Newton House will re-open its 17th Century doors this Friday, February 1 as the National Trust reveal some brand-new areas for visitors to explore.

Since the first week in January, Newton House, shop, café and courtyard on the Dinefwr estate have been closed to visitors as the National Trust team carry out essential maintenance and conservation work at the property.

With just three weeks to complete the mammoth task, the team at the National Trust property near Llandeilo are ready to reveal the fruits of their labour with an official reopening this Friday at 11am.

There will be a free cup of tea or coffee for every National Trust member that attends.

“We’re excited to announce the opening of a brand new second-hand book shop called ‘Y Gegin’ in what was formally the old servants’ kitchen in the Courtyard”, said Sophie Thomas, National Trust Carmarthenshire.

‘Y Gegin’ will be equipped with Wi-Fi, comfy sofas, the Sunday papers and, of course, a host of donated books to get lost in over a cuppa.

It’s dog friendly too so dog walking visitors have a space to shelter from the elements after a stroll around the Dinefwr parkland.

Another new reveal for the Courtyard will be the will be a brand new gallery space called The Black Raven Gallery, so named to honour the Rhys family; who lived at Newton House(1660-1970).

The Rhys family coat of arms consists of three black ravens.

The Black Raven Gallery will officially open on St David’s Day with an exhibition called ‘Continuum’ by the supremely talented Toril Brancher.

Toril is a photographer based in South Wales and has had her work exhibited extensively across the region.

She is currently the artist in residence for the Landmark Trust at Llwyn Celyn near Abergavenny.

Her photographic artwork will be on display and on sale from March 1 until the June 1.

With the courtyard being a hive of activity there has also been a lot going on inside Newton House itself.

“The team have worked incredibly hard to protect the rooms and collections inside Newton House with conservation work being carried out on the historic wooden flooring, paintings, ceilings and carpets over the past few weeks,” said Sophie.

“Some of this work is difficult to complete when the House is open to visitors as it can involve working at height, beating (or tamping) the enormous rugs from the rooms or some quite meticulous dusting of the portrait collection.

“Our regular visitors will also notice a big difference in our Billiard Room Café too.

“We’ve given it some well-earned TLC and would like to invite everyone to come along and tell us what you think when we reopen on Friday.”