Llanmaes, Llantwit Major, CF61

Guide £800,000 - £850,000

Plaisted House stands as a testament to architectural continuity, a Grade II listed semi-detached property that has gracefully evolved through the centuries while maintaining its essential character. Dating to 1650, this substantial family home presents over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully considered accommodation within approximately 0.4 acres of mature gardens, where history and contemporary comfort achieve rare harmony.

The chamfered stone archway with its original hardwood door establishes an immediate sense of place, welcoming one into an atmospheric hallway where original flagstones and exposed ceiling beams speak eloquently of the property's heritage. The spatial narrative unfolds with particular eloquence in the principal reception rooms, where inglenook fireplaces with moulded openings and raised hearths frame wood-burning stoves, creating intimate gathering spaces that honour traditional craft while serving modern needs.

The dining room, distinguished by its broad fireplace with stone surround and original bread oven, contains perhaps the most evocative architectural detail: an original spiral stone staircase ascending to the chamber above. This room flows naturally into a sun-room offering contemplative views across the gardens, demonstrating how thoughtful extension can enhance rather than diminish historic character.

The kitchen exemplifies this synthesis of old and new, where Travertine floor tiles complement granite work surfaces, and a peninsula with oak breakfast bar anchors the space. The freestanding Aga presides over a culinary domain equipped for contemporary living, whilst double pantry cupboards and a window seat beneath sash windows maintain period authenticity.

A sympathetic double-storey extension completed by the current owners has enriched the domestic programme significantly. At ground floor level, this addition provides a utility room with external access to the rear garden, a convenient cloakroom, and a dedicated home office space, creating a modern framework for family life whilst maintaining separation from the historic core of the house.

The first floor continues this dialogue between past and present, where four bedrooms demonstrate the property's generous proportions. The principal bedroom suite, blessed with dual aspect sash windows and window seats, incorporates a walk-in dressing room without sacrificing period character. Two further double bedrooms and a single bedroom provide flexible accommodation for family or guests, all served by both a traditional three-piece family bathroom and a contemporary shower room, ensuring convenience for all occupants.

The grounds compose a masterful landscape narrative across their generous expanse. The south-facing garden unfolds as a series of carefully orchestrated moments: manicured beds, mature specimen trees including cooking apple and willow, and a small brook defining the western boundary. The elevated deck and sun terrace provide civilised vantage points from which to survey this sylvan domain, whilst practical elements – stone-built storage sheds, a former air raid shelter, and extensive parking – demonstrate the property's evolution through successive eras.

Beyond the immediate curtilage, an adjoining parcel currently hosts free-range chickens and productive fruit trees, offering potential for market gardening or simple pastoral pleasure. This peaceful extension of the grounds enjoys uninterrupted countryside views, underlining the property's privileged position within the village framework.

Llanmaes itself represents rural refinement at its most authentic, with The Blacksmiths Arms, village hall, and church composing a traditional social trinity. The proximity to Llantwit Major ensures comprehensive amenities, whilst the Heritage Coastline lies within easy reach. The road network facilitates commuting to Cardiff, Swansea, and Bridgend, making this an ideal retreat that sacrifices neither convenience nor character.

Plaisted House emerges as more than mere accommodation; it is a curated environment where architectural integrity, domestic comfort, and landscape beauty achieve rare synthesis. For those who appreciate the patina of genuine history allied with contemporary liveability, this property represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of living heritage in one of Wales's most cherished villages.