A REPUTED hideaway house for Charles I during the Civil War is opening its doors to the public as a community led venue.

Llanvihangel Court's future was hanging in the balance until the granddaughter of its former owners came to the rescue of one of Monmouthshire's oldest surviving mansions.

Hetta Johnson, 41, has returned from a job in London to live in the grade one listed 16th Century manor house with her family, in Llanvihangel Crucorney.

She felt not only would her two-year-old daughter Mathilda benefit from growing up in the lush country setting but the building had a lot more to offer.

"Having spent so much of my childhood at Llanvi I felt a strong pull to come back with my own daughter and attempt to return the house to its rightful place, supporting and being supported by the community. I want to create the types of events that will really benefit locals and draw people to our magical home,” said Mrs Johnson, who worked for Antic Ltd as a creative director.

In the 1940s, the mother's grandparents ran a fruit farm from there on its acreage, sending their produce to local markets.

"It was probably bought for a goat and a piece of cheese," she joked about her family purchasing the house.

A vintage fair before Christmas set the ball rolling for its community usage.

The stable-block within the grounds, which dates from1630 and is largely unaltered to this day, will house a Farmers’ and Vintage Market on May 11th and May 25.

It will be vintage themed, with clothes, collectables, home-wares and a pop-up tearoom from 10am to 2pm.

Contemporary work by artists including Simon Cooley, Russell Turner, Timothy Walker and the Abergavenny Art Group will be sited around the house and grounds, as part of the Crickhowell Arts Trail from May 25-27.

The younger generation will also have something to smile about.

“We are going to create a special fairy trail around the grounds for our little visitors. Pupils from the local school – Llanvihangel Crucorney Primary – are also set to get involved by making site specific sculpture for the Arts Trail Weekend," added the mum.

* CHARLES I came to Abergavenny in the Civil War in an attempt to drum up support, without much success.

He arrived in 1645 from Hereford and stayed with James Gunter at Priory House.

The same year, he ordered Abergavenny Castle to be made uninhabitable as Parliamentary forces approached.

Just before the siege of Raglan Castle in 1646, Charles I presided over the trial of Sir Trevor Williams and other parliamentarians.

The castle was held on behalf of the king and was taken by Parliamentary forces in 1646.

During the Civil War, which marked a split between Charles and Parliament, he was said to have used Llanvihangel Court as a hideaway.

The country had split into those who supported either side.

Llanvihangel Court, a Tudor country house, is fit for a king, with its grand yew staircase, panelled rooms, four poster beds and a sweeping driveway.

It was also reported to be home to a ghostly white lady, a man dressed in an old fashioned coat and breeches who walks the grounds and two swordsmen who fight duel to the death at the top of the staircase.