13 July 2023 — Scaffolding free

Island House for many years has been known to people and described, when talked about, as “the house opposite the shop with the scaffolding holding it up” — but in June / July this year (2023) it has been stripped of the scaffolding, which was initially there to stabilise the exterior and protect the general public. In recent years the scaffolding was replaced and set out to allow Island House Restoration Ltd to undertake much-needed work to make it safe again and to restore it to its former glory as a prominent historic property in the Township.

The Grade II* listed building is now watertight and stable; having the roofs replaced means that no further water ingress can take place, which in the past caused many walls to decay and in some cases collapse. The work that Island House Restoration Ltd has undertaken has saved the building, ensuring it will remain one of Laugharne’s landmarks for many years to come.

When asked about the progress of the transformation of the listed building, Director Stephen Kirkwood said: “Over the past 3 years we have assembled a team of consultants and a workforce who are dedicated to saving this building; we will continue to work on the building with the same passion we have had from day one — the restoration will continue.”

Recently the local history society was given a tour of the building and the feedback received was very encouraging, as many had fond memories of visiting the building in the past; many commented on the quality of the workmanship and the materials used to restore it, and could see that no expense had been spared in the work done so far.