Penhein, a house of 1813 (nprn 20586), is located to the north of Llanfair Discoed. Its park and gardens are contemporary with the house, the park laid out to the south, east and west of it (700242).

The garden is small and lies mainly to the south and west of the house, with a small area to the east of the forecourt. It is laid out mostly to lawns and is bounded on its south side by a stone ha-ha, giving panoramic views from house and garden across the park and beyond. In the 1870s the west side was divided into three distinct areas: the southern lawn, a rectangular area bounded by trees or shrubs to the north, and the 'Nuttery' at the north end.

The two southern areas are no longer separate though the line of division is visible as a faint scarp in the lawn. The 'Nuttery' remains, but is now neglected. It is a rectangular area of coppiced hazels, planted in rows, part of which has been fenced off and now lies in the field. It was originally enclosed by a stone wall, now tumbled, which continued westwards from the ha-ha around the garden boundary. In the garden west of the house is a twentieth-century overgrown rockery near the west boundary. The grass path running through the middle of it is flanked by two yews. East of the forecourt is a small area of lawn with rockwork stone walling at its northern end, and bounded on its east side by a curving holly hedge.

The walled kitchen garden is situated to the north of the forecourt north of the house. The walls are of rubble construction with doors on the east and west sides. A ruined stone building stands against the north side. The garden is no longer in use and most of its internal layout is obscured, although the remains of some paths can be seen.

Sources:
Cadw 1994: Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Gwent, 118-19 (ref: PGW (Gt)53(MON)).
Ordnance Survey first-edition 25-inch map: sheet Monmouthshire XXX.2 (1879); first edition six-inch map: sheet Monmouthshire XXX (1880).

RCAHMW, 13 June 2022

Site Record

Penhein Gardens, Llanvair Discoed