Lam Rim Restoration Project
Fundraising Priorities at Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, Wales
Securing Lam Rim’s Future
Lam Rim Wales has a special atmosphere. Set back from the fretful stir of the world, it’s a place where the spirit has flourished under the guidance of wise teachers.
Thanks to a team of dedicated trustees & volunteers, great progress has been made in opening up the centre, upgrading and refurbishing bedrooms for residential use once again!
For Lam Rim to continue it’s journey successfully into the long term future, the building needs care and attention - naturally since its 120th birthday is drawing near! It was very well-built originally but now a restoration project is greatly needed to preserve this beautiful building and our treasured Buddhist Centre.
Phase 1: Attic Dormer Window Restoration
Restoration will raise funds for the attic space with a total target of £25,000.
The two front attic dormer windows have weathered badly over the years, letting in water and causing damp, restricting the full use of the attic space. Raising £25,000 will allow the dormer windows to be fully replaced, opening up the attic bedrooms once again for course attendees and retreat spaces.
This is the last space that needs upgrading for 100% of the centre to be once again in use - we rejoice!
Match Funding
Thanks to a kind bequest, we are able to match fund up to £12,500 of all donations raised for this project, essentially doubling any donation we receive towards this total!
Donate
We are lucky to have a great team of highly skilled, trusted builders ready and keen to do the necessary work to restore our beautiful building. They have supported Lam Rim for many years, know the building very well and appreciate its unique and special character.
So please do help this last and final space of Lam Rim to be fully opened up once again for use!
“Preserving a building is much more than just materials - in this case we are talking about a dharma centre which has helped hundreds of people meet authentic dharma in its long history and can help many more in future.”
— Geshe Tenzin Losel, Trustee
We are delighted to share that, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we have now reached our £25,000 fundraising target for Phase 1 of the restoration project!
The campaign began with our Three Castles Walk, when volunteers, supporters and friends came together to raise an amazing £8,159. With match funding, this immediately became £16,318 towards the project.
Following the walk, we were incredibly fortunate to receive a number of further generous individual donations of £2,000, £500, and a further £2,000. These gifts brought the total amount donated directly to £12,659.
With the full £12,500 of match funding, this means we have now raised an incredible £25,159 in total, taking us just beyond our original £25,000 target.
We Did It, £25,000 Raised!
This has only been possible because of the kindness, effort and generosity of everyone who walked, sponsored, donated, volunteered and supported the campaign along the way. Thank you.
We can now move forward with the final stage of the attic refurbishment: replacing the ageing dormer frames and installing entirely new windows, making the space weatherproof and watertight for years to come.
Once complete, the restored attic will provide valuable additional single-room accommodation for course attendees and people undertaking personal retreat at Lam Rim.
Raised So Far
Phase 1: Attic Dormer Window Restoration - Where Are We Now?
Phase 2: Preserving the Rest of the Centre
Once the attic restoration is underway, our attention will turn fully to the next priority: restoring and replacing ageing windows throughout the property.
As Pentwyn Manor approaches its 120th year, many windows are showing signs of deterioration after decades of exposure to the Welsh weather. An initial review has identified a likely project cost comprising:
£5,000–£10,000 to purchase scaffolding for ongoing restoration and maintenance work. £45,000–£55,000 to restore, repair and replace windows across the main building and coach house.
These figures are based on a preliminary assessment and will be refined as detailed surveys and quotations are completed.
This work will help preserve the building, improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The scaffolding will also provide long-term value, enabling volunteers and contractors to carry out regular maintenance of fascias, gutters, windows and painting, helping to reduce work costs and prevent repairs in the future.
Every improvement made helps protect Lam Rim Wales for future generations, ensuring it remains a place of refuge, learning and community for many years to come.
For any questions about restoration or donation, contact: lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com
Photo: Garden Buddha Statue, recently beautifully restored by Tenzin Gendun and Geshe Losel. .