Open Doors - Dolbelydr

Set in a timeless and quiet valley, this 16th-century gentry house has many of its original features, including a first floor solar open to the roof beams. The house has been taken back to its original form, to a building its owner, Henry Salesbury, would recognise if travelling back in time to the 1580s.

Meadow of the Rays of the Sun is one translation of the name Dolbelydr, which rings especially true as you gaze at the sunlight slanting across the ground from the mullioned windows down this tranquil valley. There is an open-plan kitchen and dining area in front of a huge inglenook fireplace.

Dolbelydr, a fine example of a 16th-century gentry house, has good claim to be the birthplace of modern Welsh - it was here that Henry Salesbury wrote his Grammatica Britannica, the first Welsh grammar.

These free open days will be an opportunity to see inside this important local landmark, rarely open to the public, and learn more about its history and restoration. 

Opening on the same weekend for the first time is Plas Uchaf, approximately 40-minutes drive from Dolbelydr.

No booking required.

Address - Dolbelydr, Trefnant, Denbigh, LL16 5AG.
What3words: reforming.uptake.urge

Dolbelydr can be a little tricky to find. Please follow these directions and look out for open day signage:

Just after entering the outskirts of St Asaph, turn left at the mini roundabout (by the Cathedral) and continue on the A525 to Trefnant. At the traffic lights in Trefnant village turn right on to the B5428 signposted Henllan.

(If travelling from Denbigh on the A525 turn left at the traffic lights in Trefnant village on to the B5428)

Follow the B5428 road over a small crossroads and continue for about another half mile. On the left is a gateway and a small lodge and immediately after, on the right, is the entrance to Bryn Wgan Farm (a BRYN WGAN sign is attached to the right gate pillar of the entrance).

Turn right down this private lane and follow it until just before you reach the farmyard. The access track to Dolbelydr is through the gate on your right opposite a large oak tree.

Please note, parking is limited on site.

There are some narrow and steep stairs on site, with a long gated access track to get to the property.
The site does all it can to enable access wherever possible; for further information or if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact the Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or booking@landmarktrust.org.uk. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm.