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Plas Teg is one
of the most important Jacobean houses in Wales. Her majestic walls have
stood proud against years of neglect, and the recent restoration has enabled
us a fascinating chance to truly step back in time. Plas Teg epitomises
the ideal of an early Stuart Country House, set high above the landscape
dominating the surrounding valley and people. The intricate scrollwork
of the pediment, complemented by high reaching finials and cupolas on
top of the four towers are glimpsed through the foliage as one approaches
along the drive. Until, at last, the house finally dawns upon you, looming
above the land like a colossus of ancient times.
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The house is built upon a
cross-hall plan, with the great chamber above and a cross axial gallery to
the second floor, which was inspired by Serlio. Due to this, the house was
divided into ‘public’ and ‘service’ halves on either side of the main
hall. The ‘public’ section included the principal staircase, withdrawing
room, parlour, great chamber and study. While the ‘service’ section
included the servant quarters, kitchens, offices, a secondary staircase
and a buttery in the north tower. This original design was altered during
the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries by Lady Dacre and the
Trevor-Ropers.Sir John Trevor built Plas Teg in about 1610 in the Jacobean
style, utilising the Renaissance concept of symmetry, of proportion and
elegance. The house remained in the family's hands until the end of the
eighteenth century when it was bequeathed to a cousin by marriage. They
assumed the surname Trevor-Roper and resided at Plas Teg spasmodically
until it was sold just after the end of the Second World War
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