History

The first ‘improvement’ to the house was the addition of a huge lateral chimney in the late 16th century. Above the great stone-arched hearth are the remains of the coat of arms of Hugh Gwyn, Squire of Penarth and High Sheriff of Caernarfonshire 1599-1600. In the mid-1600’s the house was extended by the building of two eastward projecting wings, one at the north end to provide enlarged private chambers for the family and at the south end a new kitchen wing. Then again, towards the end of the 1600’s, the kitchen wing was extended further east with the building of a bakehouse.

Throughout the centuries, Penarth Fawr remained a home for the same family, handed down through the generations until 1782, when Margaret Rowlands died. From then, the house became a tenanted farm. By 1840, the north parlour wing had become derelict and was demolished and about this time pig-styes and a granary were built east of the main house. In 1936/37, during a break in the tenancy, William Evans restored the medieval hall to it’s original state and converted the 17th century south wing into a four-bedroomed farmhouse.

In 1949, the tenant farmer was able to buy the freehold and it was at this time that the medieval hall was placed into state care. By this time the medieval hall was recognised as a unique example of Welsh heritage and was given Grade I listing and scheduled as an ancient monument. Farming continued at Penarth Fawr until 1988 when the owners decided to sell the medieval hall, farmhouse and stable complex with 2.75 acres of land. The present owners converted the stable block for use as a gallery/retail outlet, and craft workshops.