Powys farm made famous by famous diarist Francis Kilvert for sale

Chapel Farm in Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye is the home of the small chapel of Holy Trinity Bettws where renowned Victorian diarist Francis Kilvert preached.

Kilvert preached at the Chapel in the early 1870’s and visited the farms and houses nearby including the New Chapel Farmhouse, and knew their occupants well, recording their lives in his diary.

The small chapel is located in one of the fields and was rebuilt almost entirely in 1878 though some parts are from around the 13th century.

In his diary Kilvert said of the chapel: “Went to Bettws in the afternoon wrapped in two waist-coats, two coats, a muffler and a mackintosh, and was not at all too warm. Heard the Chapel bell pealing strongly for the second time since I have been here and when I got to the Chapel my beard moustaches and whiskers were so stiff with ice that I could hardly open my mouth and my beard was frozen on to my mackintosh.

“There was a large christening party from Llwyn Gwillim. The clerk (Wilding) thrust a tallow candle between the bars of the stove grate lighted it and set it upon the table that once probably did duty for a Communion table. I had it put out again as the daylight was sufficient. The baby was baptized in ice which was broken and swimming about in the Font. A sad day for mother and child to come out.”

The property is described as having “amazing views” and has been owned and farmed by the Guest family for three generations since the second world war.

One of the current owners, David Guest, said that the property has been updated to modern standards but is still home to incredible historic pieces.

“The Victorian stone-built farmhouse has been recently renovated to a high standard and now has excellent insulation and fast broadband,” said Mr Guest.

“In the cellar we found a solid stone salting table with a channel around the sides to capture blood, a reminder of making meat last before the time of refrigeration.”

Estate agents Sunderlands, who are handling the sale of the property, said: “Chapel Farm comprises a uniquely located recently refurbished four bedroomed substantial stone-built farmhouse, with traditional stone outbuildings, large garden, and courtyard.

“The wider farm comprises a range of modern farm buildings and productive farmland extending in total to 117.54 acres. The land appears in good heart and has recently been used predominantly for the grazing of livestock with part of the land in arable cropping.”

“Chapel Farmhouse is a delightful country residence offering versatile and beautifully presented 4-bedroom accommodation. The property has been recently modernised and extensively renovated by the current owners. The property is found in an unspoiled location situated in a yard area of about 1.35 acres with delightful views over the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.

“The farmhouse comes with two stone outbuildings, which could both provide further accommodation - subject to necessary planning permission and conversion.”

The property has an asking price of £2,080,000 and enquiries can be made with Estate Agents Sunderlands.