Pentwyn, Rockfield

The Monmouthshire historian Sir Joseph Bradney records that the property was originally owned by the Vaughan family of Llanrothal.[1] In 1834, James Vaughan left the house to his nephew George Vaughan Maddox.[1] Maddox, from a family of architects, had a significant practice in Monmouthshire and his works in Monmouth gave the county town, "its particular architectural flavour".[2] Maddox certainly undertook works at Pentwyn on his own behalf, and Bradney suggests he designed further improvements after selling the property to the Reverend Canon John Harding in 1864.[1] However, Maddox died in that year and Cadw considers that most of the improvements and extensions to the house predate the sale.[1] In the 20th century, the villa was converted into apartments.[3]

The architectural historian John Newman describes the house as "Tudoresque" in style.[4] Cadw prefers a description of Georgian Gothick.[1] The house is of two storeys, with large attics above, and rendered in stucco.[1] The roofline has elaborate bargeboards and pinnacles.[5] The interiors, which contain many original features, are similarly Gothick in design, with the exception of a large dining room dating from circa 1900.[6] The building is Grade II* listed, on account of its architectural interest and its historic connections with George Vaughan Maddox.[1]

• Newman, John (2000). Gwent/Monmouthshire. The Buildings of Wales. London: Penguin. ISBN 0-14-071053-1.