This property was open during the weekend's Open Doors. Eyarth Station's value in terms of heritage is as a reminder of the railway line that served Rhuthun from 1862 to 1958 (when the last timetabled train ran). Goods continued along the line, including serving Eyarth's coal yard, till 1962. It's now a working guest house and has been since 1981. There are new owners and they're leaving their mark. A glance at the visitors' book suggests they've had a good summer.
There is now precious little left to remind us of this once important lifeline. The building itself, though extended in several directions, is still recognisable as a former red bricked station.
Its first owner of the redundant station was an architect, who incorporated the platform into the extended structure.
There are a small number of other reminders of the railway, including a plate layer's hut (complete with original grate) to the south of the station that would have been whitewashed (rather like the station is now) but now has its original brickwork exposed. Evidence of the original whitewashing is still visible.
We can be very romantic about our former railway lines. The truth is, in the age of the motor car, the line was uneconomic. There were only five journeys a day and none at all on Sundays. Those who wistfully want to see their return—or who morn their loss—would struggle to function in today's world if reliant solely on the railway. Better, then, for this to be used as an alternative.
The current owners have only had the guest house for little under three years. They have dispensed with room names such as The Fairy Room and the Corn Dolly Room in favour of famous railway engines (which would never have used the line) such as Mallard and The Flying Scotsman.
They are looking to be more sustainable and self-sufficient. Already, they've built a 4KW bank of solar panels which actually powers the dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers. That these are in a field is a result of a conscious decision not to despoil the property itself. They've planted a 24-tree orchard, to include apples, damsons and Denbigh plums, for their guests. They've converted a former tip into an eco-pool. The outdoor pool, rarely used, will in future stock fish for the table. The vegetation therein will help clean the water while it is pumped and recycled to a hydroponic vegetable growing area. They have plans for hens, ducks and geese by the plate layer's hut (which they intend to re-roof and re-whitewash).
The current owners have only had the guest house for little under three years. They have dispensed with room names such as The Fairy Room and the Corn Dolly Room in favour of famous railway engines (which would never have used the line) such as Mallard and The Flying Scotsman.
