Unveiling the Rich History of Plas Uchaf: A Gem in the Shadow of Mynydd y Gaer

Where the past whispers through the stones and the landscape echoes with tales of generations past, Plas Uchaf stands as a testament to time, heritage, and the enduring connection of our family.

Nestled in the protective shadow of the historic hillfort, Mynydd y Gaer, Plas Uchaf is a remarkable stone farmhouse with its distinctive stone-coped gables and a slate roof, radiating an air of enduring elegance. While it has witnessed centuries of change, the spirit of this place remains steadfast, a sentinel of history.

Unit Planning:

The structure of Plas Uchaf embodies the concept of unit planning, harmoniously bringing together various elements into one cohesive whole. It has served as a cherished home for the Williams (our) family since the 1850s. Our family's journey here started as tenant farmers under the patronage of the Wynns of Coed Coch, but the history of the house takes a turn with the tithe wars. For a decade, the family had to temporarily leave, but their connection to this land was unbroken, as they eventually returned and purchased the farm.

Northward Glimpse:

To the north of the house, the stables reveal another layer of Plas Uchaf's history. The rustic, uncoursed rubble building with stone-coped gables stands as a testament to bygone days. An interior featuring wooden partitioning and hay racks recalls the farm's practical purpose. Stone steps ascend to the upper floor, leading to what might have been a place for penning animals, and according to Mr. Williams, possibly a haven for geese.

Garden Treasures:

Plas Uchaf boasts an enchanting yard, featuring limited modern construction, preserving the authenticity of the space. A corrugated Dutch barn and a storage barn discreetly complement the picturesque walled garden. The presence of three cheese presses in a nearby outbuilding hints at culinary traditions. A pigeon house, possibly added during the 19th century, adds charm and mystery to the complex.

Walled Garden's Mystery:

The south side of the house reveals a walled garden, though somewhat derelict now. It is accessed through a small sideyard on the western side, offering a taste of hidden treasures. A stone pillar at each end of a remaining terrace wall and an enigmatic two-story building at the eastern boundary evoke intrigue. Was it a banqueting house, a dovecote, a brew house, or a combination of these? The upper storey's square windows add to the intrigue. Stone steps alongside a summerhouse lead to the lower part of the garden.

The north wall of the garden, ingeniously designed with overhanging coping stones, was once a shield for fruit. The east wall, although now in disrepair, tells tales of history, as does the thickly ivy-covered west wall. A stream from the west used to nourish a farmyard pond, now dried, but its presence beneath the walled garden continues to make its mark.

Nature and Orchard:

The garden's interior, now adorned with rough grass and occasional edging slabs, bears a testament to the shifting seasons and changes through the years. An old mulberry tree, a nod to the past, stands sentinel outside the walled garden. Below the eastern wall, a steep bank has been carefully cultivated as an orchard.

The small yard on the eastern side of the house carries the echoes of the past. The wall of a byre, marked by its overhanging coping slabs, provides a glimpse into bygone agricultural practices, with three alcoves at ground level leading to the building behind.

A Living Chronicle:

Plas Uchaf is not just a place; it's a living chronicle, where every stone and structure tells a story. Its enduring connection with the Williams family and the mysteries hidden within its walls make it a treasure trove of history. As the sun sets on Plas Uchaf, it continues to stand, echoing the past and beckoning all who venture here to uncover its secrets.