Llwyn Celyn
Monmouthshire

The first of two designs for this medieval hall house in the Black Mountains features Priors of neighbouring Llanthony Priory based on illustrations of historic wax seals. The reason for Llwyn Celyn’s construction is lost in time, but with the strong possibility it was intended as a Prior’s lodging this pattern forges a connection between the house’s interiors and the Priory lands on which it was built.
A second design uses another piece of iconography relating to Llanthony, rendered in stained glass in a Gloucester church. The combination of a hand holding a bunch of holly also neatly combines Llwyn Celyn’s English translation to holly grove, and the fist-form iron latches found on the house’s 19th Century windows. A rich palette was developed to enliven pared back interiors of antique oak, bare stone and limewash.



Interior photography © John Miller