A HISTORIC house had a special visitor yesterday , as renovation work comes to an end on the Grade I-listed building.

The Prince of Wales is on the final days of his annual summer tour of Wales and made a visit to Llwyn Celyn, in Cwmyoy, Monmouthshire.

The prince visited the house in 2014 when restoration work began and was eager to see the progress of the restoration by The Landmark Trust.

The house has been inhabited since 1420, the last occupants Lyndon and Trevor Powell moved out in 2014 and now live in a house nearby.

“Our uncle’s family lived here for 100 years," Lyndon said, "then my father came here in 1945.

“It was a pleasure and honour to meet the prince. He asked how we like living in our new house.”

The prince took a tour of the house, and was guided by the Trust’s chairman Neil Mendoza and director Ann Keay.

They met a number of people involved in the restoration and local history, including Lloyd Roberts from Pandy who was part of the IJ Preece restoration team.

He said: “It’s been nice to look at all of the work we have done. It is not very often you get the chance to do this sort of work.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund contributed £2.5 million towards the project which was led by project architect John Groom.

Following the tour, the Prince of Wales planted a rare Brith Mawr apple tree in the gardens, a tree which can be trace its origins to Newport.

He also signed a book before travelling to his next engagement.

Local historian Oliver Fairclough was at the house for the special occasion.

“I was delighted to be invited,” he said. “I am here representing the Llanthony History Group and I have written a book on the history of this project.

“I thought the day went very well. I was very impressed with the restoration work on the house and I enjoyed talking to members of the Landmark Trust and the family who used to live there. It was very good.”

Caroline Stanford, the Landmark Trust's historian and head of engagement, was also the event.

She said: “I have been working on this house for about 10 years and it’s wonderful to see it near completion.

“This is a sneak preview for his royal highness, and it will be all completed in early in October and we will have lots of public open days where people can come and have a look and learn the history of the house.”

Once the house is completed people will be able to stay at the house and will have spaces for community use.

Find out more at landmarktrust.org.uk.