The Machynlleth house that once belonged to famed fashion designer Laura Ashley is up for sale at a price of £175,000.

A one bedroom terraced house going on sale usually would not be the most notable of properties, but this one on Heol Maengwyn used to belong to fashion designer Laura Ashley.

Laura Ashley lived in the property when she opened her first shop in Machynlleth in 1961, with the building being marked by a plaque and receiving Grade II listed status for its historical significance.

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Estate agents Morris Marshall and Poole, described the property by saying: “Gwalia House is an interesting town property found on the historic main street in Machynlleth.

“Offering interesting and adaptable accommodation, this Grade II Listed property dates back to Late 17th Century and early 18th Century with it being re-fronted in the 19th Century.

(Image: MM&P) (Image: MM&P)

“The accommodation is over 3 floors and enjoys a wealth of exposed beamwork. It has also retained some original timber panelled partitions.”

The property was last bought by Linda Bretherton in 2015, who had long been a fan of the famous designer and renovated the property over the course of three years with the aim of restoring it as authentically as possible, eventually opening the house to the public in 2023.

(Image: MM&P) (Image: MM&P)

The house was opened to visitors in 2023 as a way to mark the 70th anniversary of the Laura Ashley company, but announced in January 2024 that the attraction would be closing after the anniversary celebrations.

Commenting via social media, Ms Bretherton said: “It's time to let you know that the Little Laura Ashley House is closing.

“It's been a year of fun, travel, and excitement, which was for Laura's 70th year. To be frank, the LA House was a hobby that took over, and my real work began to suffer.

(Image: MM&P) (Image: MM&P)

“It's been a fun time travelling and collecting Laura clothes. I've always loved and bought and sold vintage, and owning the Laura Ashley House made it obvious in her 70th year to stock LA. It was another great tick on my bucket list.

“But Lauras 70th year has passed, and it's time to move on.”