History of Highland Moors

The Heighway family came to Llandrindod Wells in 1870 from Ruabon, North Wales and established a brickworks in June 1868 which provided most of the red and yellow bricks used in many of the Victorian buildings in the town.

Thomas Heighway became the tenant of the Rock Park (famous for its spa treatments) and was responsible for numerous innovative improvements including:

  • Electrical therapies, complex sprays, douches and baths and various packs where peat and other mineralised matters were applied
  • Bottling and sale of water to local hotels in 1-2 gallon jars

He discovered the following springs in the Rock Park:

  • the Roman Spring in 1893
  • the Magnesium Spring in 1893
  • the Radium Sulphur Spring 1904
  • the Lithia Saline Spring in 1905

He was responsible for planting 43 different species of tree in the Rock Park – a total of 90 trees.

After the Rock Park lease expired and was sold to the Town Council, Heighway discovered six springs south of the town and built a premier Hydro Spa Hotel called Highland Moors using his vast knowledge and experience.

Highland Moors Hydro Spa became hugely popular attracting wealthy gentry who came for the range of treatments, to enjoy the fresh air from the roof, and to sip and stroll in the gardens.

Treatments included:

  • Strong sulphur immersion
  • Hydro-electric-medicated sulphur baths
  • Carbonic acid baths
  • Effervescing pine or medicated baths
  • Spinal sulphur douche
  • Vichy massage douche
  • Aix douche massage
  • Tribune scotch douche
  • Radiant heat baths
  • Fango radioactive mud treatment
  • Tyrmauer electrical hot air apparatus

Two pump houses in the grounds served two different purposes; the Westerly one supplied spa water to the drinking fountain in the South West corner (reached via a pathway) and the Easterly pump room provided water for the Hydro Spa and the plunge pool via a large storage above the Spa.

Heighway planted rare species of trees in the grounds to enhance the beauty of the views.

Key features of Highland Moors Guest House include:

  • Flat roof used originally as a sitting and viewing platform. This will be restored in time to allow guests to enjoy the breathtaking views over Mid Wales
  • William Morris inspired stain glass windows, fireplaces and other decorative features
  • Original cooking range in the kitchen
  • Oak panelling, parquet flooring and terracotta tiling throughout

Highland Moors Hydro Spa Hotel has continued to be used as a place for healing and restoration over the last century having been:

  • Military hospital 1918 - 1925
  • A hotel 1926 -1931
  • A Boys School for TB and asthma 1932 - 1957
  • A Convent for Missionary nuns 1958 - 1994
  • A foster home 1997 - 2000
  • Reopened again in 2003

Highland Moors is the last remaining Victorian Hydro Spa Hotel in Llandrindod Wells. The town is deemed to be the very centre of Wales. Its growth was due to its renowned spa waters and attracted wealthy gentry from all over Europe during the late Victorian period, and into the last century.

Due to the demand for high quality hotels, many luxurious hotels sprung up all over the town. There was one difference with Highland Moors. Whereas many of the other hotels were built in the town within walking distance of the main springs, Highland Moors was built on 6 acres on which 6 springs were found. Highland Moors was purpose built as a hotel with a fully operational hydro spa and two purpose built pump rooms which directed the springs to the hotel and the hydro spa for the range of treatments on offer.

Today, Highland Moors is owned by a young English and Irish couple and is undergoing extensive 5 year restoration to be completed in 2008. The original Victorian hydro spa still remains and will be converted into a conference centre and leisure facilities available for guests use in the near future.

Refurbishment in 2005-2006

Highland Moors has 12 guest bedrooms fully furbished for 2007 season. Over the Winter 2005-2006, 3 new ensuites were built, now totalling 5 ensuite rooms and 7 standard rooms. 2005 also saw the completion of the reconstruction of the heating system, installation of a state-of-the-art 24/7 hot water system, and replacement of all doors, smoke doors and fire doors to bring the building up to the high fire regulations standards required today.

Plans for 2007-2008

During winter 2007-2008, further ensuites will be built. All windows and carpets will be replaced, and all under-floor insulation to every room will be completed to retain heat and reduce noise levels. During 2007-2008 the Hydro Spa will be converted a conference centre and office space. Finally, Victorian tearooms will be built in the old woodsheds to the West of the main house.

We hope that the range of facilities for guests will offer a unique and special stay at Highland Moors. In the meantime, we want to offer you a very warm welcome for 2007 and delight in making your stay really enjoyable. We would be happy to welcome you back and are sure you will have a more comfortable stay with the improvements we have made to date.

"Grand, beautiful"
Mr. & Mrs. D & G Rogers, Pembs