5 bedroom detached house for sale

Brynmeheryn - The Hill of the Ram

Substantial Character Residence with Far-Reaching Views over the Cambrian Mountains
Cors Caron, West Wales | A House of History, Hearth, and Heritage

Set high above Cors Caron in the wild beauty of West Wales, Brynmeheryn – “the Hill of the Ram” – is a property unlike any other. A home of immense character and deep historic roots, it offers not just a place to live, but a place to belong. A sanctuary of stories, artistry, and soulful connection to land and legacy.

Inhabited since Roman times, the land surrounding Brynmeheryn once held five haphods (Hafod) – traditional Welsh dwellings – evidencing centuries of continuous habitation. The main house was built in 1650, its original slate and stone form weathered beautifully over time. In 1790, the estate was purchased by the Reverend Richard Hughes, who added the elegant front elevations seen today. At that time, the property commanded some 5,000 acres, making it one of the region’s most substantial holdings.

Over the centuries, Brynmeheryn has evolved from a pastoral estate into a beacon for creativity and culture. Most intriguingly, the house later became home to the artist Monica Rawlins, who produced some of her finest work here. It is widely believed that the famous and flamboyant artist Augustus John—known for his romantic entanglements as much as his art—purchased the house for Monica, so he could visit discreetly for their romantic interludes. The very walls breathe with the energy of this bohemian chapter.

Later, the property passed to Nicholas Luard, a co-founder of Private Eye, whose legacy of wit and social commentary echoed through the valley. His wife, Elisabeth Luard—the acclaimed food writer and cook—found inspiration here for her celebrated work, A Cook’s Year in a Welsh Farmhouse. Her writing immortalised the house as a place of wild foraging, fireside feasts, and a deeply rooted connection to the land. Meals at Brynmeheryn were made from what the seasons offered: mushrooms from the woods, sorrel from the streambanks, nettles from the hedgerows, and venison from the surrounding valleys.

The house itself stands as a testament to timelessness. With slate floors underfoot, thick stone walls, and views that stretch across the Cambrian uplands, Brynmeheryn holds a quiet power. It has been a family home, an artists’ retreat, and a gathering place for generations—fondly remembered by locals who once filled the great hall with music, food, and conversation.

To live here is to inherit a story that spans centuries—from Roman settlements to romantic escapades, literary milestones to culinary masterpieces. For those seeking something truly rare—a home that holds both heritage and heart, nature and narrative—Brynmeheryn offers not just bricks and mortar, but memory, meaning, and magic. Welcome to Brynmeheryn, an exceptional detached period residence set within a picturesque rural setting, enjoying breath-taking views over the Cors Caron National Nature Reserve and the wider Cambrian Mountains, while still being conveniently situated approximately 25 minutes from the university town of Aberystwyth.

This character-filled home offers generous and versatile accommodation, blending traditional features with country charm. The property is approached via a canopied entrance porch with slate-tiled step, leading into a welcoming entrance hall/study area with slate flooring, part-panelled walls, ornate radiator, and decorative ceiling rose and archway — an atmospheric prelude to the accommodation within.

From here, the inner hallway provides access to a selection of beautifully appointed ground floor rooms, including:

• Sitting Room – A stunning space with captivating views across the gardens and the nature reserve. Features include an original fireplace with fitted wood burner, extensive built-in shelving and library cabinetry, quarry-tiled flooring, sash window, cast-iron radiator, and ornate ceiling detailing.

• Dining Room – A further charming reception room with an original fireplace and fitted wood burner, cast-iron radiator, walk-in bay window with original furnishings and character pelmet, internal dresser unit, and decorative ceiling cornicing.

• Ground Floor Bathroom – Well-appointed and of good size, comprising panel-enclosed bath with shower attachment and screen, vanity basin, low-level WC, attractive shelving, louvered shutters, and a traditional cast-iron radiator.

• Access to cellar off hall.

The heart of the home is the kitchen/breakfast room, accessed via a stable-style door. This traditional country kitchen enjoys an original fireplace housing a built-in bread oven, a range of base and wall units, single drainer sink with mixer tap, space for a range-style gas cooker, part-tiled walls, and a large walk-in pantry with slate worktop and french doors to garden, which fantastic views.

Beyond the kitchen is a beautifully light garden room, formerly referred to as the “glasshouse walkway” — now a delightful multi-purpose space with a glazed roof and windows, quarry-tiled floors, butler sink, porthole side window, and cloakroom with WC and vanity basin. This room offers access to both garden areas and connects to an adjacent store with views down the country lane.

A particular feature of Brynmeheryn is the Hall, a generous and atmospheric room with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, a wood-burning stove, three cast-iron radiators, and stairs to a galleried mezzanine area with shelving — ideal as an artist’s retreat, home office, or additional reception room.

First Floor Accommodation

A turning staircase with half landing rises to a spacious and light-filled first floor landing, illuminated by a sash window on the half-landing. The upper landing itself leads to a suite of well-proportioned bedrooms, each rich in character and enjoying wonderful natural light.

• Bedroom One – A bright and elegant principal bedroom positioned to the front of the house, commanding outstanding views over Cors Caron and the formal gardens. Featuring an original fireplace, cast-iron radiator, picture rail, and traditional sash window framing the scenic panorama.

• Bedroom Two - A side-aspect room with a sash window overlooking the ornamental pond and gardens. Includes a cast-iron radiator and picture rail — a perfect study, child’s bedroom, or peaceful retreat.

• Bedroom Three – A dual-aspect double bedroom, offering a real sense of space and light. Retains a charming original fireplace, two attractive sash windows, and a cast-iron radiator, making it ideal as a guest suite or family room.

• Bedroom Four – Situated at the front of the property, enjoying elevated views over the stone circle, grounds, and across Cors Caron. Features an original fireplace, picture rail, and radiator.

• Family Bathroom – Well-appointed with a panel-enclosed bath, pedestal wash hand basin, and low-level WC. Coastal-inspired ceiling detailing, louvered shutters, part-tiled walls, and a window overlooking the courtyard garden lend a sense of calm and classic charm.

• Airing cupboard located off the main landing.

Second Floor – Private Guest Suite

Stairs rise to a second-floor landing, providing access to a superb fifth bedroom suite — a truly special space benefitting from:

• Two walk-in sash windows with commanding panoramic views of the countryside

• A rear Velux window providing additional light and views of the rear garden.

• Radiator and ample floor space for a seating or reading area

• A calm and private space with a touch of indulgence.

En Suite Bathroom – Tastefully fitted with a panel-enclosed bath, pedestal wash hand basin, low-level WC, inset spotlighting, heated towel rail and radiator.

Nursery/ Dressing Room - a useful space, with Velux window offering views across the rear garden.

Outbuildings & Grounds

Brynmeheryn is offered with approximately 15 acres of diverse and scenic grounds,the formal gardens extend to approximately 5 acres, the remaining 10 acres are woodlands incorporating a mix of:

• Available by separate negotiation: up to 56 acres of woodland, with the option of acquiring further land if desired.

• Formal gardens with mature planting and stonework features

• An ornamental lake and two smaller ponds, offering moments of tranquillity and reflection

• Rolling land, suited to lifestyle pursuits, conservation, or equestrian potential

• Exceptional views across the unspoilt West Wales countryside and the Cambrian Mountains

Outbuildings include:

• A substantial workshop (approximately 459 sq ft gross internal area) — ideal for hobbies, restoration, or professional use

• An old cow shed (approximately 459 sq ft gross internal area) of similar proportions with scope for further use (STP)

• A log store of approximately 389 sq ft.

• (Further land available by separate negotiation. Up to approx. 58 acres)

These structures, along with the studio space, significantly enhance the lifestyle potential of the property — whether for creative, business or recreational use.

Studio & Ancillary Buildings

The studio accessed from the garden room is a real highlight, with scope for creative pursuits, home working, or potential conversion to ancillary accommodation (STP).

Outbuildings and storage rooms offer additional potential, especially for those considering work-from-home lifestyles, artisan businesses, or hobbies requiring dedicated space.

Water filtration and storage building for private water supply.