Rhydarwen (also known as Rhyd-owen).

Rhydarwen (also known as Rhyd-owen)

A large house of irregular form, built in randomly coursed or uncoursed local sandstone with selected larger stones as quoins. The roof outline reflects its complex building history: slate roofing at two levels, with the eastern part corresponding to the first phase and a long catslide to the south (the second phase) beneath a large modern dormer window. The taller western part represents the third phase and has modern dormer windows to the north. At the centre of the east gable stands a very large first-phase chimney with four offsets, with a bread-oven extension at its south side. A second very large third-phase chimney occupies the centre of the south wall of the taller section, flush with the wall but with one rear offset facing the roof.

The principal front faces north as a six-opening range under a stepped roof with projections at each end. At the left is a gabled two-storey window projection serving the first-phase part, featuring a small square timber window with a mullion on the first floor and a tall stone mullion and transom window with trefoil heads beneath. The elevation between the projecting parts is irregular, varying between three and two storeys, with modern square windows and renewed oak lintels. Numerous putlog holes are visible throughout. At the right is another two-storey window projection to the third-phase part, less prominent than that on the left, with modern windows beneath a continuation of the main roof, and original slit apertures on its sides. At the centre of this elevation is a large boarded door beneath a four-centred limestone arch.

The west gable elevation contains a door at the right and two window openings, along with many putlog holes. One window lights the attic and another at first-floor level may originally have been a gardrobe doorway. The rear elevation includes a two-light mullion window to the upper storey at the left and two small rectangular windows at the stair position to the right of the taller part. Recent additions occupy a small walled yard to the east.

The north-east part of the house, interpreted as the first phase and the oldest section, features a roof truss incorporating a small boss said to be unique in south-west Wales. Remnants of wall paintings survive in this section. The undercroft or lowest storey contains a large fireplace with bread oven at the left, and slit windows are said to exist to the south. A full-width opening connects to the window projection, which has a vaulted roof.

The south addition, interpreted as the second phase, contains a 15th-century four-centred doorway at its west side, now facing an 18th-century staircase.

The third-phase western part features a cross-passage and a restored Jacobean staircase, divided from the main room. The roof trusses are said to be similar to those at Derwydd, another house associated with Sir Rhys ap Thomas. Two fine carved timber doorheads, illustrated by the Royal Commission, display craftsmanship comparable to those at Derwydd. One displays the arms of Sir Rhys within the Order of the Garter, while the other contains what may be portrait heads of a male and female in profile.