Ty-Mawr (or Great House)

Ty-Mawr, also known as Great House, is a substantial house, likely dating to the 17th century with later alterations. The construction uses roughly squared and coursed local limestone rubble walls, accentuated by quoins and relieving arches, and originally possibly plastered. The roof is covered with Welsh slate, featuring roll-moulded coping to the gables, and stone stacks are set into each gable with plain weathering.

The house is characterized by a central three-storey rectangular block, flanked by two conjoined gables with stacks on the south-east and north-west sides, as well as single gables with stacks on the south-east and north-east elevations. Two-storey wings have been built against these elevations, along with a long outbuilding attached to the north-west elevation. Windows are mullioned, featuring two, three, and four lights with dripstones, many of which have been repaired or replaced. The leaded glazing is from after 1952 and incorporates diamond lattice patterns.

The left-hand gable of the south-east elevation features a four-light window on both the ground and first floors, along with a three-light window to the attic. The right-hand, or north-east, gable incorporates a lower parlour wing. A four-centred arched doorway, now with a 20th-century three-panel door, sits at the north-west end, accompanied by a two-light and a three-light window. The first floor has three windows on this elevation - a three-light window under the eaves, followed by a three-light and a two-light window, all with dripmoulds. An external stone chimney breast and stack are located on the south-east gable, with a two-light window set behind it on the upper floor.

The south-west elevation displays a three-light window on both the first and attic floors within the main block. The north-west elevation has a three-light ground floor window, a slit window to the first and attic storeys, and an outbuilding adjoins the north-east gable. The outbuilding’s south-west wall is constructed of stone rubble and has a slate roof. It features a doorway with stone voussoirs and a boarded door, partially blocked, and a ventilator slit above. A loft opening is situated to the left. A lean-to is attached at the north-west end.

Modifications are evident on the courtyard elevation, including a concrete block lean-to added to the former stable wing, which contains rows of pigeon holes. The kitchen wing also has been altered and now has a rooflight. A late 20th-century gabled entrance porch is situated in the angle of the house.

The interior, as documented in the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW), demonstrates a cruciform plan with a large hall and a chamber above with fireplaces in opposing walls. A kitchen is located in a rear wing, extended to the west by a vaulted service unit. The north wing, which originally housed a stable unit, has a line of dove-holes along the west wall at first floor level. The south wing has been largely rebuilt, and the central stair is a later addition. Notably, the house displays fine masonry details, including elaborate thistle stops comparable to those found at Llanmaes House.