Ddol Cottages

Cadw's description

Location

Situated on main village street running through Abergwyngregyn towards Aber falls; low rubblestone wall to front breached by vehicular access to No.2.

History

Built c1860 as part of the planned development of Abergwyngregyn as an estate village, an important element in Edward Douglas-Pennant's considerable efforts to improve the estate at this time. The 'Picturesque' quality of these cottages and other buildings in the village was also an important element in making it an attractive place for the increasing numbers of well-to-do visitors to travel through on their way to Aber Falls, which was rapidly becoming a major destination for tourists at this period. The majority of the village was sold by the estate in 1925.

Exterior

No.1 has 2 prominent C20 gabled dormers in front roofslope and half-glazed 4-panel door with margin lights. Modern windows to rear.

Interior

Interior not inspected at time of Survey.

Reason for designation

Included, notwithstanding the C20 rooflights and dormers, as an otherwise essentially unaltered pair of mid-C19 estate cottages retaining the simple 'vernacular revival' style particularly favoured by the Penrhyn Estate for its workers, both in the slate quarries and elsewhere. The style was particularly appropriate at Abergwyngregyn given the desire to make it an attractive halt on the route to and from Aber Falls, which was rapidly becoming a major destination for visitors at this period. Forms part of a group with neighbouring cottages.