History of the House
Broneirion is situated on the side of a steep, wooded valley overlooking the River Severn and the village of Llandinam. It makes a wonderful setting for the pale stone coloured House with its Welsh slate roof, which is a fine example of a mansion in Italianate style. It is surrounded by four and a half acres of very beautiful grounds, which look particularly lovely in the Spring when the naturalised daffodils, rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. The famous Wellingtonia trees, the first of their species to be planted in Wales, have now reached an enormous height towering above the house. Also situated in the grounds is the Brownie House, Y Bwthyn, originally the Davies children's summer house.
Inside the House there are many treasures, the beautiful Chapel is dedicated to Lady Eldrydd Davies, and is used a great deal. The dining room is a reminder of the Founder, the tables and long benches, of exquisite craftsmanship by 'Mousey' Thompson, were bought with the allocation to Wales from the Baden-Powell Fund. The fine portrait of Lord Baden Powell by Miss Margaret Lindsey Williams was gifted by the artist in admiration of his work. Also in the dining room is a beautiful Czechoslovakian crystal Guide / Scout vase, this was a gift from Lady Baden-Powell. Throughout the house there are many other fine pieces of antique furniture and memorabilia gifted by generous friends over the years.
In 1992 the landlord, Lord Davies, eldest son of Lady (Eldrydd) Davies, made it know that Broneirion would have to be sold. For 46 years Guiding in Wales had enjoyed a most amicable relationship with its landlord, and his wife, the present Lady Davies who was the President of Girlguiding Cymru. The decision was made that Girlguiding Cymru really had to raise sufficient money to buy the property outright. An appeal was launched, and with much determination from its members, and valuable help from many outside organisations, the money was raised in a remarkably short time, enough to buy the house and provide a modest Endowment Fund, the interest from which would help repairs and renovations. At the same time the opportunity arose for Girlguiding Cymru to purchase a Camp Site, close to the house, something that had been very greatly needed for a long time. This Camp Site is named Cae Gwenllian, in honour of Girlguiding Cymru's much loved Treasurer and a former Chief Commissioner, Hon. Gwenllian Philipps OBE, who for so many years had supported Guiding in Wales with her sensible advice and careful guardianship of resources. The Official Re-opening of Broneirion took place on 28th June 1993, and the Hon. Betty Clay, the daughter of the Founder and the World Chief Guide, performed the Opening Ceremony on this occasion. Two years later, and very unexpectedly, Girlguiding Cymru were able to purchase Broneirion Lodge, a 'cottage orne' sited at the entrance to Broneirion, an important purchase as it is situated on the boundary of the main property.
Guiding in Wales was particularly delighted to hear in November 1996 that Broneirion House, Coach House, and the Lodge had all been listed Grade II, endorsing the fact that the property is particularly fine, and worthy of the work and care which has been taken to maintain its original appearance and features.