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
-
‘City gents in bowler hats beat on our shop windows shouting “immoral!” and “disgusting!”’: The rise (and rise) of the mini skirt
What the mini skirt lacked in length it more than made up for in meaning.
By Amie Elizabeth White Published
-
Five years, 10,400 miles and a boatload of stories: Mark Ashley-Miller on the Country Life Podcast
Mark Ashley-Miller, the man who sailed to every harbour in Britain and Ireland, joins the Country Life Podcast.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawn
James Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 million
Moving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty
Chestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published