Pen Moel

TIDENHAM B4228, WOODCROFT ST 59 NW (west side) 9/221 Pen Moel - II Large Victorian mansion in own grounds. Panel over porch records 'rebuilt 1890'. Snecked sandstone with ashlar dressings, some timber framing, plain tile roof with various stacks, but especially prominent main stack to left of contral gabled unit . A generously organised composition in picturesque composition reminiscent of some Norman Shaw work, the building runs extensively east and west under a sand- stone crag, has open 4-bay verandah, left, and a vigorous 5-storey gabled entrance unit with fine glazed conservatory over open entrance porch with octagonal piers and very flat ogee-headed arches. Left of this is a second lower gabled unit. Rich variety of fenestration mostly 2 or 3-light casements with transomes. To right is an octagonal turret with conical roof, and the return gable, far left, has deep projecting eaves over full-height canted bay. Main entrance a good 6-panel door in basket handle arch, flanked by niches similarly headed. Panel containing date, over porch, also incorporates initials PM (or MP). Interior not inspected, but reputed to contain original staircase and panelling. A good example of the fertile imagination and sensitivity to the site of late Victorian designers.

Listing NGR: ST5407395604