Homestead

Cadw's description

Location

Higher up the mountainside than the rest of the Garden Suburbs, which it overlooks, and situated at the end of the lane. Stands within a garden enclosed by a buttressed stone wall.

History

Part of the Garden City Movement, Garden Suburbs Pont-y-Waun was begun c 1918, built by Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Co. for the officials of the Abercarn, Cwm Carn and Prince of Wales Collieries and was completed in 3 or 4 phases. The linear plan is composed of a single road with circus near the mid-point and the houses on the E side are set above the road while those to the W are below it. The architect is unknown although Edward Rosser has been suggested and links have also been made with Ebbw Vale and The Dingle garden villages, the variety of design probably indicates the work of several different architects. Homestead was the Colliery Manager's house, and is set above the main complex, with the generator tower behind. First housing development in the Borough with an electricity supply and adequate drainage system.

Exterior

A detached house of 2 storeys. Rendered with thick pebbledash, with some applied half timbering, some timber weatherboarding to gables, some decorative tile dressings and sills; Welsh slate roof, with decorative brickwork to the ridge and rear stacks, and overhanging sprocketed eaves. Asymmetrical plan, the gabled front entrance bay angled across the L-shaped frontage. To left a ground floor bay window of 5 leaded casement lights with flat roof; to left a garden recess; above is a 4-light first floor window with hipped gable above. Wing to right has similar first floor window and canted bay with deep battered plinth to ground floor. Angled doorway with hood, vertically panelled front door incorporating coloured glass, 2- light window above and to left a long 3-light staircase window with coloured glass over 2 storeys. Side garden elevation has deep gable with 3 small windows set within it at first floor level, with pentice roof supported by posts over paired canted bays to ground floor. Rear elevation has 3 asymmetrical gables. Most original leaded glazing retained, some replaced in similar style.

Interior

Interior retains original plan and most detail, including vertical-panelled doors, surrounds, cupboards, staircase, wooden floors. The main feature is the deep inglenook fireplace in the front living room which has fitted settles and a low brick segmental arch.

Reason for designation

Listed as an important part of the Garden Suburbs complex. Group value with other listed buildings here.