISWE) and Bangor University students to Plas Uchaf for a rich day of storytelling, shared history, and exploration of our local plastai, Plas Uchaf, Berain, and St Mary and St Nefydd Church.
May 3, 20254 min read
Our First Newsletter!
We’re excited to share that Plas Uchaf has just launched its very first newsletter! This has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while—creating a space to share our journey with those who have a passion for local history, house restoration, and life on a traditional Welsh hill farm. In our newsletter, I’ll be keeping you up to date on everything that’s happening here at Plas Uchaf. From restoration projects around the farm to seasonal updates in the garden, I hope to give
Oct 6, 20241 min read


... prosiect aeth dros ben llestri! Prosiect y Cwrt ... that escalated quickly! The Courtyard Project
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 prosiectau adfer sydd wedi bod yn galw fy enw i. Datblygodd un prosiect o'r fath, yr oeddwn yn meddwl i ddechrau y byddai'n dasg syml o ysgubo'r iard, yn rhywbeth llawer mwy helaeth a gwerth chweil. Cyn ... It's been a whirlwind of a year, but now that summer is here, I can finally take a breath and focus on the restoration projects that hav
Jul 5, 20248 min read


The Mystery Building in the Walled Garden
Introduction Nestled within the sanctuary of the walled garden, hidden from the curious eyes of passersby, stands a mysterious building that has captured the imagination of all who have glimpsed it. Is it a gazebo, pavilion, a summer house, or perhaps a relic from a bygone era? In this blog post, we’ll try to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic structure, exploring the rich history of 17th-century gardens and the allure of gazebos and summer houses. 17th-Century Gardens: Du
Jan 7, 20244 min read


Peacock feathers - do they bring bad luck?
The Beloved Peacocks of Plas: More Than Just Feathers and Superstitions Nestled in the heart of Plas, our charming peacocks have become an integral part of our family. These regal birds are not just pets; they are members of the household who add a touch of whimsy to our daily lives. In this blog post, we'll explore the unique personalities of our peacocks and address the superstitions that surround these captivating creatures. The Peacocks of Plas Our peacocks, beautifully
Oct 1, 20232 min read


Unveiling the Rich History of Plas Uchaf: A Gem in the Shadow of Mynydd y Gaer
Where the past whispers through the stones and the landscape echoes with tales of generations past, Plas Uchaf stands as a testament to time, heritage, and the enduring connection of our family. Nestled in the protective shadow of the historic hillfort, Mynydd y Gaer, Plas Uchaf is a remarkable stone farmhouse with its distinctive stone-coped gables and a slate roof, radiating an air of enduring elegance. While it has witnessed centuries of change, the spirit of this place re
Oct 1, 20233 min read
Pond Restoration
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