Becuase the house has various converted outbuildings, the pair have been able
to share the home easily, often renting out parts of it to holidaymakers who
enjoy staying so near a piece of Welsh history. The practicalities of caring
for the tower are thankfully not a concern: the Welsh heritage board, CADW,
has responsibility for the keep, and maintains it on the condition that it
is open to the public. Because the building is accessed via a staircase that
leads up from the road, its public status creates what Davies calls “minimal
interference” for whoever is staying in the main property.
The keep has a colourful history stretching back hundreds of years. Built in
the 11th or 12th century, it is said to have been the scene of a dramatic
incident in 1165 when a stone fell from it and killed a knight. Later, it
was briefly seized by King Henry III’s men after the castle’s owner joined a
rebellion against the monarch.
Even more enticing are the many local legends about the tower. A secret tunnel
supposedly links the dungeon to a nearby tower, though the rumour has never
been properly investigated, while some claim the tower is haunted. Even
Davies has a ghostly story to tell.
“On one occasion as a teenager when walking home past the property, the hairs
on the back of my neck suddenly rose and I ran the remaining mile home,” he
explains. “There had been no sighting or noise – just a sudden feeling of
being near a strange presence.”
If new owners are willing to brave the ghosts of ancient lords and ladies,
they will certainly get their money’s worth: the house not only comes with
the keep, but a two-bedroom cottage, a two-bedroom coach house and a
two-bedroom converted barn, all set in 16 acres of land.
Davies and his sister say they are reluctant to sell, but that the time has
come for them to downsize. “This estate, as with any property, becomes more
difficult to manage as one gets older and that is the only reason for
selling,” says Gareth. “We will be very sad to leave – to the extent that we
almost hope that no one will buy.”
Bronllys Castle is on sale with Fine
Country, £1.5m