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0:00:00 > 0:00:03- Welcome to another edition - of Y Ty Cymreig.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- During this series, - we travel the old Welsh counties...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- ..looking at notable houses.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- This week, the historical gem - that is Denbighshire.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- 888
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0:00:34 > 0:00:38- In this programme, - we visit a powerful lady's house...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..and an amazing house in Ruthin.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- We sample luxury in one of Wales's - most affluent border estates.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- At the other end of the scale, - a lodge...
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- ..and, finally, - a house in the middle of nowhere.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- We associate Denbighshire - with excellent agricultural land.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Yes, that's true and that's why - there are so many old houses here.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Almost every farm in this county - is ancient.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- Houses reflect the wealth gained - from the land, as we see in Berain.
0:01:24 > 0:01:30- Powerful Welshwoman, Catrin Tewdwr, - was born in Berain in 1534.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- She married four times, - adding to her estate each time.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- Legend has it that husband Number 2 - proposed to her...
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- ..as she went to church - to bury the first one!
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- On her way out of church, - she promised to marry Number 3...
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- ..in the event of Number 2's death!
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Catrin Tewdwr was quite a woman!
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- This is the most important - medieval house in the area.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- This building dates back - to at least the 15th century.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- This was a medieval court.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- They then decided to build - a new style of property.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- Three generations - live in the two houses at Berain.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- Eirian, John and the children - live in the old hall house.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Grandparents Iona and Richard - live in the new manor house.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- I think it's important - to know the history.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- We welcome visitors here - every now and then.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- We meet Americans who claim to be - related to Catrin of Berain.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- They enjoy hearing all about - the history of this place.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- My mother-in-law - knows all about its history.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- She's passionate about it - and I share her passion.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- I listen intently to her stories.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- My grandparents lived in this house - when we got married.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- When John and Eirian married, - it was a natural progression.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- No-one asked these questions - back then!
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I hope the tradition continues.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- This is a home and nothing more, - in our eyes.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- I feel it's important - that it continues to be a home.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- This is the entrance to the old hall - and this beam is magnificent.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- What are those carvings? - Are they birds?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- Yes, I think you're probably right.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- This is a kind of 'grotesque', - as they were called.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- It's a symbol which was very - fashionable in Elizabethan times.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- You'll find the real evidence this - was an important house in the roof.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- This is lovely.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- Here's the evidence.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- I told you - this was an important house.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- You can see how important it was...
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- ..from the standard of the oak work - in the structure of the roof.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- This was what's known as - a hammer-beam roof.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- Everyone who was anyone in the - 15th century had a hammer-beam roof.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- You can see - remnants of the old, green paint.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- They painted the whole thing.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- There was probably a coat of arms - here, facing people as they came in.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- There was no floor and no walls. - It was one open space.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- The entrance was important.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- This is the main reception room - and the fireplace is worth a look.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- Wow!
0:04:46 > 0:04:47- It's outstanding.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- The craftsmanship - in this mantel is wonderful.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- I've never seen a patterned mantel.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- I've never seen a patterned mantel.- - It's the best one I've seen.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- What motivated them - to build the new house?
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- Did they want a bigger house?
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- Yes, they doubled - the size of the place.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- You walk through that door - and enter a different world.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- This was the old Welsh way of life.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- They built - a new mansion house next door.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- It offered privacy - and a fireplace in every room.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- It was a new way of life.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Let's go next door - and see how the world has changed!
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- We're moving from the old house - to the new house.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- I say "new" but this was built - in the late 16th century!
0:05:41 > 0:05:47- This is completely different from - what they had in the hall house.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- In the hall house, people lived - in one huge, cold, open space.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Here, the rooms are small - and there isn't much space.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- It's a high house and - it's impressive from the front...
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- ..but it doesn't go back a long way - and the rooms aren't very big.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- The oak beams here - are quite primitive...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- ..but the ones upstairs - are quite fancy.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Catrin probably spent - most of her time upstairs!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- She married four times - and she had six children...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- ..so is that why you think - she spent a lot of time upstairs?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- This is the main room.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- You can see that - from the intricate beams.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- I'm not convinced - this was her bedroom.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- This may have been a public room.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- It may have been the main lounge.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- The most important thing is that we, - as a family, are happy here.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- I suppose we all adapt to the house - in which we happen to live.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Farming is what keeps us here, - not the house.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- The house - happens to come with the land.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- I hope it stays in the family.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- That would make me very happy.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- Ruthin is one of the most important - towns in north east Wales.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Like many other towns, - it grew around its castle.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Ruthin boasts - several architectural gems...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..none of which outshine - Nantclwyd y Dre.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- It's as striking on the inside - as it is on the outside.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- This is a room and a half!
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- This may be the oldest building - we've seen on Y Ty Cymreig.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- It dates back to 1435.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- It's ancient.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- This room has been here - for over 570 years!
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- It was a hall house.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- You can see - the original, medieval trusses.
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- The ceiling dates back to the - 17th century, as does the staircase.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- The gallery - dates back to the 18th century.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- It's been decorated - in a 1940s style.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- The council owns this property.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- It's wonderful to see they haven't - tried to hide any of its history.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- Many people want to get back to the - house's roots when they renovate...
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- ..but here, you can see - how it's changed over the years.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Let's head upstairs - and see the bedrooms.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- This room is a complete departure - from what we've seen so far.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- They've hung acres of thick fabric - on the walls.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Yes, the council dressed this room - in the style of mid-17th century...
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- ..when this extension was built.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36- They've succeeded, because we think - this is how such rooms were dressed.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- Why cover the room in fabric?
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- They're woollen curtains, which were - inexpensive, at that time.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- It's called Kidderminster Stuff.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- It was popular - in all parts of Britain.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- The framework of oak framed houses - is relatively thin...
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- ..and covering walls in fabric - helped to insulate the room.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- We move on a mere 80 years here - but it's completely different.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- This is the Georgian period.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- This is the Georgian period.- - Yes, around 1740.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- This room has been panelled.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- It's luxurious and the standard - of craftsmanship is wonderful.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- This belongs to the modern world.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- We're at the back of the house here - and it's a quiet spot...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..far from the town's main street.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- You can see how thin the walls are - in this oak framed house.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Take a look at this cupboard.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- We'll see - the house's original structure.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- It's formal out front but you can - see the 17th century structure...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- ..at the back of the cupboard.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- Minti! You can't stay in there!
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Minti likes it in there.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- The real gem of this room and - of the whole house, in my opinion...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- ..is the wonderful, tiny room - through here.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Goodness me! Was this a toilet?
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- No, it was a dressing room - for the bedroom.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- I love this fantastic wallpaper!
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- I couldn't live with it.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- That's just as well because - you couldn't afford it!
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0:11:34 > 0:11:36- 888- - 888
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- Most people today...
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- ..would take pride in living - in the same house all their lives.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- We've seen some houses where - two or three generations have lived.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- The Trevor family has lived - in this house in Brynkinallt...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- ..for 1,083 years!
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- If you can't quite get your head - around that, how about this?
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- The first owner was married to - Hywel the Good's daughter!
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Does that help you - put it in perspective?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- We're on the border with England.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It's the most easterly part - of Denbighshire.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- Yes. There have always been strong - links between here and England...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..especially - where this mansion is concerned.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- What makes Brynkinallt special?
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- It's one of Wales's best mansions - and it isn't owned by a trust.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- The family still lives here.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- You can see the old house, which - dates back to the 17th century.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- This side was built in 1612 - by Sir Edward Trevor.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- We can also see - some Georgian extensions here.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- We can compare 17th century life - to 19th century life.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- Sir Edward Trevor used bricks made - on this site to build this house.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- His neighbours would have used wood.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- The houses in London - were built of bricks...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..so this house - was very fashionable.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- There's always been wealth here.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- It has always had strong Royal links.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- The Trevor family was at - the very top of the social ladder.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- It's always been there.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- Let's step inside and see the - interior of this magnificent house.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- This is the oldest side of the house.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- What a beautiful library!
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- This is the section - which dates back to 1612.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Yes, but this room was refitted - at the turn of the 19th century.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- What size was the 1612 house?
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- This room, the entrance and the room - next door with the pretty windows.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- That was the main house.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- The building is 17th century - but what about the contents?
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- The bookcases date back - to the early 19th century...
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- ..when Viscountess Charlotte - refurbished the house.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- She did all the design work, - which is interesting.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- Her designs are hidden - behind one of the bookcases.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- It's traditional to have a false - bookcase in a library like this!
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- The most important books in the house - are hidden in here.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- These are the original plans - for this house.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- These are - Viscountess Charlotte's plans...
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- ..for the house's transformation.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- This happened - in the early 19th century.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- They're interesting.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- You can see not only all the designs - she was considering...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..and you can see some elevations.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Did she commission these - or is it all her own work?
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Who knows?
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- There's a huge plaque outside the - house saying she did all the work...
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- ..but these must have been - drawn by an architect.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- It's interesting to see she - collected snippets of magazines.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- They came from London - and included the latest fashions.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- This is probably Charlotte's work.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- In this day and age, - we'd call this a mood board.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- It's a modern concept!
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- The front of the house - is still relatively original.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- The next room is - completely different from this one.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Charlotte went to town on it!
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- This must be one of the most - magnificent dining rooms in Wales.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- There's a strong Georgian feel here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Yes, from the colour of the walls - to the pillars...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..and from the ceiling plaster work - to this beautiful furniture.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- The furniture is outstanding.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- The front room - is full of Chippendale furniture.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- It's the best money can buy.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- It amazes me...
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- ..that people can dedicate - this huge space to the staircase!
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Yes, - you could fit most streets in here!
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- This was actually the courtyard - of the original house.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- It was adapted - in the early 19th century.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- These lanterns - are typically Georgian.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Yes, very much so.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- I love living in a cottage - and I embrace the primitive life...
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- ..but being here makes me wonder...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..how it feels - to live in a house like this!
0:17:38 > 0:17:39- It's magnificent.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- For some reason, you don't expect to - find important houses near the road.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- That's exactly what we have here.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- Lodge Isaf is the only one of - four lodges at Pool Park Estate...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..which is still - in its original condition.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Why did they have a lodge - in an estate like this one?
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- It was there to protect the people - who lived in the mansion.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- We're on a corner - of the mansion here.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- Lord Bagot was a wealthy man and - those who passed by this spot...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- ..knew they were on his estate.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- This is like a miniature version - of the mansion.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- When you talk about the lodge, - you mean the small, tall section.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Yes, it's been extended.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- This has been done - very sympathetically.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- They kept the new building - away from the old lodge.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- They have used copies - of the original roof tiles...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..and that makes a difference.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17- It's important because it tries hard - to look like a Ruthin house.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- They used red sandstone, - which you see everywhere in Ruthin.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- The timber frame - is plaster on a brick wall.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- They wanted to recreate - a Tudor style.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- Yes. It was very fashionable.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- The chimney - is at the centre of the house.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- All the rooms straddle the chimney, - so all the rooms can be heated.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- This is the best place to be.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- It's quite warm upstairs.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- This is better than - the more modern building.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- This fire heats up - so much of the house.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- Yes. I agree.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- The house was here long before us - and it will outlast us, hopefully.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- The work we've done to the house, - including the new roof...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..has given the old house - a new lease of life.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- You lucky people!
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Over the years, we've given you - countless architectural gems...
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- ..and this is no exception.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- This house has one added extra.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Yes, it's a lovely house - that's steeped in history...
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- ..and this is where one of the most - important Welsh books was written.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Welcome to Dolbelydr.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- Dolbelydr is remote and has been - hidden from the world for centuries.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- It was occupied - at the turn of the 20th century...
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- ..but by the dawn of this century, - it had gone to wrack and ruin.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- A sad fate - for the home of Henry Salesbury...
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- ..who wrote the first - Welsh grammar book in 1593.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- This house is worth seeing.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Yes, - it's a truly remarkable property.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- That's why we do this series - - to discover houses like this.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- Considering the house is so old, - these windows are enormous!
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- Yes. These windows really - capitalise on the sunlight.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Even in the winter, there's plenty - of light in the house.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- It's very well designed.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50- Let's look inside.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- I'm sure we'll see - some more wonders.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- That's original - and it's magnificent.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- This Tudor shape - is typical of this period.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- There's a little bit of - very old graffiti behind the door.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- A child carved this picture - in the wooden partition.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- This is the main room - the room - where the family spent most time.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- There's a window on each side.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- The roof structure is amazing.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- You can see what's original and you - can see what's been scarfed onto it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Yes, it's great - to be able to see the join.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- No attempt has been made to stain - the new pieces to match.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- The roof collapsed, so everything - was in a pile on the floor.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- They've done a remarkable job.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- It's great to see - such suitable furniture here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- It's wonderful to see these three - pieces of furniture in this hall.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- There's a huge table - in front of the fireplace.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- There's a narrow staircase leading - to the family's private room.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- The stairs are tiny, - compared to the size of the room.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28- Wow!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- This was the Salesbury family's - private room.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Was this a public room - or was it a bedroom?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- They dined downstairs, - then they retired up here.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Would it have been an open ceiling?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Yes. You can see the old trusses.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- One look at the chimney gives you - a clear picture of the structure.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- It worked like a massive - storage heater during the night.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- It heated the whole house.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- It's unusual - to have a fireplace upstairs.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- It's really posh - to have a fireplace upstairs.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- The most impressive feature - of the room is behind this door.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- The en suite!
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- I wonder if you can still use that.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- After you!
0:24:21 > 0:24:22- Maybe not!
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:25:11 > 0:25:11- .