The West Arms Hotel

Cadw's description

Location

In the NW angle of the main crossroads in the centre of the village. The hotel fronts the road.

History

Mainly C18, but possibly originating in the C16-C17; fenestration mainly C19. A photograph of 1910 shows that the hotel''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s appearance changed little in the C20.

Exterior

Long range facing E with advanced gabled bays to L and centre; deep roof over single-storey R hand bay. Two-storeys or one-storey-with-attics, constructed of white-washed rubble stone under steeply pitched slate-covered roofs. Stone stacks to L end, R of centre and R end; the latter external and with a brick shaft. The windows are 2- or 3-light casements with small panes, under segmental brick heads. The gabled bays each have 2 windows to ground floor; range to R has 3 windows. Front entrance is on R-hand side of central gabled bay; C20 part-lit boarded door under open gabled wooden porch with cusped barge boards and part-trellis sides. To its L is a 3-light iron casement window, with 2 similar windows to the upper storey. A wrought iron sign bracket with scrollwork is fixed to the gable; the attached sign reads ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''The West Arms''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''. The L gable has 2 x 3-light iron casements to ground floor; single similar window to upper storey with flat head. R hand section has a 3-light wooden casement, with a pair of 2-light wooden casements beyond.

The N (R-hand) gable end of the building has a canted projection for a fireplace, relating to the external stack. To L of stack is a C20 2-light casement to attic storey. Different floor levels to R of stack; 16-pane sash under segmental brick head to ground floor and small multi-pane window above. Shute to basement with segmental brick head.

The S (L-hand) gable end of the range has a 2-light wooden casement with small panes and timber lintel to far L of attic storey. Short rear wing continues to its L. To the rear of the building are several large C20 extensions. These include a large flat-roofed range which runs S from the short rear wing, linking with a former outbuilding, possibly a granary and/or stable. This is a low 2-storey range of rubble stone with large quoins and hipped slate-covered roof, now altered.

Interior

The front entrance leads into a reception room, the ceiling with 2 deeply chamfered cross-beams with cut stops and small joists. Large fireplace to R with C20 mantelpiece. To its R is a boarded door leading into a lounge. Fireplace to N end with large cambered timber lintel; ceiling has a cross-beam with small chamfer and is otherwise plastered. To L of front entrance is the dining room; to S end is a large fireplace with chamfered timber lintel. The ceiling has a stop-chamfered cross-beam towards S end; chamfered joists with ogee stops between this beam and fireplace. Second, replaced cross-beam towards N of room. Panelled doors and panelled window seats. Kitchens to rear of dining room. Also leading L from reception area is a curved staircase, inserted beneath a substantial tie-beam truss; an arched head has been cut into the tie beam. The truss also has a collar, raked struts and box panels, whilst the partition below contains a possible former doorway. The floor levels may have been lowered. The bedroom containing most of this truss has a small stone fireplace with lintel; the purlins are probably later. Two trusses further N have been partly truncated by the passage leading to the bedrooms. Beyond them is a back staircase leading to a NW ground floor room, which has beam sockets in the E wall and a niche with lintel. This room is accessed from the reception area.

Reason for designation

Listed as a fine hotel prominently placed in the Conservation Area, the front elevation and interior exhibiting strong C18 vernacular character and detail.