Paul R. Davis describes The Red Lion Inn as 'a three-or four-bay cruck-framed building, originally with timber walls in large square framing. Almost all of the original framing has been replaced with stone, possibly in the 17th century when the loft was inserted and a gable fireplace added. The fireplace is quite a substantial feature, having dressed-stone chamfered quoins and a large timber bressumer. A rear kitchen extension was added at a later date. Three crucks now survive, one embedded in the fireplace, another forming a partition between the bar and lounge, and the third in the bar itself. The crucks rest on massive boulders, and have spurs; unfortunately the upper parts were not accessible, but may be plain. The cruck in the bar seems to have formed an early stud partition; if so, then the existing entrance (which leads through the bar to the rear kitchen) may be the site of the original cross-passage, and part of the bar and the lounge represent the hall.'
CADW records it as 'a late C15 to early C16 cruck-framed half-timbered hall-house, originally 2-unit with cross-passage. A parlour was added to the hall end in the C18, perhaps replacing a byre. Formerly known as Llanafan Fawr Farm, it became an inn in the early C19. The hall and parlour were retained but the service unit to the R was transformed into a stair-hall with bar to its R, and cellar beneath. Perhaps at the same time, it was externally rebuilt in stone and an attic storey added, while the single storey rear wing may be of this date.' The exterior consists of a 'long single storey range with attic, constructed of whitewashed rubble stone under a slate roof. Large stone stack offset to L with brick cap. The C18 unit to the L is rendered with a brick end stack. To the R of the stone stack are two gabled slate-hung dormers with 4-pane horned sash windows. Similar sash to ground floor L with timber lintel. Entrance offset to R containing a door with arched ribs under a long timber lintel that continues R over a window opening with C20 casement. The L unit has a planked door to the R and late C20 window to the L, both with shaped hoodmoulds. Gabled dormer with late C20 glazing above, and small skylight to its R. The N gable end has a weather-boarded gable containing a 4-pane sash, with lean-to below with slate roof. The S gable end also has a 4-pane sash, offset to the L to the upper storey. Lean-to garage below, entered from the front. To the rear is a C20 single-storey flat-roofed lean-to, with advanced porch to L. Rear roof pitch covered with corrugated iron; single flat-roofed dormer. To the L is a long single-storey rear wing of rubble stone with corrugated iron roof and brick end stack. C20 porch to S side and C20 glazing to windows. Red brick to gable end and single window to N side.' Whilst inside the 'entrance leads into the cross-passage which had a screens partition to the R. The sole-plate of this partition survives beneath the bar and a later partition has been inserted to the left of the entrance. The principal interest of the interior is the survival of the 3 cruck-couples, to the sides of the cross passage and at the L end next to the fireplace. The cruck blades of the central truss have been thinned below the tie beam. The large hall fireplace has stop-chamfered stone jambs and a timber bressummer with straight-stopped chamfer. A door to the R leads to the later unit. Single cross-beam to hall with narrow chamfer; flagstone floor. At the N end of the hall is a C19 straight staircase with a blocked doorway to its E. Box framing is retained to the rear (W) wall of the bar, but this is now an internal wall as a rear wing was added in the C19.'
It has been Grade II listed 'for the special interest of its cruck-framed, late-medieval origins, and for the retention of regional character.'