Dronwy

Cadw's description

Location

Dronwy is reached via a track leading N from Pont Dronwy, c 800m N of the church of St Machraeth.

History

Probably early C17 farmhouse with later C17 rear wing, which was extended probably C18. The estate came into the Bulkeley family when Richard Bulkeley, Rector of Llanfachraeth (2nd son of Robert Bulkeley of Gronant and grandson of William Bulkeley of Baron Hill, Beaumaris), bought Dronwy from Mr Lewis of Presaddfed in the mid C16. The estate passed down through 6 generations of the Bulkeley family, including Richard's grandson Robert Bulkeley I, a renowned diarist. In 1873 the lands were passed to W O Stanley of Penrhos by bequest of James King, who in turn inherited the lands from his stepmother Margaret.

Exterior

Large L-plan, 2-storey lateral-chimney farmhouse. The older part of the house is to the S. Rendered rubble walls, slate roof with tiled ridge and gable copings. The main elevation has a pair of asymmetrically-placed forward wings, full-height with a tall chimney to each gable; the main entrance is offset between them, and the scars of a verandah which formerly linked them remain visible. Panelled door with rectangular fanlight over, with 12-pane sash window above. Similar windows to ground and 1st floor of gable ends of wings. 12-pane French window in bay to R. The E gable elevation has a door offset to R with cambered brick head, now a 12-pane French window, with a central 16-pane window above, also with a cambered head, and a small 4-pane window to the attic. The W gable end has a pair of full-height 4-pane sash windows to the ground floor, with a square central window to the 1st floor, and a smaller attic window above. The rear of the main range has a lateral chimney with offsets, partially concealed by C20 lean-to extension. The long rear wing has rubble walls and a slate roof with ridge tiles. Large square rendered chimney to S end, with taller, narrower chimney to centre of range marking the extent of the original wing. W elevation, facing the track, with 3 large square windows to ground floor, and 4 irregularly spaced and sized windows to the 1st floor. All of the windows have been enlarged, with grey brick jambs and concrete lintels, and have modern frames. N gable with modern square window to 1st floor. E elevation with half-glazed door to centre, with original door to L now blocked to form a window, with large corbelled lintel forming dripcourse. Modern window to R. First floor with 3 modern square windows to L and blocked window or former door to R. A modern lean-to kitchen has been built in the angle; brick walls and slate roof.

Interior

Interior detail largely lost, through three-unit plan with off-centre stair hall retained in main block.

Reason for designation

Listed as a large vernacular farmhouse, incorporating an early lateral chimney farmhouse, which reflects the social and economic standing of the Bulkeley family on Anglesey in the C17 and C18.