Plas Tan y Bwlch's gardens will be transformed

Plas Tan y Bwlch in the Vale of Ffestiniog, which is owned by Snowdonia National Park, is to open its gardens for the public after the revamp.

The Heritage Lottery grant will be used to develop and manage the mansion house and grounds to attract more visitors.

Carried out over three years, the work will concentrate on restoring the gardens to their former glory.

Originally owned by the Oakley family, Plas Tan y Bwlch, is now an environmental studies centre providing residential education courses.

An example of fine, picturesque nineteenth century landscaping on a large scale within an exceptional setting CADW spokesperson

Llew Evans, the centre's director, said the work would begin with the garden terrace above the house, the steps leading through the gardens and the old "azalea walk" which has grown wild.

"We will give visitors a much better understanding of the gardens," he said.

"We will have literature and information available in the car park and five audio boxes around the gardens.

Historic

"In the grounds themselves, people will be able to listen to facts about the gardens rather than read signs so that the visual impact on the surroundings is minimised."

Structural improvements will also be made to the house and a tea room, complete with touch screens, created inside.

"The house has a 200-year history and although people were able to come here and enjoy the place before there has been no explanation of the gardens and the house for them," added Mr Evans.

In addition better access to disabled visitors will be provided by installing lifts in the house and creating a sensory garden nearby.

According to the Welsh historic monuments body, Cadw, the mansion at Maentwrog is one of the most important in Wales.

A spokesperson said it is "an example of fine, picturesque nineteenth century landscaping on a large scale within an exceptional setting."

'Truly public place'

Professor Tom Pritchard, Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales said he was particularly pleased that Plas Tan y Bwlch is to be revitalised.

He said: "The Oakleys - one of the four main slate owning families of north west Wales - lived here for many years, succeeding the Evans and Griffith families who built up a large estate in the area in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

"Now, Plas Tan y Bwlch will become truly a public place."

Snowdonia National Park says the restoration and enhancement plan for the mansion and gardens will "dramatically scale up its value as a centre accessible to the general public".