For the first time ever, Broneirion mansion in Llandinam is on the open market after its current owner Girlguiding Cymru has decided to sell the property for £3 million, saying it is a "financial burden" and "no longer fit the purpose to change for today's girl".

Girlguiding Cymru has owned the 20-bedroom mansion since the early 1990s following a fundraising campaign to buy the properties and the beautiful grounds as their headquarters in Wales.

Listed for £3 million, real estate agents Fine and Country said: "When visiting Broneirion, the history feels tangible and the decision to sell has been very difficult to come to but is entirely genuine and now represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase this outstanding, individual, highly renowned country home and to take it into the next chapter of its extraordinary history."

County Times: Broneirion Conference Room. Picture by Penny Mayes/Georgraph

The stunning Italianate-style mansion was built in 1864 for the famous industrialist and politician David Davies and later became the Welsh Training Centre for the Girlguiding Association in 1946 when it was opened by Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide and the wife of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting and co-founder of Girl Guides.

In a statement, Girlguiding Cymru said that with declining Girlguiding membership, coronavirus pandemic and rising costs, Broneirion has been "unsustainable for many years" and that they had "no alternative" but to put the building for sale.

Money made from the sale will be used for events and activities, legacy funds and investments to "secure the future of Girlguiding Cymru".

County Times: The Lodge, Broneirion. Picture by Penny Mayes/Geograph

Bev Martin, Chief Commissioner on behalf of Girlguiding Cymru Board of Trustees, said: "We’re very sorry to say that we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close Broneirion, our Training and Activity Centre.

"The Board of Trustees have decided that the financial burden on Girlguiding Cymru of owning, maintaining, and supporting Broneirion, which has been unsustainable for many years have had no alternative than to make the decision to market Broneirion for sale.

"Low numbers of members using the facility, decline in membership numbers, the impact of Covid-19, and ever-increasing financial costs, means it is no longer viable for us to continue operating Broneirion. Also, with Broneirion being Grade 2 listed it no longer fits the purpose to change for today’s girl.

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"We want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers, friends and staff who have made Broneirion a home and place of adventure and provided ever-lasting memories for many girls and young people over the years.

"We understand that this may not be the outcome that everyone wanted and will be a significant loss to Girlguiding Cymru and we know many will be upset by this news.

"Girlguiding Cymru’s main priority remains our members. The decision to close Broneirion, although difficult, will ensure the time and money currently subsidising the centre will be invested into improving the experience of our members and we’re committed to ensuring that girls and young women can keep having adventures and benefit from all that the outdoors has to offer."

Complete with Lodge House, Coach House, Summer House and approximately 10 acres of grounds, Broneirion sits on a picturesque valley side overlooking the stunning, upper Severn valley towards the Llandinam Hills.

Girlguiding Cymru said bookings up to December 31 this year are currently being honoured but refunds will be given to existing bookings that go beyond New Year's Eve.