Not a castle in the true sense, but an early Tudor fortified courtyard house, which incorporates medieval masonry from the ruins of nearby Maenen Abbey.
A fascinating place, there have been fortifications on the site for centuries before the first house was rebuilt in the late 15th century, following the Wars of the Roses, by the father of the Wynn ancestral line. The house stayed in the family for the next 200 years. After several periods of ownership and dereliction, the house has been privately owned, with an ongoing restoration program, since the mid 1990s. It’s said to be one of the most haunted house in Wales.
The stone building is impressive and the grounds are beautifully maintained with many peacocks roaming freely.
You won’t find a gift shop, cafe or any other sign of commercialism, just a discreet, help yourself refreshment tent with an honesty box. And it only costs £6 to visit. There are information cards in each room which add to the house’s story.
Inside the house the atmosphere and sense of history are unmistakable (although we didn’t see or feel anything otherworldly) and the views from the windows are gorgeous.
The restoration is being carried out lovingly and very sympathetically, with great attention to the details. It’s like stepping back in time. One of the staircases is concrete and the well worn steps tell their own story. There was no photography allowed inside the house but these two postcards give an idea…
betweenthelinesbookblog.com 
I love visiting places like this. Even more so when it’s not so commercialised. Cheers for sharing, Cathy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it definitely makes a difference. Thanks, Suzanne.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing these, Cathy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a very inviting place to visit and explore.
LikeLike
Your photographs really capture the atmosphere Cathy and there are so many stories here! 💚🍃 Hope you’re having a great day and much love to you and Finn from all of us here 🤗💖🐕 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much 🤗 So many stories…the atmosphere is tangible. Much love from our house to yours 💚🐕💚xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cathy 🙂💕🐕 xxx
LikeLike
Your photos are gorgeous!! What an amazing place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much 🙂 It really is amazing and we’ll be having a return visit.
LikeLike
The castle is gorgeous from the outside. I can only imagine what the whole interior looks like. Can you imagine living in such a place with those gorgeous grounds?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I dread to think what the upkeep costs are but having those grounds to wander about in would be heaven.
LikeLike