Notes on BLAENGADER, Abermad, Ceredigion 2001

Two farmhouses seemingly built against each other, I was told of this property at an exhibition opening – it had stood empty for a few years and nature had begun to reclaim: a sapling peeped out of the chimney pots.

Damp, gloomy and eerie, I made a few exposures and carried on my way with wonder. What would become of Blaengader? Had it been forgotten? If only 5 miles or so from Aberystwyth why hadn’t it been bought and restored?

I drove by again a few years later and the house and outbuildings were almost unrecognizable with extensive renovation and new porch with portico. I did not consider it sympathetic in character but herein lies a common paradox for me: after a visit to a derelict and decaying property and estate I find it hard to imagine a house restored and lived in once again, a kind of selfishness overwhelms the sensibilities.