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0:00:20 > 0:00:25- On 04Wal tonight, an organic house - in the Dysynni Valley...
0:00:26 > 0:00:32- ..a contemporary, white space - hidden behind a Victorian facade...
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- ..and a unique house full of - memories from all over the world.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- An architectural enigma - nestles at the foot of Cader Idris.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- The architect was a sculptor.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- The house's unique shape - blends perfectly into the landscape.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- There's nothing uniform - about this house.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- Everything, including the gates, - were designed especially.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- Once you think you've - found something conventional...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- ..you realise it's far from that.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- Look at this curved roof.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- There are arches here and there - to break up the shape.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- The stone, slate and wood - is all local.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- The only predictable detail - of this house is the chimney.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- It looks like - a chimney you'd find on a cottage.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- These buttresses - almost give the house its roots.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- It reminds me - of the bottom of a tree trunk.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- It's as though - it grows out of the ground.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- It's amazing.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- In essence, the house was built - on three levels.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- The bedrooms above, the kitchen and - lounge here and the sunroom below.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- It's warm there, even in the winter.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- The garden, around the house, - is divided into small patios.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- Each patio area is enclosed - by a curved, dry stone wall.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- They're perfect - - a work of art, in themselves.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- The most striking thing - about this house is the roof.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Its peaks and troughs, - the changes in pitch...
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- ..echo the shapes - of the surrounding hills.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- There's no need for a downpipe - - water cascades into these pools.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- The sound of water is ever-present.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- When it isn't raining, - water is pumped around...
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- ..to maintain the trickling sound.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- It's a pleasure to sit here.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37- Wow!
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- Two doors lead you into this house.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- One takes you into the kitchen - and one takes you into the hall.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- This staircase - leads to the bedrooms.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- What first strikes you - is the beautiful wood.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- The fusion of different styles - makes this house unique.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03- There's a touch of the Greek villa - about the plastered, curved walls.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- The curves soften the shadows.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- There's also a hint of Spain here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- There's an organic feel here, - as though things were still growing.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- The banister is actually - made of a single piece of wood.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- It may have been grown - to fit that space perfectly.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- There's a hint of hobbit here, even!
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- I expect to see Bilbo Baggins - walk through these curved doorways!
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- The various parts of the house - are all off this central hallway.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- The kitchen is there, - the lounge is there...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- ..and I'm sure - there are some bedrooms down here.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Even this handrail is handcrafted.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Every door opens and closes - with a latch.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- The detail in this house - is all-important.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- The door is ash - and the handle is oak.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- The pegs along the top - are Welsh yew...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- ..apart from this one, - which is Irish yew.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- It adds variation to the colour.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Each and every door - closes with a satisfying clunk.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- Almost like Rolls Royce doors.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- There are several other features - in this room.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- This plastered wall is unique.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- You can't help but touch - the bannister.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- It's a very tactile house.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- This is the main room of the house.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- It's used as a lounge, - as you can see.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- There's a plasma television - over here.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- There are two dining areas here - and they're on different levels.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- The ceiling looks as though it's - been chiselled from the mountain.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- It almost feels like a cave.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- The owners usually dine in there.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- This is the formal dining room.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- There are many windows in order to - capitalise on the breathtaking view.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- You can see Cader Idris, - Craig yr Aderyn and Bryncrug.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- It's truly jaw-dropping, isn't it?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- The bedrooms are upstairs.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- This gallery was lovingly created, - just like the ground floor.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Even the skirting boards curve, - with the wall.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- There's almost a semicircle here.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- There are three bedrooms, - on this floor.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Each has its own en suite.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- This is the pick of the bunch.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Here it is.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- This is a special bedroom - with a very special view.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- The bathroom is stunning.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- This is one of six bathrooms - in this house, by the way.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- The jewel in this room's crown - is this wall of wardrobes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- As amazing - as the view of the Dysynni Valley.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- The door shapes are eye-catching...
0:08:53 > 0:08:58- ..and the wood grain is unbroken - from one door to the next.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- It moves, like corn in the wind, - doesn't it?
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- I've come over all poetic - but this is truly a work of art.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- I want it!
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0:10:11 > 0:10:14- I've lived in - other Victorian houses...
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- ..where there were lots of walls - and it was dark and pokey.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- This house seems more roomy, - thanks to the variety of shapes.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- It's very open and light floods in.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- This is the home of Catrin Whitmore - and her family, in Cardiff.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- Designers transformed it to create - a series of simple, white spaces...
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- ..each flowing seamlessly - into the next.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- The result is a new house - in an old shell.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54- A light, modern home.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- I like the fact - it's traditional on the outside...
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- ..with an open, modern interior.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- It's been designed to be modern - and with minimal clutter.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- That's the whole concept.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- I'm gradually adding cupboards...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..where I can store - my children's toys and books.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- We all have such things in our lives - and we need storage space for them.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37- Wow!
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- We can forget preconceptions - about dowdy, Victorian houses.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- There's nothing - traditional or Victorian about it.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- It's very open - I can see out, - into the garden, from here.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- There's a huge lounge, in here.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- The wall has disappeared.
0:11:57 > 0:12:03- This whole space has been opened up - but it doesn't feel like a hangar.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Hangars don't feel cosy, - unlike this house.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- To define the spaces - within the house...
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- ..they've kept - sections of certain walls.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- It defines the rooms within - this space, making it far cosier.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- The rear of the house, - on this level, is all glass.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- There are glass panels here - and a glass ceiling there.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Light floods in.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- I like - having the kitchen downstairs.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- We eat down there - and the light can be subdued.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- I can cook - while people sit at the table.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- I can chat and cook, - at the same time.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- It's also good to walk away from - the mess and go upstairs, to relax.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- This kitchen really is tucked away.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- It's hidden from the - rest of the house, in the cellar.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- There probably wasn't a cellar - this big here, originally.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- Everything in the kitchen - is hidden behind cupboard doors...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- ..or some sort of door.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- They have breakfast here.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- There's a picture of Al Pacino - in 'Scarface' on the wall.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- I wouldn't want to see that, - as I ate my breakfast.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51- Each to their own.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- These drawers are very smooth.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56- They close, like this.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- I sometimes have a hankering for - a splash of colour, here and there.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- I may add some dark grey - to the lounge, eventually.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Apart from that, - I'm taken with the white.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- The furniture and the wood - in the house add natural colours.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- If I see something I like, - I won't rest until I find it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- The kitchen chairs came from Canada - and this chair came from London.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- I saw the brown, leather chair - in a hotel in Somerset...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..and I found it in London.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- I've bought furniture from Italy.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07- I had the dressing table shipped - back after a visit to South Africa.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- There are only four bedrooms - but each has an en suite bathroom.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- The master bedroom is quite floral.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- I like Cath Kidston designs.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- It's a Victorian guest house theme!
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- I think it's comfortable.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- I have French blankets on the bed - and I have old, painted furniture.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- My baby's bedroom is white, - with a splash of red.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I bought the Babar poster - in America.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- It's out of the ordinary.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- My daughter's bedroom - is full of quirky items.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- She has several pictures - and she tends to like magnets.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- We painted - the alcoves in her room blue...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- ..because she's hankering after - some colour.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- We allowed that - and we'll see how she likes it.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- The guest bedroom - is quite old-fashioned.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- There's an antique, - French bed in there...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- ..with an old, Welsh bedspread - on it.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- I think - it belonged to my grandmother.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- One wall is a mustard colour.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- I bought one painting - in an antique shop in London.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- The other one was a present - from my great-great-aunt.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- How do you see this house - developing?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- I want to see some more art - on the walls.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- I may also add - some more traditional furniture.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- The lounge is quite stark, - at the moment.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- It's good for someone who wants - to keep it neat and tidy...
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- ..but I want to add - a 1970s sideboard.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- I'd like to add - some old furniture...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- ..and then, it will be finished.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- I don't feel lonely, - even though I live here alone.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- I'm surrounded by memories - of family members.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52- Comforting memories.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- I don't feel lonely here.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- Morfudd Clark moved back here, - to Ceredigion, over 25 years ago.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- Her father's work took - the young Morfudd around the world.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- They lived in Spain, Venezuela, - Mexico, Bolivia and Nicaragua.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- The family then - returned to the family home...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- ..with a wealth of memories - and a houseful of possessions.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- What connects you to this house?
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- What connects you to this house?- - It's a family connection.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- My grandmother's father - built the original house.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- We have all lived here, - at one time or another.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- When was the house built?
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- It was built in 1873.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- I've lived here since 1950.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Did your mother live here, - at that time?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- Yes. The house was divided in two.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- My grandparents lived in one half.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Our mother and us children - lived in the other.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Was this kitchen - part of the original house?
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- No, not all of it.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- The floor is original.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- Do you have memories of - sitting by the Rayburn, as a child?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- No, the Rayburn wasn't here - when I was young.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- We had a Triplex, - or something like that - a cooker.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- This part of the kitchen - was different, when I was young...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- ..but this was here, back then.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- You hang your laundry on it.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- The cupboard was also here.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- I imagine it's easy - to live in this house.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- I'm not sure - everyone would agree with you!
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- I could have added - some modern touches to the house.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- I really like the windows.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Yes, they let in - lots of natural light.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- It's a pleasure to be in the house, - especially on a sunny day.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- I enjoy being outside, too.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Do you spend most of your time - in the front rooms?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Yes, in the summer - but I live in here in the winter!
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- That's because - it's lovely and warm in here.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- I come downstairs in the morning - to a warm welcome.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- When the family's here, - we eat in the dining room.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11- We do use it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- All the rooms are used.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- It's nice to have plenty of room, - when guests come to stay.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35- Your grandfather planted - most of the plants in the garden.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Yes, he was a talented - and enthusiastic gardener.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- He took real pride in the garden.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- When we came home from school...
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- ..we had to go and check on - the plants and the vegetables.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- There's a wonderful orchard - here, too.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Yes - my grandfather planted it.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Are you keen to preserve this house, - without making changes?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I have no wish - to carry out alterations.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- I would get rid of a few items - that are beyond repair...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- ..but I wouldn't change many things.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- Items like the throws on the chairs - came from your travels.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Yes. I couldn't get rid of them.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- They're a part of me.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- I'm a hoarder.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- Whoever clears up after me - will have their work cut out!
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- How does this house - compare with modern houses?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- This house is far more cluttered - than a modern one!
0:22:56 > 0:23:02- When you see a lot of modern houses, - you have no clue who lives there.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- You have no sense - of the occupants' interests...
0:23:08 > 0:23:09- ..or where they've been.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- They clear the decks - and leave no trace of who they are.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones