Pennal, Machynlleth, Gwynedd

History

The original Pennal Towers was a distinguished Victorian mansion situated above the village of Pennal, near Machynlleth in Mid Wales. Built by Charles Thomas Thurston in the 1850s, the house was designed in a striking Italianate Revival style, featuring its iconic castellated towers, turrets, and grand proportions. The estate was constructed as a country retreat, reflecting the prosperity of the Victorian era and the tastes of the Welsh gentry, with Pennal Towers becoming a notable part of the Dyfi Valley landscape. The Thurston family were prominent local landowners, and the property remained a private residence for many decades. In the early 20th century, Pennal Towers was known for hosting local gatherings and house parties, capitalising on its spectacular setting overlooking the Dyfi Estuary and Snowdonia’s rolling hills.

History Cont.

During World War II, like many large country homes in Wales, it is believed to have been used to house evacuees, contributing to the local war effort. After serving as a private residence Pennal Towers fell into disrepair and in 1967 the main house was demolished. The Coach House at Pennal Towers was constructed alongside the main house in the mid-19th century, originally serving as the estate’s stable block and carriage storage, with accommodation above for the coachman and grooms. Built in matching Victorian stonework, the Coach House retains many original features, including arched stable doorways and cobbled courtyard areas. These remaining structures stand as a reminder of the once grand Pennal Towers and its role in the Dyfi Valley’s Victorian heritage.

Step Inside

As you enter Pennal Towers through the main entrance porch, a more recent addition to the property, this space doubles as a sunroom with Welsh slate flooring, offering a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the ever-changing array of colours within the Victorian gardens. Large windows allow an abundance of natural light to flood in, setting a warm and welcoming tone. Expertly crafted arched double doors lead from the porch into the lobby hall, a grand and inviting space from which the kitchen, living room, utility room, and the castellated staircase are accessed. To your left lies the largest room on the ground floor, spanning approximately 12 metres in length. This impressive open plan living and dining area offers ample space for family gatherings, with the dining area capable of accommodating a large table and chairs perfect for Christmas dinners set upon stylish wooden parquet flooring. Two steps lead down into the main living space, featuring a multi fuel burner for cosy (truncated)

Step Inside Cont.

Returning to the hallway, the kitchen is fitted with a stylish suite of light cabinetry and beech worktops, with space for a large Rangemaster cooker beneath an integrated extractor. The farmhouse feel is enhanced by ample base and wall mounted shelving, while the sink and drainer overlook the rear garden, providing views of visiting garden birds. A door leads directly out to the garden, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor living. For those with larger families, the rear of the property offers exciting potential, with approved planning permission in place for a substantial extension. This extension would elevate the property further, providing a generous kitchen, garden room, dining area, an additional ground floor bedroom, and bathroom, an opportunity to place your own stamp on this historic home. Completing the ground floor is a practical utility room with an adjacent WC, which opens directly into the unconverted coach house. This space offers (truncated)

Step Inside Cont.

The staircase, housed within the tower, leads to the first floor where you will find a sitting room/study, three double bedrooms and two modern bathroom suites, adding a tasteful contemporary touch to this period home. A long hallway leads to the master bedroom positioned at the end of the property, with a large window framing views over the Victorian gardens and the Dyfi Valley beyond. Integrated wardrobes provide essential storage without compromising on space. Two further double bedrooms are located along the hallway, served by two beautifully appointed bathrooms. One features crisp white marble tiles, a bath with overhead rain effect shower, a vanity unit, and WC. The second bathroom contrasts elegantly with darker tones and Welsh slate effect tiles, complementing the property’s heritage, and features a walk in double shower, large vanity unit, and WC.

Seller Insight

We have owned Pennal Towers for over 8 years. I found the house on the internet and loved it but didn’t know anything about the area. One of my best friends in London knew the area well and told me I had to go and see it. We came for a weekend in December and we were blown away by the atmosphere and beauty of the area. Seeing Pennal Towers and garden was the cream on the cake. It has no comparison. The garden is a haven for children (and adults) to get lost in their games and fantasies. Particularly in the summer when everything is in full growth. I think the house and garden would be ideal for a garden enthusiast. Be they a leading designer or just a lover of gardens, particularly of trees. We have a large variety of old trees, many must have been brought back by Victorian plant finders and are truly exceptional. We’ve also planted a large number of unusual varieties for their flowers, leaf shape and autumn colour to extend the seasonal interest. One could just observe (truncated)

Seller Insight Cont.

We are proud of everything we’ve done here. The house has a new roof, new oil boiler. New wood burner and chimney. We replaced two bathrooms. The entrance interior was fully insulated and slate floor laid. We care for the garden with an eye on conservation and wildlife habitat. Allowing all the previously mown areas to return to meadow which has started to have an effect on insects, butterflies and moths. We also had our first orchids appear this year. Removing huge Rhododendron Ponticums in our first 2 years made a huge impact revealing many old trees previously hidden. We also created a 4 acre wildflower meadow from previous grazing land. I love sitting under the biggest Styrax I’ve ever seen. It’s lovely to have lunch or read under. Even more so when it’s in flower and the sound of thousands of bees are busy collecting pollen. The branches go almost to the ground so it’s quite private but you can glimpse out.

Seller Insight

For eating we like to go to our village community run pub ‘The Riverside’ which has just received the best pub in Wales award and The Wynstay in Machynlleth which has a good chef serving seasonal local produce. We also love the George 111 pub on the gorgeous Mawddach estuary. Nearby is also Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel. A seriously lovely house with great food. More seriously good dining can be found at Ynyshir Restaurant and Hotel. One of the top ten in the UK. In Aberystwyth, Medina is a great place for Ottolenghi inspired food. Y Gornel is a super independent café with a great chef/owner and friendly staff. We will certainly miss driving from the gate up the long drive after being away. Arriving at the house and thinking how lucky we are. The garden is exceptional and with all the new planting it’s just going to get better. Someone is going to be very, very lucky.

Step Outside:

Gardens & Grounds

Set within approximately 22 acres, the gardens and grounds of Pennal Towers are as impressive as the house itself. Around 12.5 acres comprise the original Victorian gardens, showcasing an array of mature trees, flowers, and plants, which the current owners have carefully preserved and enhanced. The gardens and woodland have been beautifully restored by the current owners. Rolling lawns are interspersed with specimen trees, including magnificent giant sequoias, copper beech, acers, and a striking turkey oak, creating a landscape that offers colour and interest throughout the year. In spring, the gardens come alive with bluebell walks, banks of snowdrops, azaleas, and rhododendrons, while in summer and autumn, the canopies of mature trees frame stunning vistas with a vibrant display of seasonal colours.

Gardens & Grounds Cont.

A further 9 acres of grazing land will appeal to hobby farmers or equestrian enthusiasts. One paddock has been thoughtfully managed and replanted as a wildflower meadow, encouraging biodiversity and wildlife, while another paddock complete with a gentle stream provides water access for animals and offers a tranquil spot to relax and unwind. In the Victorian gardens, where the original mansion once stood, a charming summer house now stands, providing a versatile space for relaxation, reading, or working from home, with log burner for year round use. Subject to planning, this could be converted into a small holiday let. In front of the summer house, a sunken garden area offers potential for a garden fountain or even a small swimming pool, adding further grandeur to this unique property.

Gardens & Grounds Cont.

Further potential lies within the adjoining coach house, which currently offers useful storage but subject to planning could be converted to extend the living space or to create an annex for multigenerational living or holiday letting. A long sweeping driveway bordered by the remarkable Victorian gardens immediately gives you a sense that something special is around the corner at Pennal Towers, a truly unique property blending historic charm with future potential.

Location

The property is situated within half a mile of Tywyn town centre and within a mile of the beach. The seaside town of Tywyn is part of the Cambrian Coast Railway Line offering good links to Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury. It lies on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and provides a wide range of amenities including, shops, restaurants, public houses, takeaways, cinema, and also the Talyllyn Railway line - a popular tourist attraction. Another seaside town, Aberdyfi is approximately 4 miles to the south and also provides a wide range of facilities including shops, restaurants, public houses, championship golf course, railway station and harbour. The surrounding area has a range of outdoor activities such as water sports and walking in Snowdonia National Park.

Services

Mains electricity, Private water (spring). Private drainage (septic tank).

Heating

Oil fi red central heating. Calor gas for cooking.

Broadband

Please refer to openreach.com for fi bre availability.

Mobile Phone Signal

Please refer to

Tenure

Freehold.

Council Tax

Band G.

Agent's Note

Please note that there is a footpath that crosses the bottom field. Our clients have advised that they haven't seen anyone use it in the time that they have been there.

Directions

Using the app What Three Words type in: unwound.gentleman.registry

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