|
Following
the death of Colonel Cecil Lyne, Clawdd was sold by auction in
1979. The particulars advised: In addition to its obvious attractions
as a private residence the property could conceivably have potential
for many other uses most particularly in the catering trade.
On three floors, the accommodation comprised:-
GROUND FLOOR: entrance hall, study, lounge, dining room, kitchen,
butler's pantry, store room/boot room, pantry, cloakroom, rear
hall with access to cellar, main and secondary staircases
FIRST FLOOR: six bedrooms, boxroom, landing, rear landing, bathroom
and separate WC
TOP FLOOR: self contained flat with two bedrooms, bathroom, sitting
room and kitchen.
Outside:-
3 acres of mature gardens, 3 acres of rough paddocks and 13 acres
of agricultural land, double garage, garden shed, fuel store,
wood shed, WC and a range of stabling with four loose boxes, harness
room and feed house.
The property
was purchased by Janet Hughes who at that time had been running
the Copper Kettle in the heart of Caerleon. Clawdd Farm now became
a very successful bed and breakfast business. Janet told us, "When
I bought the house it was in imaculate condition. All the wood
was pitch pine from Canada."
 The
1988 Healthy Holiday Guide contained this description: This
beautiful Edwardian farmhouse, set on 19 acres of hillside in
the peaceful Vale of Usk, is, self-confessedly, 'cluttered within
and without': its exterior bristles with folly-like projections
- including a round turret, numerous dormer windows and porches
galore - while its interior is, to quote from the Clawdd Farm
brochure, 'cluttered with odd objects like Janet cooking in her
kitchen'. You have been warned.
But do not think, however, that this cosy haphazardness bespeaks
anything hit and miss about the food: Janet (who has the Management
Diploma of Hotel and Catering Institute) is a lady of precision
when it comes to food preparation, and accommodates vegetarians,
vegans and people on other special diets (such as that for psoriasis
sufferers - she is one herself) with assiduous care. All guests
are consulted beforehand about any special preferences they might
have, and her meals - prepared with organic and wholefood ingredients
wherever possihle - are imaginative and served in generous portions.
It is an indication of the unruffled calm that informs the Clawdd
Farm ethic that the proprietors list among the local attractions
'watching the river rise and fall' (there is, apparently, one
of the highest tides in the world). Those in search of more, energetic
pursuits might care to use the nearby grass ski-slope, while fishing,
walking and pony-trekking can all be enjoyed nearby.
Clawdd was
probably seeing more activity than at any time previously. The
stables at the foot of the drive were converted into self catering
accommodation, and the following photos show the house and gardens
at that time...
|
