Hayban and cowhouse at Berth-ddu

Cadw's description

Location

Close to the west side of the A470, to the NE of the house at Berth-ddu, detached from the main farmyard.

History

Probably built in two phases, with the cowhouse (to the south) the earlier of the two structures. This may be C18 or early C19, but the adjacent haybarn is of a type and character that suggest a mid C19 date - perhaps it was built as an improvement to an open rick yard. The house at Berth-ddu appears to have been newly built in the mid C19, possibly in the context of farm amalgamation - the haybarn could be contemporary with it.

Exterior

Two buildings in parallel, built into the slope such that gable pitching doors are accessible from the higher ground level,.and linked by a high wall at the lower end. The cowhouse to the south is of rough rubble boulder construction with slate close-eaved roof. Pitching door in upper gable (rest of structure not seen, but main doorway in lower gable presumed). Adjacent haybarn to the north is also boulder-built, but with more obvious coursing. Orthostatic stone slab pillars to open sides, and close-eaved slate roof. Pitching door in upper gable end.

Reason for designation

Listed as an especially good example of a field cow-house with its associated haybarn, clearly illustrating the practices of animal husbandry characteristic of upland agriculture. The structures form a functionally integrated group, but each is a good example of its type, the haybarn with its slab pillars a notable example of a significant regional building type.