'We've been here 450 years, I'm sad we've having to take this decision'
One of the oldest and most significant properties in North Wales is up for sale
How many properties in Wales feature in the Doomsday Book and can boast connections to a 9th Century King of Wales? Or, for that matter, have played a direct role in the English Civil War, as evidenced by it's cannon ball scars?
Historic Gwysaney Hall has been owned by the same family for more than 450 years. The mantle of custonianship can rest heavily, and that's certainly the case for current owner Richard Davies-Cooke: he will probably be the last of the family to do so.
It's been listed for sale. The main property, its cottages and 26 acres of grounds near Mold, Flintshire, are on the market for £2.5m.
Gwysaney Hall is one of the country's most significant houses, awarded a Grade II* listing by Cadw in 1952, updated in 2002. It was cited for being a 'substantial and well-preserved Jacobean house with important C19 and early C20 additions'.
The existing hall is believed to date back to 1603. It has remained in the Davies-Cooke family ever since, never changing hands until, potentially, now.
As the family like stretches back to 1550, is easy to see why Richard is so sad to be selling. 'I grew up here as a child, so I've known the house for a very long time,' he told WalesOnline. 'It's been in the family since the day it was built. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
"I feel very privileged to have inherited Gwysaney from my father. It's a really lovely house, it's very friendly, and every generation has done their bit to try and keep on top of things during the years. I feel very honoured and privileged to be here, and sad at the same time that it's on my watch that we've had to take this decision. But we need to be sensible and look at the longer term future for my son and grandson.'
At the heart of the 14-bedroom, five-storey house is its 1603 Jacobean era origins - additional wings, extensions and modifications were subsequently added. Richard has a library of captivating tales about the property's history as it's been chronicled by his family over the centuries.
He plans to remain on the estate by relocating to a farm. But the main house, two charming three-bedroom cottages, various outbuildings are being sold off, along with 26 acres of land that include formal gardens, an award-winning Pinetum, equestrian facilities and four paddocks.
The house and its outbuildings can be customised to suit the new owner's lifestyle and needs. Richard said the property is ideal for multi-generational living, as evidenced by its use since its construction. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Despite the building's magnificence, he said it was 'peaceful, welcoming, and happy'. He added: 'The new owners are inheriting a legacy that has been ongoing for a considerable period, but I hope they feel this is their home and that they are part of a larger entity within the estate.'
Gwysaney Hall is listed with estate agents Strutt and Parker and Savills. For details, call 01244 354880 or 01244 323232.
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