Penarth-fawr

Penarth-fawr is a late medieval stone hall house with slate roofs built in Llanystumdwy, Wales. The four-bay structure contains service rooms and a central hall space with an original wooden dividing screen.

Built around 1476 for Madog ap Howel ap Madog, the house passed through the family line until Hugh Gwyn, who held the position of High Sheriff of Caernarvonshire in 1599. This direct link to local authority figures demonstrates the family's importance in Welsh society at the time.

The hall house shows how medieval Welsh families organized their living spaces through a wooden screen that once divided service areas from the main living quarters. This architectural choice reveals the social structure and daily routines of the household in times past.

The building sits away from the main A497 road between Pwllheli and Llanarmon, with the east wing remaining private while Cadw manages the main structure. Check ahead on how to visit since parts of the property have limited access.

The roof system preserves medieval carpentry features including curved wind-braces and perpendicular Gothic details carved into the elaborately shaped screen posts. These crafted elements reveal the technical skill and artistic choices of the builders who created this house.

Location: Llanystumdwy

Elevation above the sea: 34.5 m

Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/penarth-fawr-medieval-house

GPS coordinates: 52.91320,-4.35226

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25