The Hafod Estate is one of the most important examples of a picturesque landscape in the whole of Europe. It was a landscape created and redesigned by Thomas Johnes after he inherited the estate from his father in 1780. The Hafod Estate contains stunning landforms including the winding River Ystwyth, gorges, and an impressive series of waterfalls, including some that were remodelled to make them even more breathtaking.
The estate is also notable for its environmental value. Johnes planted over three million trees on the estate between 1782 and 1813, and these trees contribute to the range of wildlife living here and provide the memorable landscape of Hafod we enjoy today. There are also a series of gardens containing unique flora and fauna, including flowers, alpine plants, and manicured lawns.
The archaeology of the Hafod Estate includes estate buildings, the foundations of the now demolished mansion, and built features installed by Johnes. The Hafod Estate reflects Johnes’s support for his tenants and his larger commitment to social and economic reform. He helped to improve approaches to agriculture amongst his tenants, as well as building roads and schools to educate local people.