Gatepiers and Forecourt Walls at Rhydonen

Forecourt or garden walls, with associated gatepiers. The walls are of red brick with early C20 rendering, on a tall limestone rubble plinth; original sandstone copings. They enclose a raised rectangular platform in front of the house, and serve as both revetments and low walls. Within the enclosure the walls rise to a maximum height of 0.5m at the front and E (L) sides, and 2m on the R (W) side. At the SE (front L) corner the wall has a maximum external height of 1.8m, whilst at the corresponding SW corner the sloping ground level reuses the height to approximately 0.5m. The unrendered western stretch of the wall slopes up from the low front section at right-angles, whilst the latter continues for a further 4m before terminating at the hedge-lined road. The former terminates at the house in a modern segmental brick arch with iron gate. There is evidence to suggest that there were originally iron railings surmounting the front wall sections, flanking the gate piers.

The gatepiers are of sandstone and are approximately 2.8m high; they are approached by 5 modern concrete steps. Each has a square profile and sits on a chamfered plinth; 2 fielded panels to each face, with a wide moulded cornice. Surmounting each is a panelled obelisk finial with metal attachment at the apex, probably originally carrying a ball. The piers retain their original iron gate hinges; modern iron half gates.