Plas Rhiwaedog, Rhos Y Gwalia LL23 7EU

House (unspecified)

Substantial and imposing Grade II* Gentry House with adjoining barn, enclosed courtyard garden and gatehouse, set within circa 0.65 acre grounds.

This historic and charming property is set in the heart of the picturesque valley to the lower slopes of the Berwyn Mountains, approximately three miles from Bala. The property extends to approximately 10,000 sq. ft and is in need of a comprehensive programme of restoration throughout, having sat vacant for over 20 years. This unique house of national importance dates back to 12th century and assumed its present form in 17th century.

The two storey stone gatehouse is apparently the last surviving example of which British Listed Buildings describes as a series of Meirionydd gatehouses built in the 17th century as status symbols for the local gentry. The total build area is approximately 10,000 sqft. There is a further area of woodland of circa 0.25 acre belonging to the property, located a few hundred yards from the house at the beginning of the long driveway, which is shared with an adjoining farm. The building is arranged over four floors in addition to the cellars, however due to its current condition we are unable to provide room measurements and access to large areas is considered unsafe at this time. Prospective buyers are advised to make all necessary independent enquiries prior to placing their bid as this will be binding.

Listed Grade II* as a substantial sub-medieval gentry house perhaps with hall-house origins, assuming its present form in the 17th century and retaining traditional character and detail from that period. Plas Rhiwaedog is a stone regional house of irregular layout, extended and remodelling in Jacobean character as recorded in the date 1664 inscribed above the storeyed porch. At the main wing, against which the 17th century additions abut, appear characteristic, however, of a hall-house of at least a century earlier, the ground floor still being entirely comprised of the original stone floored great hall. The master stone walls in the cellar are understood to be remnants of a much earlier house and are thought to date from the 12th century. British Listed Buildings describe the property as roughly T-shaped with an advanced wing to L (E) and storeyed porch offset to L end of the main range. To the front of the house there is a walled garden with entrance through a gatehouse offset to north north west of the storeyed porch, and there is an agricultural range at an angle to the north west corner of the house comprising a lofted cow shed, probably 19th century.

The house in part retains post and panelled partitions with double ogee door heads, a 17th century oak staircase with turned balusters and a fireplace bearing the date 1699. The History of Rhiwaedog by the Rev Richard Williams records that the internal partitions were adorned with various carvings and comprise the Coats of Arms of Owain Gwynedd and Rhirid Flaid. The website of the Snowdonia National Park describes Plas Rhiwaedog 'once the palace of the princes of Gwynedd and home to Owain Gwynedd, King of Gwynedd'. But this, is understood to reference more earlier houses on the same site. The history of Rhiwaedog can be traced back to the time of Llywarch Hen (decendant of Coel Hen) Old King Cole (King of Britain) in the sixth century and it is known to have been the principal seat of Rhirid Glaidd in the 12th century. The Lloyd Family became owners of Rhiwaedog in 1395 by the marriage of their ancestor Meredyddab Ieuan ap Meredydd with Margaret, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Enion ab Ithel of Rhiwaedog, Esquire of the Body of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and held the property until the 1880s. According to Williams the ancestry of the Lloyd Family can be traced through Owain Gwynedd and Llywarch Hen of Coel Godebog. In the 1920s the property became one of the first Youth Hostels in Wales and made a popular YHA destination until the late 1990s. The property still shows some signs of the institutional features and sub-divisions dating from this time. There are a number of traditions and legends associated with Rhiwaedog. One such legend speaks of an egg-sized crystal which was passed from generation to generation, and is said to have had the power to foretell the death of the head of the household when its brilliant colour became clouded. (via Wikipedia and further reading available about the history and legends).

The house, gatehouse and building standing to one side of the grounds which are heavily wooded and in an overgrown state. Part of the left hand elevation of the house is linked to the beautifully restored farmhouse on the neighbouring working farm.

The website of the Snowdonia National Park describes Plas Rhiwaedog once the palace of the princes of Gwynedd and home to Owain Gwynedd, King of Gwynedd. But this, is understood to reference more earlier houses on the same site. The history of Rhiwaedog can be traced back to the time of Llywarch Hen (decendant of Coel Hen) Old King Cole (King of Britain) in the sixith century and it is known to have been the principal seat of Rhirid Glaidd in the 12th century. The Lloyd Family became owners of Rhiwaedog in 1395 by the marriage of their ancestor Meredyddab Ieuan ap Meredydd with Margaret, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Enion ab Ithel of Rhiwaedog, Esquire of the Body of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and held the property until the 1880s. According to Williams 'the ancestry of the Lloyd Family can be traced through Owain Gwynedd and Llywarch Hen of Coel Godebog'. In the 1920s the property became one of the first Youth Hostels in Wales and made a popular YHA destination until the late 1990s. The property still shows some signs of the institutional features and sub-divisions dating from this time.

These sales details are awaiting vendor approval.

Please be advised that, whilst our joint agent may have conducted an inspection, the auctioneers have not personally inspected the property. Prospective buyers are advised to make a viewing enquiry and any other necessary independent enquiries before placing their bid, as this will be binding.

For viewings: Please contact our joint agent, Cavendish Residential 01824 703030

Interested parties are invited to contact Historic Environment Planning Officer for Snowdonia National Park Authority on 07824865687.

Freehold. Vacant possession upon completion.