Plan to save rare 19th century shell grotto is approved

PLANS to preserve one of west Wales’ most treasured structures have been given the go-ahead.

- BRUCE SINCLAIR AND LAURA CLEMENTS

Hidden away among tall pines in Pembrokeshire, the grade-II*-listed Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage is one of the most remarkable ornamental grottos in the country and an incredibly rare survival in Wales.

In an application to Pembrokeshire county council, Suzannah Fleming, of registered charity The Temple Trust, sought listed building consent for remedial works to parapet walls, eaves and canopy to reduce water ingress at the house in Cilwendeg Park, Boncath.

The application said: "The purpose of the works is to reduce or prevent moisture ingress, which in doing so will maintain the delicate shell interior, prevent the timber roof structure from rotting and maintain the visual appearance of the building."

An officer recommending approval said: "The Shell House is said to have been built in the 1820s for the Morgan Jones family of Cilwendeg.