This home for sale on eBay has the remains of an ancient castle in the garden

The most interesting aspect of the sale of the 300 year old Pen-y-Bont farm is not that it’s for sale on eBay – although that is a surprise – but that it has an ancient castle mound in the garden and features in The Mabinogion.

By the way, there’s a castle in your garden

The home actually has the groundwork remains of a Norman castle called Castell Gronw in the back garden.

Owner Louise Davis, originally from Chester, is matter-of-fact about the whole thing:

“We knew there was a castle in the grounds when we bought the property.

“It dates back to 1202 as a listed Motte and Bailey castle site built to guard the crossing of the River Dee.”

Artist impression of what Castell Gronw might have looked like 800 years ago

The remains of Castell Gronw is listed by Cadw as an historic ancient monument, but that doesn’t mean the owners don’t use it:

“The mound gives us excellent views of Lake Bala, and it’s magical to light the chiminea at the top and sit watching the sun go down over the lake, and the bats coming out of the farmhouse eaves as dusk sets.”

View from the top of Castell Gronw across Lake Bala

“You can mow it but you can’t dig it”

“The fact that the castle remains are listed means we aren’t allowed to dig into the mound in any way. But we wouldn’t want to, it’s a privilege to be the owners of these historic remains.”

View from the top of Castell Gronw mound towards Snowdonia

Luckily, they are allowed to mow it, and every St David’s Day they open the grounds for local people to soak up the unique atmosphere and enjoy the views.

Site map pf Pen-y-Bont farm, Gronw Castle and the property's land — Site map pf Pen-y-Bont farm, Castell Gronw and the property’s land by JPH chartered architects Rhyl

The star of Welsh folklore

The ancient castle site is steeped in medieval Welsh history and is the setting for a tragic tale in The Mabinogion, thought to be the earliest prose of literature in Britain.

The Mabinogion included tales of the lives of various Welsh royal families

Written in the 12th and 13th centuries, The Mabinogion is based on ancient and legendary Welsh folklore passed on from each generation through storytelling.

The book is considered to be the source of the rise of the legend of King Arthur and Merlin.

The Mabinogion story relating to Castell Gronw is a tragic tale of love, deception and murder.

It concludes with the main female protagonist, Blodeuwedd, being turned into an owl and only being seen at night at Castell Gronw.

Blodeuwedd is changed into an Owl for betraying her husband (picture from www.penybontfarmhouse.co.uk)

Hunt the owl

Louise and her partner have embraced the location’s mystical past:

“We now have about 300 small owls hidden around the property to remember The Mabinogion tale.

“Guests can add to the collection if they want to, and they can enjoy doing the owl hunt to see who can find the most owls in each room.”

MORE: Top 15 Welsh myths and legends

Buy Welsh history on eBay

The owners are planning to retire in 2016, so have listed the property on eBay to increase awareness preceding the sale.

The property is listed for sale on eBay - fancy Buying It Now for 399,995.00 — The property is listed for sale on eBay – fancy Buying It Now for £399,995.00

Louise says: “We decided to list the house on eBay as we had used it to advertise the property as a holiday let which had generated bookings.

“We have listed the property with local agents but had a poor response, so decided to try eBay instead.

“It is also listed on a website called medievalists.com for history enthusiasts.

“We have not had a lot of interest so far, which we are surprised about, as it is such a unique site.”

The property oozes character too

The farmhouse itself is a property full of character and features.

Over 300 years of history can be seen in original wood beams, secret staircases, slate mantels and inglenook fireplaces.

The 300 year old farmhouse has bags of original features

Currently run as a holiday let that can sleep up to 9 guests, the substantial house has the potential to be a “wonderful family home”.

View from the top of Castell Gronw mound across Lake Bala

And if all of this isn’t enough to tempt potential buyers, the 1 acre plot is located in the Snowdonia National Park and includes a wooded area with a stream.