By Kirsty Jones

Tucked away in a small, wooded area of land and slightly set back from a track leading down to Cilwendeg mansion (now Abercych Residential Home), Cilwendeg Shell House is like something you might come across in The Secret Garden.

The surfaces of the carefully constructed ornamental grotto gleam and shimmer in the damp dreary weather as they do in the brilliant sunshine. A stunning collection of seashells and crystals preserve the natural radiance and beauty of its original architecture.

Historically, the shell house was a project of Morgan Jones the Younger (1787-1840), having inherited the Cilwendeg estate from his uncle, the elder Morgan Jones - a squire with a reputable regard for local affairs and conservation.

In 1764, the elder Morgan Jones was responsible for the complete rebuilding of a long-neglected chapel called Capel Colman at the western perimeter of Cilwendeg Park.

The decision to honour the generosity and devotion of this Teifiside squire was taken by his nephew, who in turn restored Capel Colman and constructed the shell house as a garden retreat in his memory.

As well as being a very apt tribute, the tiny building served as an amusement during the summer months and a calm place for contemplative reading during the winter. It is believed that the ladies of Cilwendeg mansion devised the original designs for the interior décor. The building itself was conceived in the fashionable picturesque taste of the era.

Pembrokeshire County Living was given a guided tour of the shell house hermitage by key holder and friend of the Temple Trust, Diana Vickers.

Diana explained how the Temple Trust had acquired the shell house ruin and 1.27 acres of surrounding woodland in 2004 and immediately commissioned an archaeological study before beginning a careful process of restoration.

"The Trust was careful to ensure that everything was correctly restored down to the last detail," she said.

" The finished result is exquisite, there is a huge sense of achievement for everyone involved in the project when it was completed in 2006."

Our guide led the way along a path overshadowed by a canopy of old laurels that serve as a primitive gateway to a hidden pavilion covered in Gothic detailing and rustic ornament.

The interior designs are encapsulated by four walls of grey Cilgerran stone, faced with roughly hewn white quartz from local sources. An array of different shells and colour glass formed in intricate patterns covers the interior; a small fireplace and shell-encrusted lanterns serve as the sole sources of light and create a dazzling, reflective effect once lit.

"All the shells making up the patterns on the walls were collected from local beaches," said Diana.

"The floor is preserved in it's original form and made up of the knucklebones of sheep and oxen - the only exotics are the large queen conch shells which form a centre-piece for each wall panel."

"The shell displays are an interesting insight into local marine life. Children can visit and learn more about the sea just by studying the different shells on the walls."

The attention to detail inside the building is spellbinding; there are even ornamental owls encrusted with natural jewels and shell pieces on display. But the development of the surrounding garden is also quickly taking shape - with a fusion of wildflowers and plantations changing the backdrop of the building from season to season.

"It's a stunning location whatever the season- but there is such a stark contrast from winter to summer. The most amazing transformation is from winter to spring when the daffodils come and foxgloves spring up everywhere."

The woman behind the restoration of this historical beauty is chairman of the Temple Trust, Suzannah Fleming. Suzannah managed and drew up designs for the project with funding from CADW, The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust, The Pilgrim Trust and the Prince of Wales Charitable Trust.

The Temple Trust also leads the way for the restoration of Capel Colman in 2006 and both buildings are now open for public viewing on Thursdays throughout the spring and summer months.

Father Paul Mackness opens the Cilwendeg Shell House and Capel Colman every Thursday from the first week of April to the last week of September, from 9am to 6pm. The Cilwendeg estate is located off the B4332 between Boncath and Newchapel.

Admission is free, however donations are encouraged as the preservation of both buildings depends on contributions to the fund.

9:26am Tuesday 26th February 2008

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