Penarwel

Penarwel is a house built in a Tudor Gothic style, likely dating to the 19th century. It is constructed of Gimlet granite from Pwllheli and generally has slate roofs. The house has two storeys and attics and a complex plan, with different elevations facing South, East, and North.

The South front consists of three distinct elements, stepping forward to the West, and includes a two-storey service wing. The main entrance is set within a central three-storey crenellated tower, positioned asymmetrically. It features a moulded timber door with a label above. The principal windows are of roughly finished square section mullions, generally set flush with the walls, with only the labels projecting. A tall three-light mullioned and transomed window sits above the entrance, and paired two-light windows are above this on the second floor, below the parapet. To the left of the entrance tower is a forward gable with modern windows, retaining a cast iron hopper head in the form of a dragon, and a ceramic zoomorphic gable finial. To the right is a larger recessed crenellated tower with three-light windows and a recessed three-bay range with similarly detailed windows and crenellated eaves parapet. A forward gable, mirroring the tower’s detailing, balances it on the right, with three-light windows on the main floors and a further window to a lowered basement room. The East front, overlooking gardens towards Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia, is characterised by similar detailing. The North front has two gables, the rear one advanced, with a glazed raking external stair leading to the basement, set in the angle. Simpler sash windows with plain lintels are present here. The West side, including the service wing, originally had rock-faced quoins but is now rendered and colourwashed; some windows on the North and West sides have been replaced.

The interior features an entrance lobby leading to an oak-panelled stair hall, complete with a coffered ceiling of stained timber. A wide, depressed arch, flanked by fluted pilasters, opens from the stair hall to a square, panelled reception room, also panelled with a similar ceiling, a fine fireplace, and an overmantel. A six-panelled door with a fanlight leads from the stair hall to the main drawing room, which is fully panelled and has a remarkably elaborate gilded cornice and ceiling. A large three-light window above the door provides light to the half landing of the staircase.