Rotunda or Grotto, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.9134 / 52°54'48"N

Longitude: -4.0973 / 4°5'50"W

OS Eastings: 259071

OS Northings: 337167

OS Grid: SH590371

Mapcode National: GBR 5R.NF63

Mapcode Global: WH55T.116B

Plus Code: 9C4QWW73+93

Entry Name: Rotunda or Grotto

Listing Date: 14 January 1971

Last Amended: 23 August 2002

Grade: II

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 4896

Building Class: Domestic

ID on this website: 300004896

Location: Set into the hillslope below Cliff House with panoramic views accross the bay; accessed via steps and an arch from the main village road.

County: Gwynedd

Community: Penrhyndeudraeth

Locality: Portmeirion

Traditional County: Merionethshire

Tagged with: Grotto

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Minffordd

History

Portmeirion was designed and laid out by the celebrated architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) following his purchase of the estate, then called Aber Iâ, in 1926. The village evolved over several decades and was still being added to in the 1970s.

Built in 1954 as a grotto and viewing platform.

Exterior

A rounded structure designed as a lookout platform with grotto below. Of rendered brick and concrete with low slab-coped parapet walls. The building consists of a semi-circular, single storey flat-topped drum built into the hill side, with a viewing platform and parapet at roof level. A cast iron fluted column stands in the centre of the concrete platform with a surmounting metal astrolabe. There are arched entrances to the lower, grotto part, and 5 rectangular barred openings with outward splays.

Interior

The walls and ceiling of the interior are lined with scallop shells and conches, embedded in concrete. A slate bench on the hill side runs along the whole length. In the centre is a dolphin fountain of painted wood. Opposite are six rectangular niches squeezed in between the window openings.

Reasons for Listing

Listed as one of a number of buildings and structures designed by the eminent architect and conservationist Sir Clough Williams-Ellis for his visionary Portmeirion villiage.

Group value with other listed items at Portmeirion.

External Links

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

Other nearby listed buildings

II C19 Wall Adjoining Bridge House to the E
On the S side of the road between Bridge House and the Gatehouse, with the Grotto beyond.
II The Gate House
Straddling the road at the main (eastern) approach to the village.
II Cliff House Including Annex
At the eastern edge of the village, in front, and to the E of, the Gatehouse.
II Statue of Huntsman
Immediatedly to the W of Cliff House, on the roadside.
II The Belvedere, Including Associated Terraces
Elevated above the main village road on the northern side, between Gatehouse and Bridgehouse.
II Forecourt Walls and Balustrading at Cliff House
In front of Cliff House and its annex, facing the lane and flanking the short drive to the house; continuing around the side of the house to enclose a raised terrace facing South.
II The Bridge House
The second of the gateways into the village; below the Pantheon.
II Toll House (Including Pilot House)
Occupying the eastern side of Battery Square.

British Listed Buildings

History in Structure

Rotunda or Grotto

A Grade II Listed Building in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd