History 

Coed-y-dinas is set in the Severn Valley just south of Welshpool and was the home farm for Powis Estates during the 19th century. It was re-named as The Earl of Powis’ Model Farm around 1870.

Charlies Stores Ltd purchased Coed-y-dinas farm and the surrounding land in 2002. It was recognised there was potential with this magnificent set of buildings, and many are Victorian. Documentary evidence tells us there was a house on the land as early as 1720 and the first farm building was built around 1814. There are beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and some of the buildings were built by First-World War prisoners.

The decision was made to develop the site into a Garden, Home and Country Centre. The six million pound development required detailed planning permission which took longer than usual because the buildings are listed and the redevelopment had to fit within strict regulations. It is the first time Charlies Stores has worked with a listed site and the architect’s overall brief was to retain the historic character of the site and ensure the fabric of the old stone buildings was kept intact as far as possible.

Outbuidlings before development

The Country Store, a purpose built building, opened its doors to the public in 2005 selling agricultural feeds and machinery, hand and power tools, garden machinery, hardware and much more. The Garden Centre opened in March 2006 by garden television personality Charlie Dimmock. Visitors can see first hand the way in which the buildings have been sympathetically restored, retaining many
original features and maintaining this unique site. Wow, Amazing, Wonderful, Fantastic, Unique, Friendly, Helpful” – are just a few of the comments from visitors since we opened. At Coed-y-dinas we pride ourselves on welcoming people from all over the country and indeed many from overseas.

Charlie Dimmock officially opens Coed-y-dinas

The Future 

As the site was originally a farm there are plans for the future to incorporate a petting area for children, a large pond area and walks to link up with a nearby wildlife reserve.