This incredible haunted country mansion is Wales' most expensive auction house

The property lots listed by all the auction houses in Wales are usually packed with mainly tired terraces, rundown renovations or pockets of land, so finding a unique slice of Welsh history, and haunted too, going under the hammer is something to notice and a chance for people to bid on a 'once in a lifetime' property.

Wales is home to some truly remarkable historic houses, and Derwydd Mansion is certainly one of them. Tucked away in the stunning Carmarthenshire landscape between Ammanford and Llandeilo, this sprawling Tudor manor has evolved from its 15th-century origins and boasts connections to royalty and an array of preserved period features.

The secluded country manor first made its mark in history around at 1485, as stated on the property's own website, and was once the residence of Tudor knight Sir Rhys ap Thomas. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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It's believed that Sir Rhys and Derwydd Mansion provided shelter for Henry Tudor and an additional 5,000 Welsh soldiers who joined his growing army on their journey to Bosworth in Leicestershire in 1485. This legendary battle with King Richard III marked the end of the War of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor Royal dynasty, with Henry being crowned King Henry VII.

Within the manor, this significant historical and Royal link is honoured with a shield sculpture located in the grand 'King's Room'. The house's unique charm led to it being awarded the higher Grade II* listing from Cadw in 1951, a status reserved for 'particularly important buildings of more than special interest' and only achieved by approximately seven per cent of all listed buildings in Wales.

The mansion has been given a higher listing due to its status as 'a substantial Tudor mansion, retaining 17th century interiors of exceptional quality and completeness and with 19th century additions which reinterpret the architectural theme'.

The listing also reveals that the current, expansive mansion is built on the foundations of an earlier 15th century house. In 1550, it was owned by Rhydderch ap Hywel ap Bedo and was considered one of the largest and grandest in the county.

The property came into the possession of Sir Henry Vaughan of nearby Golden Grove in 1603 through his marriage to Sage, the granddaughter of Rhydderch. Vaughan served as High Sheriff in 1620 and was knighted in 1632. Over the years, the house has changed hands multiple times, either through inheritance or sale, until it was purchased by the current owners in 2013.

In true Welsh historic mansion style, Derwydd is also rumoured to be home to its own resident ghost, Gwen Vaughan, often referred to as 'the white lady' in tales passed down through generations. However, there's no need for any residents or guests to go ghost hunting, as Gwen is said to only reveal herself to unmarried men, typically appearing in the window of Sir Rhys' room.

The impressive mansion boasts an array of stunning period character and historic features, making it not only a county treasure but also one of the most significant country houses in Wales, and to own it is to be an important custodian in its long and impressive history.

There are so many stunning period features and rooms to admire but the most memorable and mesmerising ones include the drawing room known as 'the King's Room'. In here you will be impressed by a late 17th century ceiling and fireplace, deep frieze and cornice to the ceiling with cartouches and heraldry at intervals, with linking floral trails and little modillions under the cornice. Even the first room, the grand entrance hall, which greets you as you wander through the front door will hit you with detailed features from the past including a remarkable fireplace.

The Cadw listing states that the room is dominated by the large Jacobean fireplace with its segmental stone bressummer and the fine overmantel of 1644, which displays the Vaughan coat of arms, and was the same year that he was captured at the Battle of Naseby during the English Civil War and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

A fine feature of the 1888 alterations to Derwydd Mansion is the Tudor-style staircase, featuring wood panelling to staircase dadoes and cupboards as it sweeps up to the 14 bedrooms. The mansion also includes four bathrooms, seven reception rooms, and a self-contained four bedroom annexe in the west wing, and has been used for events, location filming and as a wedding venue in the past. Outside, there's a one-bedroom cottage to discover in the charming walled garden too - a perfect partner to facilitate multi-generational living.

The eight acres of stunning grounds that surround the property are so exceptional that they've earned a Grade II listing in 2022, recognised for their historical significance as part of the Derwydd estate. The walled garden and gazebo have been specifically highlighted as 'a good example of a formal walled garden with a 19th century gazebo on the axis and also for group value with Derwydd mansion'.

Now, this remarkable estate, steeped in Welsh property history, is up for grabs via auction, offering potential buyers a chance to own a piece of Wales' rich heritage via bidding online. The mansion has a guide price of £1.6m, plus 2% buyers premium plus VAT, and is for sale by unconditional online auction. Registration is now open, bidding opens at 10am and ends at 12.40pm on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Contact selling agents Luxury Welsh Homes on 01834 818076 for viewings and Town & Country Property Auctions, Oswestry, on 0800 334 5090 regarding the auction, fees and legal pack.

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