Rustic Lodge in American Gardens

Cadw's description

Location

In the American gardens of Pontypool Park some 800m north east of the Penygarn entrance.

History

A cottage orne dating from 1841, and thus predating the laying out of the American Gardens of Pontypool Park. The area was developed in the 1850's with the introduction of American conifers into an area of existing deciduous woodland. Such gardens became popular following the introduction of redwoods and Douglas firs from North America, and this building was originally the woodkeeper's cottage.

Exterior

L-shaped early 19th century cottage orne. The main wing has 2 storeys and one window, the L-wing one storey and one window. Built of coursed squared rock- faced limestone laid roughly at different depths. Tiled roof. Three-light casement windows with lozenge glazing and keyed heads. Small bay window on ground floor of the two storey section, canted with five lights, with timber mullions and transom and tiled roof. Half hipped gable with scalloped barge-boards. Tall rough stack with three flues, single storey wing roof also half-hipped. The end wall has a picturesque porch with a similarly scalloped gable. Entrance and modern kitchen extension to right rear.

Interior

The interior was not available for inspection at the time of resurvey (October 1996).

Reason for designation

A good example of a picturesque estate lodge, part of the important Pontypool Park.