Lower Dyffryn House, Grosmont

The farmhouse was constructed in the very late 16th century, Cadw recording that the owner was probably John Gainsford, who served as Sheriff in 1604.^[2] The oldest part of the building appears to date from 1590-1630.^[2] In the later 17th century, the house was extended as an E-plan mansion, by a cadet branch of the Cecils.^[1] The house was restored in the 19th century, although by this date its status had declined to that of a farmhouse.^[1] In the very early 20th century its wood panelling was removed to the nearby mansion, Hilston Park.^[2]

The architectural historian John Newman describes Lower Dyffryn as an "extraordinarily remote (and) melancholy" house.^[1] It is constructed of Old Red Sandstone rubble,^[2] of two storeys, with a two-storey porch. Newman also records details remaining of the 17th century setting, including a gazebo set in the wall of an enclosed garden.^[1]

The farmhouse remains in private ownership and is a Grade II* listed building.^[2] The garden walls have their own Grade II listing,^[3] as do the granary,^[4] the "quite grand" haybarn,^[5] and the shelter shed.^[6] The gardens themselves are listed at Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.^[7]

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