'Lost farmhouse' will be restored

The Smithies had to persuade planners to break their normal rules

A farming couple are to revive a historic disused farmhouse in Pembrokeshire as a family home.

Gina and Peter Smithies have been cleared to restore Philbeach in Dale, which was once described as one of the "lost houses of Wales".

No one has lived in the Grade II listed building since the 1960s and more recently it was used to store potatoes.

The striking giant "Flemish" chimney, that forms part of the structure, probably dates back to the 1500s.

The Smithies have received permission for the work from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Although the farmhouse was on the park authority's buildings at risk register because it had not been lived in for so long, the development committee had to depart from its normal rules to grant residential use.

Mrs Smithie, who also runs a catering business, said the building was within the farm they bought about 14 years ago.

To see it being restored from one of the lost houses to become one of the found houses of Wales will be extremely gratifying David Ellis

"It was always in the back of our minds maybe we could do something about it one day," she said.

"It's quite an exciting project and we are determined to see it through to see it as it once was."

The couple have old pictures of how the building used to look, but say it is likely to take several years to complete the job.

"It's going to happen and we are really pleased the park authority has given us permission."

Gentry house

There has been a house on the site since about 1200, but it is noted mainly for one of the last remaining "Flemish" chimneys in Pembrokeshire.

Authority member David Ellis said: "This is one of Pembrokeshire's gems.

"It was a gentry house until about 1700, a real classic, and it's absolutely right that it should be returned to a family home.

"It featured in the 1987 book by Tom Lloyd, Lost Houses of Wales, so to see it being restored from one of the lost houses to become one of the found houses of Wales will be extremely gratifying."