Llanfendigaid, Snowdonia

18-07-2024

Stelrad’s cast iron column radiators paired with ground source heat pump at Llanfendigaid, Snowdonia

Stelrad’s new range of Cast Iron Column radiators has been installed at the impressive Llanfendigaid Estate – just a stone’s throw from Cardigan Bay in west Wales. The Llanfendigaid Estate is located on one of the most breathtaking stretches of Welsh coastline and nestles in the midst of the Snowdonia National Park, known for its challenging climbs and stunning rural landscapes. The owners say this magical estate, tucked away in the sleepy hamlet of Rhoslefain, is one of the jewels of the area.

Llanfendigaid offers a variety of self-catering holiday properties with the flexibility to select the house that best suits the potential guests. Llanfendigaid House itself is the perfect option for larger groups, while The Pod and The Shepherd’s Hut cater wonderfully well for couples or solo adventurers. The Cow Shed, Dove Cottage and Stable Cottage are super options for families or small groups of friends.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hold a DIY wedding, a special celebration or a big family bash, you can book the entire estate. Free from background noise and light pollution – the area is one of only eighteen International Dark Sky Reserves in the world – offering spectacular stargazing opportunities.

The Nanny-Wynn family and their forebears owned and lived at the estate for more than eight centuries until early 2022. The three-storey Georgian manor house was built in the 13th century and was renovated to its present design in 1746.  A Grade II* listed building of special historic importance, it sits proudly at the centre of the estate’s 16 acres … somewhat smaller than the 16,000 acres that it once covered that stretched all the way from Harlech in the north to Aberystwyth in the south.

There are royal connections too with John Nanney marrying an Anwyl heiress in the early 17th century; a family directly descended from Owain Gwynedd, the King of Gwynedd from 1137 until his death in 1170, and the first to be styled Prince of Wales. According to folklore, the infamous cave in which Owain hid from the English is located on a remote beach nearby.

The Llanfendigaid Estate is now owned by Gareth Roberts and Lisa Kay. They have a very real sense of wanting to improve the environment and set about the recent improvements on the estate by insisting on the use of renewable heating systems and low carbon technologies wherever they could. The heating system using the Stelrad Cast Iron Column radiators throughout the estate is driven by a ground source heat pump which has the heat gathering coils buried under a field close by the properties.

The heating installer and system designer for the project is Jon Andrews of Smart Energy Systems Wales: “This is an interesting project for a client that is keen to see the best of everything installed in the properties and as near to zero carbon as possible. Clearly with raw materials such as we have at Llangfendigaid – buildings going back to the 13^th century – totally zero carbon is impractical but that doesn’t stop us trying to make each individual building as ‘green’ as we can.

“I’ve been working on the project for many months and there is still plenty to do but we are taking our time and getting things right and we’re making huge progress particularly with the farm buildings that are being converted into holiday accommodation. The Cow Shed in particular is a wonderful option and we have completed the indoor swimming pool too which offers a great facility for those staying on the estate.”

Traditionally Stelrad has supplied steel radiators and continues to do so with more than two and a half million radiators manufactured each year. But in the past few years, Cast Iron Column radiators – which were first around in Victorian times - have come into vogue again and as always, the company aims to meet the demands of its customers at every level, so it has added a selection of Cast Iron Column radiators to its ever-widening range.

The new Stelrad Cast Iron Column radiator is available now and adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its Natural Cast finish.  With the added options of either Antique Brass or Brushed Nickel TRVs to provide the ultimate in modern heating control. The classic, contemporary design suggests a genuine piece from yesteryear whilst offering the very best in quality and craftsmanship to enhance the very latest in heating technology as it slips effortlessly into the superior elegance of today’s most fashionable of décor.

These radiators are floor standing with in-built feet for extra stability as they are significantly heavier than their steel counterparts. They are available in two heights and a wide variety of widths – a total of 96 sizes currently available. And as you would expect, they come with a cast iron ten-year warranty.

“We’re pleased to be able to respond to customer demand and provide this excellent new range of cast iron radiators,” says Stelrad’s Head of Marketing, Chris Harvey. “The arrival of this new range confirms our position as a one stop shop for all things radiators and we’re delighted with the early response to the new range we’ve received from installers and merchants up and down the UK.”

To find out more about Stelrad’s new Cast Iron Column radiators go to www.stelrad.com. For more information call on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.