Penarth Fawr Medieval House

Rare stone-built dwelling with impressive timbered supports

We’re not short of medieval castles in Wales, but buildings like Penarth Fawr are thin on the ground. This extremely well-preserved house gives a rare glimpse into how the Welsh gentry lived during the 15th century.

While most of the commonly wood-built houses of the era are long gone, Penarth Fawr’s sturdy stone construction has seen it survive almost unchanged for centuries.

The house’s heart is its large hall, originally heated by the central hearth, with smoke escaping from a vent in the roof. Penarth Fawr’s most striking feature is the elaborate internal truss system that supports it, an impressive network of carved timber beams rising from floor to ceiling that’s in excellent condition despite its advanced age.