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Location DB >
Wales >
Conwy >
Colwyn Bay >
Hafodunos
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Publically Viewable |
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This location has been labeled by its creator as Public, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
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Hafodunos Hall is a Grade One listed gothic masterpiece, with the exterior covered in extrodinarily detailed and delicate stone carvings, including several biblical quotations. The interior contains more carvings and sculpture, with several examples of highly detailed plasterwork ceilings. There are 53 acres of very overgrown gardens, containing a multitude of hidden treasures including rare shrubs and plants from around the world.
It was built between 1861 and 1866 to a design by Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-78), for H. R. Sandbach of Liverpool at a cost of £30,000 (equivalent to £4 million today). The site has been occupied since 1160, and the present mansion replaces a 17 century house, the staircase of which is incorporated into the present design. It is one of very few mansions by this otherwise prolific architect whose work was often in the Gothic style, this house being inspired by a Venetian palace.
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Type: Building
Status: Abandoned
Accessibility: Public Footpath through grounds
Recommendation: drop everything - must see
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asbestos
rust
unsafe flooring
Fire damaged interior
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Built of brick with stone dressings. Two storeys with gables. Entrance front has a four-storyed tower with spire (now removed). Gothic entrance, gables, Gothic plate tracery windows an oriel window to the left of the doorway. The garden front has large gables with a two-storeyed, half-hexagonal bay window to the right and an oriel window on the first floor to the left. Between the gables three bays are set back. Windows with mullions and transoms Gabled dormers in the roof. At the right end of the front is an octagonal billiard room with octagonal lantern and roof.
Little spoiled interiors in matching Gothic style, including fine capitals probably by Farmer and Brindley and low relief panels by John Gibson.
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fences
locked gates
wooden boarding
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flashlight
head protection
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Hafodunos Hall, is a Grade One listed building within a group of five separately listed surrounding features.
It was built between 1861 and 1866 to the design by Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-78), for H. R. Sandbach of Liverpool at a cost of £30,000 (equivalent to £4 million today).
Hafodunos Hall is second only to Kelham Hall in Nottinghamshire, and is the only example of his domestic work in Wales. The listing suggests that this is the most important building in Wales by this influential architect. The exceptional floral carvings throughout the mansion are by Farmer and Brindley. The conservatories were added in 1883 by Messenger and Co. under the direction of J Oldrid Scott, son of the architect.
The Sandbach family were important patrons of the great Welsh sculptor John Gibson (born Conwy 1790, died in Rome 1866). Five Gibson marble reliefs from the house are now in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, but an important group of reliefs remain in the main stair hall by Gibson and Thorwaldsen, and others remain in the sculpture room.
The house itself is grand and spacious but is also delicate and florid in its execution. The carving and detail of the internal wood and stonework is restrained and intricate. There is nothing of the heaviness that was to follow in later Victorian architecture. The formal rooms are well appointed and well lit, and the wings and cottages are all built to the same standard of design and care.
The extensive gardens and arboretum are said to contain 1020 different species of tree, as well as a ravine, cascades, grottoes and follies. In all, the estate extends to 53 acres, including a large walled vegetable garden, divided by mature yew hedges.
Although designed as a prestige country residence, the house was later used as a Catholic Girls School, when various new classroom blocks were added, tennis courts and a modern theatre to the North. More recently it was converted as a private nursing home, and most rooms now have attached bathroom facilities. It was last owned by Mr Les Whittingham until he died in 1998 and remained empty until it was sold for conversion into a hotel in 2004. ***Much of the interior of the Hall was destroyed by fire in an arson attack in October 2004.****
Beyond the Mansion, but listed with group value is the extensive Home Farm, dated 1842, and a remarkable Bailiff’s Office, dated 1771.
Following a site visit by Government officials in January 2005, it appears possible that Hafodunos Hall may be restored and rebuilt, with the aid of Government grants. At present (2006), Hafodunos and its accompanying 53 acre estate is up for sale for £800,000 (roughly $1.5m)
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The house and grounds were on sale around 1998 for about £300,000. It was sold and then reappeared on the market about 6 months later - but the price was now £1,000,000! It was eventually purchased and plans were drawn up for conversion into a luxury hotel. However, there was opposition from local people and the debate over its future was still continuing when the Hall was destroyed by fire in October 2004. At present (2006), Hafodunos and its accompanying 53 acre estate is up for sale for £800,000 (roughly $1.5m)
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The moderator rating is a neutral rating of the content quality, photography, and coolness of this location.
| Category |
Rating |
| Photography |
9 / 10 |
| Coolness |
9 / 10 |
| Content Quality |
9 / 10 |
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This location's validation is current. It was last validated by
Steed on 7/25/2008 6:59 AM.
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on Jul 25 08 at 6:59, Steed validated this location
on May 17 08 at 8:29, SnakeCorp changed the following: Display Name, Real Name, Hazards, Security Measures, Required Equipment
on Jan 30 07 at 19:00, Emperor Wang validated this location
on Jan 29 07 at 12:44, SnakeCorp updated the main picture
on Jan 29 07 at 9:08, SnakeCorp changed the following: Web Links
on Jan 29 07 at 9:04, SnakeCorp updated gallery picture p8270001.jpg
on Jan 29 07 at 9:04, SnakeCorp updated gallery picture p8270001.jpg
on Jan 29 07 at 9:02, SnakeCorp updated gallery picture P1010001.jpg
on Jan 29 07 at 9:01, SnakeCorp updated gallery picture P1010001.jpg
on Nov 30 06 at 2:26, Emperor Wang validated this location
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