What We Do
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is very pleased to have awarded a Capital Works Grant to Bardsey Island Trust towards the repair of Tŷ Nesaf and Tŷ Bach. This grant has been made possible thanks to the renewal of the AHF’s strategic partnership with Cadw, the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Division.
Located just off the very tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales, Ynys Enlli is a small, picturesque Welsh island filled with culture, history, wildlife and natural beauty. Alongside its significant built heritage, with 36 Grade II-listed structures, including 12 buildings and two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, it is also home to a working farm, a thriving lobster and crab fishery, a Bird Observatory and some spectacular wildlife.
Standing at the northern end of Ynys Enlli, Tŷ Nesaf and Tŷ Bach are a semi-detached pair of farmhouses. They were constructed as part of the general rebuilding of the farms on the island, carried out by the 3rd Baron Newborough between 1870-75. While Tŷ Bach is used as accommodation for the two resident Wardens who live and work on the island year-round, Tŷ Nesaf had once served as holiday rental for visitors. Due to its poor condition, however, the building no longer allows for this use.
Bardsey Island Trust has owned Ynys Enlli and its buildings since 1979 and works to promote the island as a place of scientific, historical and special spiritual interest.
Having identified Tŷ Nesaf as the key to unlocking the potential of future building restoration projects on the island, the Trust is in the process of undertaking major restoration and renovation works to bring it back into use. Once repaired, it will serve as the location for contractors to stay when undertaking future building works, helping to support the future of other significant buildings on Enlli. Additionally, when not being used for contractors, it will be available for holiday rentals once again, with the Trust exploring bunkhouse/hostel style accommodation to increase the diversity of those visiting Enlli through offering a more affordable option to either groups or individuals. The Trust also wishes to carry out repairs to Tŷ Bach to ensure that the home of its Wardens - the island’s only full-time residents - is safeguarded.
The Cadw-supported AHF Capital Works Grant contributed to the emergency roof repairs to both Tŷ Nesaf and Tŷ Bach, with match funding coming from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to this support from the AHF and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the re-roofing work is now complete.
Siân Stacey, Chief Officer of Bardsey Island Trust, said: “The support that AHF have provided us, both financially and through wider support, has been fantastic in enabling us to deliver so much more through this re-roofing work. Building work on Enlli can be incredibly challenging, with the added aspect of needing to get all materials, scaffold and contractors across the Sound via boat and being entirely dependent on the weather for crossings. AHF understand this deeply and their responsiveness and flexibility have been invaluable to our ability to deliver this roofing work on time and within budget. We’re very fortunate to work with some excellent contractors and benefit greatly from the support of Colin Evans of Mordaith Llŷn in bringing workers, materials and equipment safely over the Enlli Sound to the island. Diolch yn fawr iawn!”
Adam Hitchings, the AHF’s Development Manager in Wales, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to support the Trust with a capital grant for the re-roofing of Tŷ Nesaf and Tŷ Bach. It’s great that the work has been completed before the weather takes a change for the worse. We look forward to Tŷ Nesaf being enjoyed by visitors to Enlli for generations to come when not being used as contractor accommodation.”
Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: "We’re pleased to support the Bardsey Island Trust in repairing Tŷ Nesaf, a building that is central to both the island’s heritage and its future. This project shows how National Lottery funding can help overcome real challenges to protect special places like Ynys Enlli for future generations."