Coleg Trefeca

Coleg Trefeca is a large building with a complex history, undergoing four distinct phases of construction between the early 18th century and the early 20th century. The original farmhouse, dating before 1752, is no longer visible within the current structure. The main building as it stands today largely dates from 1752 to 1759, with subsequent modifications in the mid-19th century and again around 1910-20.

The building is constructed of pebbledashed and colourwashed rubble with slate roofs. The central low-gabled block contains an entrance hall flanked by projecting wings; the western wing was doubled in size. A tall, Gothic-panelled door with an overlight, approached by steps, is centrally positioned and flanked by sash windows, which were originally fitted with tracery but are now plain sash windows. These windows are set within stone frames with pointed Gothic heads and hood mouldings, all at the same level. Above the entrance is a stone scroll reading “INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI” (the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord), surmounted by the initials “TC” (Trevecka College) carved into a stone shield.

The southeastern wing is distinguished by tall corner turrets and a central turret, originally rising three storeys to a crenellated parapet, now reduced to a single storey with a gable over a basement. The southwestern wing has been brought forward and retains its original triple ogee-headed windows with intersecting glazing bars, although some of the upper windows have been modified. The rear elevation, now partially hidden behind later additions, also features corner turrets. A clock tower was added in 1754; the clock itself has been removed to the site museum. In the southwest corner is a block with an 'L' shape, pebbledashed with a sprocketed and hipped slate roof and a dentilled pulvinated cornice. The upper floor features corner Venetian windows flanked by pilasters, likely from the later 18th century, though much repaired. Other windows are 6 and 12-paned sashes. Two small dormers and brick stacks are also present. The northwestern front features a two-storey canted bay and a recessed centre; the original round-headed door has been converted into a window, and the clock tower is set back above.

The entrance hall was remodelled around 1913 and boasts a high boarded ceiling with painted decoration and a staircase dividing to teaching areas on an upper floor and to earlier accommodation, now used as the Warden’s quarters, below. The “Lady Huntingdon’s Dining Room” features an octagonal patterned moulded plaster ceiling, from which the central Eye of God has been removed, along with modillion cornices and a panelled oak fireplace with scrolls extending to an open pediment, originally hinged to form a working carrel. The present dining room has a more classical plaster ceiling with an egg and dart cornice and a fireplace, originally with a painted classical corniced attic, now stored in the museum. Panelled doors are throughout. On the floor above, a well-preserved fireplace with an eared architrave and decorative detail, along with other 18th-century features, are present, all on a small scale. Other areas of the interior reflect the mid-19th century and later alterations.