A dramatic house and estate up for sale for the first time in over 750 years
Llanfendigaid has been in the same family since Edward I was on the throne – but that is about to change. Penny Churchill tells more.


The dramatic scenery of the Snowdonia National Park forms the backdrop to Llanfendigaid, a historic 18th-century house of 13th-century origin at Rhoslefain, a sleepy rural hamlet near the town of Tywyn, on the west coast of southern Gwynedd, Wales. It’s currently for sale through Finest Properties at a guide price of £2m.
The three-storey, Georgian stone house, listed Grade II* by CADW, has been owned since 1241 by the Nanney-Wynn family, who built their fortune from farming and the shipping of timber and wool to America.
Since the end of the First World War, the 16,000-acre Llanfendigaid estate, which once stretched along the Welsh coast from Harlech in the north to Aberystwyth in the south, has been scaled down to an exclusive holiday let and wedding venue set in 16 acres of gardens and woodland within the national park.
Llanfendigaid comprises the 13th-century manor house, rebuilt in 1746 and extended in the early 1900s, and three luxury self-catering holiday cottages, each having its own distinctive style and character.
The spacious main house, which could easily revert to private use, stands in more than an acre of private wooded grounds, with glorious views in all directions.
It boasts entrance and reception halls, three main reception rooms, a kitchen, a breakfast room, nine bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The Cow Shed, converted in 2015 from probably the oldest building on the estate, is a sleek, contemporary holiday cottage with an open-plan living area, three double bedrooms, a sheltered south-facing courtyard and a garden with sea views.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Cosy and welcoming, two-bedroom Dove Cottage has an open-plan living area on the first floor to make the most of the sea and mountain views.
Stable Cottage has been carefully converted using local materials and wooden floors throughout: it has an open-plan living area, two bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a private outdoor seating area.
Llanfendigaid is for sale at £2m — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The Talented Monsieur Mille: The haute horologist who stopped time is celebrated in a new book
A new coffee table book by Assouline celebrates one of today’s most daring and innovative watch brands.
By Chris Hall Published
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good taste
At Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
By James Fisher Published
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good taste
At Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
By James Fisher Published
-
How to stand out from the crowd in the most British of outfits — morning dress
Morning dress has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, but breaking with convention can be chic.
By Will Hosie Published
-
White sand beaches, smuggler's coves, teeming wildlife and a ruined castle in a Scottish island that's on the market for the first time in almost a century
Just off the west coast of Scotland lies Shuna Island, a true playground of open spaces, natural beauty, wildlife, beaches and — yes — a castle. And it's looking for a new owner.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
'One of the 10 most perfect houses in Britain' has come to the market at £9.5 million
Penny Churchill looks at the magical Maperton House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country Life
Something for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
By James Fisher Published
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mould
A new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
By James Fisher Published
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham Estate
With 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
By Penny Churchill Published