Fairy Hill House

Cadw's description

Location

In its own grounds W of a minor road between Reynoldston and Stembridge (about 500m east of Burry Green).

History

A house at this location known either as Fairy Hill or Peartree House is recorded from the early C18. The present Fairy Hill appears to be of the late C18 and is one of the few larger country houses in Gower. The symmetrical wings to east and west are probably additions of the early C19, perhaps added when Lady Barham became the occupier in 1814. A large rear wing on the west side is probably mid C19, as it is not indicated on the Tithe map outline (1838); the rear wing on the east side is a C20 addition. Fairy Hill was the principal home of one branch of the Lucas family before the rebuilding of Stouthall in the 1780s. In 1814 the present house was leased to Lady Barham, who was well known as a leader of early Methodism locally and who founded a number of chapels in Gower. It remained in the occupation her family until 1858. In the late C19 and early C20 it was the home of the Benson family, Starling Benson having made his fortune in industry in Penclawdd. Following a period of deterioration and finally sale in 1982 Fairy Hill was extensively renovated and is now a hotel.

Exterior

A simple Georgian country house of three storeys. The front elevation is of three windows, facing south to private grounds. Rough cast rendered. Slate roof with tile ridges and multi-flue end chimneys. The front fenestration is of constant widths and diminishing heights, but the ground storey may have been altered from ordinary into French windows. Four-pane C19 sash windows to the first storey, casement windows to the top storey. At the rear of the main range of the house, three original second-storey six-pane sash windows survive. At each end of the front elevation is a two storey extension with front parapet and with tripartite sash windows above and below. The main sashes of the latter windows each consist of three vertical panes. A low two-storey rear wing extends north at the west side of the house, rendered. Additional C19 ranges to west and a single storey flat-roofed hotel extension to the front. The two-storey wing extending north at the east side is part rendered. Its upper storey at east and north is faced in uncoursed stonework with brick surrounds to the windows. Twelve-pane sash windows with margin glazing above and below. A small flat-roofed porch to the east is now the main hotel entrance, with two Tuscan columns on plinths.

Reason for designation

A well-proportioned small Georgian country house, retaining its character notwithstanding large rear and one side additions.