Treowen House give a warm welcome to Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes

Following on from Wales Tourism Week 2024, John Wheelock and Jane Harvey hosted the new Member for Monmouthshire, Catherine Fookes MP at Treowen House.  Adrian Greason-Walker, Historic Houses Wales Policy Advisor was also present.

John and Jane discussed Treowen’s rich history – a grade 1 listed manor house set in an extensive private garden.  John along with his brother Dick currently run the house as a self-catering holiday and wedding venue with its twelve bedrooms, five reception rooms, extensive panelling, screen and unique staircase.  In short, Treowen is a stunning unspoilt step back in time to the 17th century.  John took Catherine Fookes MP on a brief guided tour of the house and gardens.

Over a light lunch Adrian, with John and Jane gave an insight into the work of Historic Houses and raised several non-devolved issues surrounding taxation and regulation, including VAT; Heritage Maintenance Funds and the need to build a skilled workforce in Wales to specifically undertake sensitive repairs to historic properties.  The need for owners to be able to cost effectively implement energy efficiency measures on listed buildings was also discussed at length.