There is growing concern about the deteriorating state of a historic and important 18th century Welsh building that is filled with legend, folklore and intrigue. Nannau Hall, near Dolgellau in Gwynedd, was completed in 1796 but has been empty for the past two decades.
New photos of what the house now looks like inside have been shared by urban exploration site Hidden and Forgotten Wales/England, and they have left nearby residents dismayed. The pictures show the once grand building now tarnished by collapsed ceilings, water-drenched floors and rooms stripped of wood panelling. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
North Wales Live reported that the photos have prompted fresh fears that time might be running out for the building, which is being made the subject of a documentary by a local filmmaker who wants to record its sorry state while it’s still possible. It’s understood that Snowdonia National Pak is now exploring the possibility of applying to Cadw - the historic environment service of the Welsh Government - for grant funding in order to carry out emergency repairs.
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Nannau Hall is considered a very important building in Welsh history. A previous building at the site was destroyed by Owain Glyndŵr, and over the past two centuries the house has been synonymous with legend, with talk of ghosts stalking the halls and grounds. The site also contains an old oak tree called Derwen Ceubren yr Ellyll (The Hollow Oak of the Demon), which is said to have hosted medieval witch trials.
The property is currently owned by Jason Cawood, but efforts to renovate have in the past been scuppered by break-ins and thefts. One nearby resident told North Wales Live: “Seeing this makes me just want to cry. How can something this beautiful be allowed to come to such disrepair?”
Local filmmaker Martyn Owen has just started filming for a project that he hopes will capture the building’s glory before it’s too late, and even raise funds to assist in the hall’s preservation. “I did contact the current owner back in 2021,” he said. “I offered to use the film to raise funds to help seal the property. I had no reply. I’ve been wanting to do this for four years and now is the time to do it. The goal is not to buy the hall, even to restore it, just to seal it up so it’s preserved for an easier renovation in future.
“You’d have to gut the property now, it’s gone past simple repairs. It’s such a shame. Nannau is a wonderful place, and a strange one too: once you get to know its history, you feel yourself being drawn back there again and again. I can understand the attachment that so many people have for the hall and its grounds.”
It was hoped back in 2021 that urgent repairs would be carried out to halt the building's rapid decline. However, plans to install a temporary roof cover ultimately came to nothing and heavy rain is now free to flow into the building, with the cost of renovation thought to be rising all the time. In a statement, Snowdonia National Park Authority told North Wales Live: “Nannau Hall is a very important Grade II* listed building, and we share the local community’s concern about its rapid deterioration. The theft of lead from the roof some time ago means that the building is no longer watertight, which will sadly only accelerate the deterioration.
“The responsibility for the upkeep of any listed building lies with the property owner and as such the Authority has limited power to intervene. Despite numerous attempts to engage with the owner, they are unwilling to invest and undertake any repairs themselves. As a planning authority, it is within our statutory power to issue an Urgent Works Notice under the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
"The issuing of such a notice and subsequent work to secure the roof and the water-tightness of the building would be very expensive. In the event of non-cooperation by the owner, the initial capital outlay would have to be provided by the Park Authority. In view of the cost implications in a financially difficult climate, the authority will have to carefully explore all options – including ensuring there is a long-term, sustainable plan for the building. To recoup any potential costs incurred by the Authority we are exploring the possibility of obtaining grant funding by Cadw.”
A Dolgellau solicitor said it's possible that the hall’s listed status is hindering the renovations, rather than helping them. She said: Even without those restrictions, the amount of money needed to get this place up and running would be absolutely astronomical. When most of the land has been carved off and sold, there’s even less of an incentive to make a go of it. The track record of failed businesses here doesn’t help. It’s really sad all around.”
The estate of Nannau Hall dates back to the 11th century, having been founded by Madog ap Cadwgan, son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn. The first house at Nannau was said to be “the stateliest structure in all North Wales”. In 1795 Robert Hywel Vaughan built the current three-storey Georgian hall and laid out its parkland. Pavilion wings were added later as the building was embellished. Before its sad demise, visitors were often left stunned by the grandeur of its paneled staircase, rebuilt after a fire in 1808.
In 1965, the hall and 10 acres were sold for £8,000. The remaining 3,578 acres went in 1975, ending 900 years of occupation. The hall then had a number of short-term owners. In 1991 the building was bought by Dafydd Maslen Jones, a descendant of Owain Glyndŵr, who planned to turn it into a B&B. Other attempts to develop it as a recreational venue also failed before the hall was acquired by its current owner.
In the early 19th century, the old oak tree in the grounds was felled in bad weather. Having stood for more than 900 years, the tree was considered cursed and known as ‘the skeleton tree’. The stories of ghosts haunting the site have been passed on over generations, too. “I don’t believe in ghosts but the place is quite creepy,” said filmmaker Mr Owen. “There are stories of people seeing a woman in a black dress and children walking from the lake.” One woman said the property gives the impression that “the house itself is not happy”.
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