History

Seat of the Vaughans of Bronheulog, an important local gentry family from the C16 to C18; subsequently in the possession of the Edwards family of Nanhoron (Lleyn). The house is first mentioned in the mid C14 in the possession of Rhys Wynn of Melai and Vronheulog; the family adopted the surname Vaughan in the late C16 (Foulke Vaughan died in 1594). The present house appears to be a rebuilding of c1710, though possibly incorporating earlier fabric; it is likely to have been built by one of two William Vaughans, the father dying in 1707 and the son in 1763. The imposing 9-bay facade presumably originally had a dormer storey. This was probably removed during re-roofing in the later C19.

Exterior

Large 2-storey gentry house of 9 bays with a central 5-bay section and advanced flanking 2-bay wings. Of rubble construction on a battered base with slate roofs, hipped to the sides; tiled ridges with terracotta finials to flanking wings. Four large gabled lateral chimneys, 2 to the rear and one to each of the flanking wings, the latter projecting; broad, tall rendered stacks. The roofs have modern skylights to front and rear. Central entrance via modern single-storey slated porch; part-glazed door within. The windows of the main section are C18 unhorned, recessed 12-pane sashes with thick glazing bars and simply-moulded window frames. Those to the L wing are larger, slightly recessed later C18 or early C19 12-pane sashes; those to the first floor of the R wing are similar, though those to the ground floor are uPVC replacements.

Rendered rear and sides with irregular openings. Four 12-pane sashes to the first floor with 2 further, similar windows flanking a modern door with canopy porch to the R; there is a C20 8-pane vertical stair light immediately above and to the R of this. To the L is a lower 2-storey C19 service addition placed at right-angles with the main range. This has a lean-to slated projection extruded in its inner angle with an entrance with continuous canopy porch to the R; part-glazed C20 door. To the R of this entrance is a wide, single-storey canted bay with flat roof, again early C20; this with 8-pane sashes. The lower service wing has an entrance to its outer (E) side, with 12-pane sashes to each floor at R; 6-pane C19 sash to inner (W) face on the first floor, and a C20 window below.

Adjoining the R wing to the R (E) is a low single-storey later extension of 2 phases, construction as before. To the R is a late C19 12-pane sliding sash beyond a vertical masonry break, with a contemporary 12-pane casement to the E upper gable; the remaining openings are modern.

Interior

Opposite the entrance is a fine early C18 dog-leg staircase opening out beneath an arch with moulded wooden architrave and projecting key. Flanking this, and forming a symmetrical group, are two 2-panel doors with simply-moulded architraves and raised and fielded panels. The stair has turned balusters and flat-capped square newels, with panelled sides and plain rail; it rises full height to the attic (formerly dormer floor) where it terminates in a short gallery with flat-shaped balusters. At the first floor landing is a similar arch with a further arch giving access to the upper flight, immediately to the R; this has a later boarded door. The paired arches have simple projecting imposts and keys, and plain architraves. The ground-floor windows have panelled reveals (raised and fielded panels).

Reasons for Listing

Listed for its special interest as a large early C18 gentry house retaining good exterior character.

Group value with other listed items at Bronheulog.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29497515

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

• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Setting up a Listed Building Heritage Partnership Agreement: Historic England Advice Note 5
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey
• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
• 
  Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order: Historic England Advice Note 6
• 
  Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)