Brynhyfryd

Cadw's description

Location

Overlooking the canal on the E border of Talybont village and reached by a drive adjacent to the canal bridge and the limekilns.

History

Jonathan Dixon in 1814 obtained permission from Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal Co to build 'limekilns and sheds, a granary, two dwelling houses and a counting house at the end of the Brynoer tramroad'. The present main house probably dates from the third quarter of the C19 but the earlier attached range may represent some of this early development . At its end the Talybont or Maesmawr wharf which only survives in the shape of an enlargement of the canal, was the focus of commercial activity, with the Counting House, cottages, storehouses and limekilns all fronting the canal. Partnership between Dixon and George Overton formalised 1816; Dixon retired in 1819 and Edward Gervase Scroop took his place. Tithe map of 1841 shows early range and adjacent kilns as at present.

Exterior

A medium sized possibly industrialist's house. Main house right of rendered stone, unrendered plinth; shallow pitched hipped Welsh slate roof, bracketed overhanging eaves and decorative wide brick end stacks. A symmetrical 2 storey frontage of 3 bays, the central entrance bay projecting, also with a hipped roof. Windows are 4 pane horned sashes with narrow sills and moulded surrounds, one to each floor to each bay, 2 to sides; segmental arched entrance doorway with overlight, raised voussoirs, decorative keystone and quoins with small side sashes; raised end pilasters. The attached earlier range left of painted stone rubble with Welsh slate roof is in two parts. That adjacent to the main house has a higher ridge and 4 pane horned sashes to first floor under cambered arches; similarly arched window and door to ground floor. Stepped down to left is a 4 window first floor range, one circular, of small pane windows under cambered arches above former stables and carriage bays with 2 doorways to right.

Interior

Interior not inspected at the time of survey (30th September 1997).

Reason for designation

Listed especially for its associations with the canal and related industry in the early C19, and for its prominent position in this historic complex.

Group value with neighbouring listed items associated with the canal and tramroad.