Priory Street, Monmouthshire, NP15

Set in the heart of Usk’s historic Priory quarter, Priory House — formerly known as Ty Brith, Welsh for “The Speckled House” is a distinguished Grade II listed residence of exceptional historic and architectural significance. Believed to date from the late sixteenth century, with origins possibly linked to the monastic buildings of the medieval Benedictine priory nearby, this remarkable home stands as one of Usk’s most characterful and best-preserved period properties.

The house is situated on a site steeped in history. Priory Street takes its name from the adjacent Priory Church of St Mary, once part of a Benedictine nunnery founded before 1135. The wider area formed part of the priory precinct until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. Ty Brith is recorded as a Tudor-era dwelling — its name, meaning “speckled house”, likely referring to the original lime-rendered façade that gave it its distinctive appearance.
Historic directories list Ty Brith by name in the nineteenth century, and the Usk Conservation Area Appraisal notes that the “Tudor stone arch over the door on Priory Street” is a rare surviving feature of that early structure. Over time, the property became known as Priory House, reflecting both its location and its architectural association with Usk’s monastic heritage.


Stepping through the front door of Priory House, an architectural statement in itself — solid timber, weighty and beautifully aged principal front door you are greeted by a striking glazed inner vestibule screen, believed to be a mid-nineteenth-century feature of exceptional craftsmanship. The central timber door is flanked by leaded-glass sidelights with moulded panelling below, surmounted by a multi-paned transom light and crowned with ornate carved woodwork. Both practical and decorative, forming a graceful threshold to the main hall, providing the space with natural light.

The entrance hall has wonderful ceramic mosaic tiling to the floor, an original crockery cupboard, and richly embossed Lincrusta wallcovering below a moulded dado rail, characteristic of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. From here, doors lead to the principal reception room, a downstairs cloakroom/WC, and a rear door giving access to the garden, driveway, and garage — all reached via large wrought-iron entrance gates dating from the late nineteenth century, a fine example of traditional iron craftsmanship.

The kitchen-dining room, measuring approximately just under 20 ft, is an impressive and welcoming space. It features an extensive range of bespoke shaker-style units, a central work island with inset sink, integrated oven, hob, and extractor, and a beautiful feature stone fireplace with a newly installed log-burner. French doors open to the rear walled courtyard, a sun-trap perfect for dining and relaxation.
The lounge, which spans over 20 ft in length, includes a feature fireplace with log-burner, original cornicing, reclaimed herringbone wood flooring, and modern spot-lighting. A door leads down to a large usable basement, ideal as a wine store, additional storage or the hobbyist of the household.


As you ascend the feature staircase, a half-landing study area provides an ideal workspace, lit naturally by the stairwell window.

The first floor houses the large master bedroom accessed via a feature arch, a second large double bedroom sits to the other side of the landing, both exceptionally spacious and filled with natural light, each has a wonderful feature fireplace and is served by a full family bathroom, sympathetically designed to blend period elegance with modern convenience.

The staircase continues to the second floor, where you are greeted by a large Cupola window overhead, providing a wonderful light space, onto the large landing, an additional study or reading area.

A few steps rise from the main landing to an upper level, where two further large double bedrooms are reached through elegant Tudor arched wooden architraves. One of these rooms is crowned by a magnificent vaulted ceiling with exposed original beams — a breathtaking feature that speaks directly to the age and craftsmanship of Priory House. Completing this floor is a well-appointed bathroom with a separate shower cubicle.

Throughout the house, the windows are small-paned sash windows, consistent with the property’s Georgian and early Victorian refinements.

Outside
Outside, the property enjoys private parking and a garage, accessed via an impressive wrought-iron entrance gate from Priory Street. The rear courtyard garden is enclosed by stone and brick walls, offering shelter, seclusion, and all-day sunshine a charming space that complements the home’s character and privacy.

Summary
Priory House (Ty Brith) combines architectural heritage, elegant period detailing, and generous living space with a direct link to Usk’s medieval past. From its Tudor stonework and Georgian symmetry to the Victorian vestibule, Lincrusta detailing, reclaimed herringbone flooring, and vaulted top-floor bedroom, this remarkable home showcases over four centuries of craftsmanship. With its private parking, walled courtyard, and graceful interior proportions, Priory House stands as one of the jewels of Priory Street — a residence of enduring beauty, history, and charm.

Area
The charming market town of Usk sits on the banks of the River Usk, surrounded by beautiful Monmouthshire countryside. Known for its independent shops, cafés and riverside walks, it has a welcoming community feel. Excellent road links via the A449 give easy access to the M4 and Monmouth with Abergavenny a short drive away. Both nearby towns offer a wider choice of boutique shopping, weekly markets, restaurants and leisure facilities. Families benefit from well-regarded local schools, including Usk Church in Wales Primary and Monmouth Comprehensive. Usk perfectly combines rural beauty, community spirit and modern convenience.