Wynnstay

Wynnstay is a country house located in an important landscaped park 1.3 km (0.75 miles) south-east of Ruabon, near Wrexham, Wales. Wynnstay, previously Watstay, was a famous estate and the family seat of the Wynns. It is under a private ownership as of 2020.

Wynnstay, 1793
Wynnstay Hall
TypeHouse
LocationRuabon, Wrexham
Coordinates52.9763°N 3.0307°W / 52.9763; -3.0307
BuiltMid 19th century with earlier origins
Architectural style(s)French Neo-Renaissance
Governing bodyprivate
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameWynnstay Hall
Designated7 June 1963
Reference no.1627
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameCascade
Designated22 February 1995
Reference no.15749
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameWynnstay Column
Designated22 February 1995
Reference no.15746
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameDairy at Wynnstay Hall
Designated22 February 1995
Reference no.15742
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameStable block at Wynnstay Hall
Designated9 June 1952
Reference no.15736
Location of Wynnstay Hall in Wrexham

During the 17th century, Sir John Wynn, 5th Baronet inherited the Watstay Estate through his marriage to Jane Evans (daughter of Eyton Evans of Watstay), and renamed it the Wynnstay Estate. The gardens were laid out by Capability Brown. Wynnstay was Brown's largest commission in Wales, with work beginning in 1774 and completed in 1784, a year after his death. He replaced the older formal gardens with lawns which swept right up to the house overlooking the lake.[1]

Famous occupants of the house and estate included Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 4th Baronet. During the 19th century, Princess Victoria stayed there with her mother, the Duchess of Kent.

In 1858 Wynnstay was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt on the same site.

After the house was vacated by the Williams-Wynn family in the mid-20th century, in favour of the nearby Plas Belan on the Wynnstay estate, it was bought by Lindisfarne College. When the school closed due to bankruptcy, the building was converted to flats and several private houses.

The house is a Grade II* listed building. The gardens underwent a process of refurbishment, which was completed by 2016.[2][3]

References

  • Transcript of information from Picturesque Views of Seats of The Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland edited by F. O. Morris (published c.1880)
  • 1860 – Wynnstay Hall, Ruabon, Wales
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