1 week Ago By [email protected] (Owen Hughes)
The redevelopment of a mansion and former asylum is uncovering some historic finds. The Godfrey Group bought Pool Park at Efenechtyd, Denbighshire , in January after it lay empty for years after closing as an asylum in the 1980s. They have started work on the property and estate near Ruthin , with long-term plans to redevelop the site for leisure and hospitality purposes.
The circa-30 acre plot was the site of a substantial hall and farm which became dilapidated but a manor house dating back to 1824, along with a coaching house, neighbouring boiler block and lodge house, remain on site. During the work Andrew and Louisa Godfrey have unearthed a number of historic items. These include a 17th century sundial and a Celtic throne that dates back to the 11th century.
Outside the team have unearthed a Victorian tennis court and a sophisticated horseshoe shaped walled kitchen garden with its own in-built heating system. READ MORE: Llandudno attraction to return in 2025 after being closed for three years READ MORE: Car wash and barber's among North Wales ventures fined for employing illegal workers The old stables are full of carved oak, fit for the horses of a gentleman, and they’ve found the stone steps where generations of families and their servants were photographed. There’s even a gentle mound shaped like a wedding cake that would have been used as a circular pleasure walk in Edwardian times.
It was completely covered in undergrowth when Andrew and Louisa bought the property in January. But the most intriguing discovery has been the two life-sized, hand-carved wooden angels positioned each side of the impressive oak staircase. The newel posts are over 3ft high and the angels stand facing each other.
Andrew Godfrey, Managing Director of the Godfrey Group, said: “Pool Park Estate was built for extravagance and the craftsmanship we’re uncovering is amazing. Louisa and I are never sure what we’re going to find next. The antique carved angels are over 3ft high each – they’re the same height as our eight-year-old son Hugo - and they sit rather imperiously each side of the staircase looking at you as you walk up the stairs.
We’d love to know more about them, who created them and how they came to be here.” Pool Park Estate was once a deer park belonging to nearby Ruthin Castle. The house was thought to have been established in the 16TH century and rebuilt by William Bagot, 2ND Lord Bagot in 1826-1829 to the designs of John Buckler, and assisted by local architect Benjamin Gummow.
The family lived at Blithfield Hall in Staffordshire and rented Pool Park to a series of tenants. Until being rescued by Andrew and Louisa, Pool Park was last occupied as a home by Sir Ernest Tate, president of the sugar refiners Tate and Lyle. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up.
