Glan-y-Mawddach (nprn 96097) was built in the early nineteenth century and occupies a picturesque position on the steep western side of the Mawddach estuary. The house is situated on the hillside above the A496 road, with most of the garden above and to the north of it, affording spectacular views from both house and garden across the tidal estuary to Cader Idris. The grounds constitute an exceptionally interesting formal and woodland Edwardian garden. The main part of the garden is woodland extensively planted with rhododendrons, azaleas, specimen trees and other shrubs, laid out with a network of zigzagging paths, some more formal than others, which lead to secret garden areas each with its own special character. It is also richly planted with trees, evergreen shrubs and hedges. Panorama Walk runs alongside the upper garden boundary (301626).

The garden was developed by Mrs Keithley in the early years of the twentieth century (1910-14). The 1880s Ordnance Survey map shows its basic framework already in place - the drive, terrace, forecourt, a few paths in the woodland and the straight path running northwards from the garden entrance - but the main terrace by the house probably only took on its present appearance in her time. To this were added many more paths and the individual gardens and features, which show a strong Italian, Japanese (in the Japanese Garden) and some Arts and Crafts influence. She decorated the gardens extensively with stone and terracotta ornaments, some of which were removed in 1997. The garden was richly planted with conifers and other specimen trees, including spruces, firs, pines, the umbrella pine, cedars, wellingtonias, araucarias, cordylines and cypresses. Scots pines dominate. Beneath these were extensively planted azaleas and rhododendrons but also camellias and Japanese maples. Hedging is formal, with yew, box and rhododendron predominating. Much additional planting was done by Sir William and Lady Russon in the 1940s-1960s.

At the top of the garden is a rectangular walled kitchen garden defined by high rubble stone walls. Now disused, it contains only rough grass, some conifers and rhododendrons. There are openings on the east and west sides, that on the east leading to a winding path. Nearby, a circular stone gazebo lies just beyond its north-east corner.

Source:
Cadw 1998: Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Conwy, Gwynedd & the Isle of Anglesey, 196-9 (ref: PGW(Gd)62(GWY).
Ordnance Survey first-edition County Series 25-inch map: Merionethshire XXXVI.7 (1889).

RCAHMW, 23 June 2022