"We first discovered Builth Wells by accident, on one of our infamous 'Let's go Exploring' weekend drives from Sussex. It was love at first sight, as we walked by the river we both experienced a sense of peace we'd never quite felt before. It was another 14 years before the opportunity to live in the area presented itself.
After a 6 year search for the Park Home of our dreams we found Caerwnon Park. We thought we'd died and gone to heaven! Each day as we gaze out at uninterrupted views across the Wye Valley to the Epynt Hills the thought is re-inforced.
The doom and gloom prophecies of our Sussex contemporaries never come to fruition. Granted we have had a wonderful Summer and even more glorious Autumn, when the colour and spectacle of the surrounding countryside has taken our breath away (not even surpassed by a trip, 3 years ago, to New England in the Fall).
Local residents and shop-keepers in town welcomed us from Day One - kind, cheerful, friendly, helpful in the extreme. The first visit to a shop or business usually assured we were known by name and welcomed back as natives.
Policemen have legs. They not only walk, they TALK. NO signs of graffiti, vandalism or organised crime, now rife in the South. The Royal Welsh Show exceeds any other country show we've visited, and the vast range of events at the Showground and Wyeside never leaves us wondering what to do next and this is besides all these in nearby towns and villages.
Pubs, restaurants and cafés have served us superb meals at moderate prices. As for the Christmas lights, they have to be seen to be believed. Look out Blackpool comes to mind.
The enthusiasm of all involved at Builth & District Matters Ltd. is infectious; we can see the town growing before our eyes. My husband helps to clear paths and walks in the area. I have painted Welsh Poppies on our wonderful Mural. The local Gardening Club have welcomed us as new members.
Hiccups? It's a long drive for large goods, e.g. furniture, but the beautiful scenic drives make it a pleasure. The nearest main line railway station is 38 miles away, and it's a 5hr drive to our beloved family and life long friends, but who love their holidays with us and are regular visitors, and with another daughter living in Bath we have bridged the gap.
Would we go back?? - You have to be joking!"
Written by Bill and Gloria Kivlichan from Builth Wells
your comments
Susi Kennedy, Herts
Thinking of relocating to Builth Wells with husband to children. My husband would probably need to commute to Birmingham - question for Brett Wheeler: how do you find that commute? Is the travel worth the lifestyle? We originally fell in love with Montgomery but the school in Builth seems fab...
Tue Oct 13 09:59:02 2009
Emily Maggs from Builth Wells
The thing that I love about Builth Wells the most is the fact that every one knows you so there is always someone looking out for you.Also the fact that it is a small community so you don't have to put up with the busy city life like I did when I was living in Kidderminster.
Mon Oct 8 11:29:02 2007
Don Stretham from Bristol
Builth is a great place - we had a holiday caravan at Caerwnon Park until Berkeley parks booted everyone off when they took over the park. The countryside is breathtaking and I miss the place (and my caravan!)
Mon Jul 16 09:34:36 2007
Mark from London
Builth is a stunning place! I met a girl in Tenerife in 1996 and visited Builth quite a few times. It was my first introduction to Wales and although married I still miss Wales, Builth and dare I say the girl! Builth will always be special to me!
Sun Jun 24 20:36:31 2007
Lin Johnson(nee Williams)now Leicester
I was born and bred in Builth and it was an idyllic childhood,probably not fully appreciated then but is now full of great memories!I come back once or twice a year and stay with friends from school,I feel so part of the amazing countryside and Builth itself.I also come during the Royal Welsh show,which is the best show around and meet up with Welsh relatives and friends...perhaps my husband and I will retire here!
Tue Jun 5 09:53:26 2007
Chris Talbot, West Sussex
I must admit, after seeing this site while on holiday in Tasmania via Google Earth, I love Builth Wells. I think I am the "regular visitor" that Gloria and Bill refer to as I try and visit 3 or 4 times a year. Each visit is wonderful, whatever the weather. The scenery is out of this world, my favourite drives being over Hundred House and round the Elan Valley, the people are so friendly and I always feel welcome, not just by my friends but by several of the shopkeepers in the town itself. It must be like being on holiday for ever just to be living there!
Tue Mar 20 09:28:47 2007
Kayleigh from Builth
I love this town.. i'd love to come back when i'm done with uni!! And i'd love to teach here!
Mon Nov 27 09:38:42 2006
Heulwen Thomas, Newbridge
i also go to school in builth i think its really wicked i love it and never want to leave, i live on a farm with lots of cool animals its aamazin!
Mon Nov 20 14:19:02 2006
Jamie Arnold
Builth Wells is a wicked town.
Tue Sep 12 14:55:09 2006
Mike Hughes - Birmingham
My wife and I have been visiting Builth Wells for the last 20 years. Having travelled the UK extensiveley we do not know a more friendly, relaxing or scenic place. We can't wait to retire their, just a couple of years to wait, with visits in between.
Tue Aug 8 11:56:52 2006
Helen from Brynna
Civilsation Marie? What is your definition of that I wonder? I was born near Builth and lived there until I was 18. I love to come back and stay locally, usually 2 or 3 times a year. I think you'll find an unrivalled sense of community, and cultural events to please all tastes. I am always amazed how much is on offer in such a rural area. As for main-line stations, I lived near the Builth Road Station, and I believe it's still possible to get to most places on the train from there, you just have to change trains on the way. Long live Mid Wales, the last green wilderness!!
Wed Feb 8 16:47:16 2006
Rachel morris From Builth
Builth wells is great but if you move from a really big city you will find a really big change but every one is really freindly here.
Thu Dec 1 19:50:19 2005
Brett Wheeler (Cilmeri)
I have just moved my family to Builth Wells (Cilmeri) from Birmingham. I have to commute at the moment. It is the best thing we have done in our lives. The scenery, quality of life and people are second to none.
Sat Aug 13 08:29:21 2005
Sue George
We moved to Builth a year ago and like the Kivlichans we found it by chance. After running a pub in Sheffield for 5 years, it was a wonderful change and we will stay for life now. The kids love it and it's so friendly.
Fri Apr 29 18:22:57 2005
Jo in Bath
Builth is a lovely place to live if you have a family or retired and some of the best scenery especially from on top of the quarry but I'm glad I don't live there, although I'l be back again in a couple of weeks, I like only having to travel 2 miles to go shopping here not the 40 miles from Builth to Hereford or Merthyr.
Tue Feb 22 21:36:04 2005
Sue from Builth Wells
I have lived in Builth Wells and LOVE it. I entirely agree with Bill and Gloria's comments.
Unfortunately I might need to move for work - and it's REALLY breaking my heart to go.
Wed Dec 22 14:34:24 2004
Steve Evans - Cornwall
SHUSH....Please dont tell too many people, we dont want it invaded and spoiled.
thank you
Mon Jul 5 12:38:57 2004
Sarah Hammond from Hundred House
I love builth i go to school there!
Fri Mar 19 14:55:14 2004
Terri Shanks - Worthing
I must be the "beloved family" 5 hours away, and the "regular visitor" who has been Builth Wells once in the last 12 months!!!!!!! Very pretty, for the odd holiday...but if You're going to travel for 5 hours, i'd head for the Med !!!!
Mon Feb 16 19:14:09 2004
Mike Kivlichan - Vancouver BC
Yes but can you say "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll Llantysiliogogogoch" yet?
Mon Jan 19 20:46:55 2004
Marie Kivlichan The daughter in Bath!
I'm the daughter! I do see the attraction, Mum and Dad do seem happy. The country side is superb, but so isolated. Think I'll stay put in civilisation for a while. Glad you're happy though and the drive to hundred house is second to none!
Sun Dec 7 00:19:31 2003
What do you love about Builth Wells? Tell us what you think of the town and we can add your comments to the website.
Bill and Gloria Kivlichan moved to Builth Wells from Surrey in the summer of 2002. Here, they reveal what drew them from the south of England to the heart of Wales.
