Overview
Meadow of the Rays of the Sun
Set in a timeless and quiet valley, this 16th-century gentry house has many of its original features, including a first floor solar open to the roof beams. We have taken the house back to its original form, to a building its owner, Henry Salesbury, would recognise if we travelled back in time to the 1580s. "Meadow of the Rays of the Sun" is one translation of the name Dolbelydr, which rings especially true as you gaze at the sunlight slanting across the ground from the mullioned windows down this tranquil valley. There is an open plan kitchen and dining area in front of a huge inglenook fireplace.
Grammatica Britannica
Dolbelydr was the family manor of humanist and physician Henry Salesbury. In 1593, Salesbury published his Grammatica Britannica, written in this fine stone house. Welsh scholars such as Salesbury rose to the challenge of Henry VIII's regime, who was imposing English as the language of government. By putting a classical discipline on the grammar of this ancient language, Salesbury's work gives Dolbelydr some claim to be the birthplace of modern Welsh.
‘Dolbelydr is in another world, a sanctuary standing solitary in its timeless valley.’
From the logbook
Map & local info
Dolbelydr is within easy reach of the market town of Denbigh, which is dominated by its castle with a distinctive triple towered gatehouse. This is just one of a number of castles to visit in the surrounding area.
In nearby St Asaph, the annual North Wales International Music Festival is held in late September in its impressive cathedral, which is also the smallest in Britain.
The Clwydian Hills, to the east of the Vale of Clwyd, provide the opportunity for walks with excellent views across moorlands and valleys.
Enjoy the sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions of Rhyl and Prestatyn. Take a stroll around the botanical gardens in Rhyl and visit the Artisans Collective in Prestatyn, a showcase for the products of local artists and craftspeople.
Close by is Bodelwyddan Castle and Park (7.1 miles). You can gain free entry with with a National Art Pass, which enables its members to enjoy free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses throughout the UK as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions.
The pass is presented by one of Landmark's partners, the Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art, which has been supporting museums and galleries for over 110 years by helping them to buy and display great works of art for everyone to enjoy. Income raised through the National Art Pass goes straight back into their charitable programme. You can learn more about it on the National Art Pass website.
For more information on things to do during your stay at Dolbelydr, please see our Pinterest page.
Please Note: The Landmark Trust does not take any responsibility and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings about the content of any website accessed by hypertext link. Links should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. The Landmark Trust has no control over the availability of the linked pages.
Dolbelydr
Trefnant, Denbighshire
FAQs
What you need to know about this building
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Does the property allow dogs?
Yes.
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How is the property accessed?
Via a long track from the main road.
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What is the nearest railway station and how far away is it?
Rhyl – 10 miles.
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Is there car parking specifically for Landmark guests?
There are four spaces approximately 15 metres from the property.
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What type of heating does the property have?
The building is centrally heated by the oil-fired boiler. There is underfloor heating to the ground floor and radiators to the first and second floors. There are two open fires.
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How can I get fuel for the open fire or stove?
Logs may be purchased and delivered under a private arrangement. Further details will be provided with your booking confirmation.
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What are the kitchen facilities?
The kitchen is fully equipped with all plates, cutlery, fridge etc.
There is also an electric cooker and a dishwasher.
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What are the bathroom facilities?
There are two bathrooms, one with a free-standing shower and the other with a bath.
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Does this Landmark have steep, narrow or spiral stairs?
The stairs are steep and narrow.
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Is there a garden or outside space?
There is an enclosed garden.
Booking and Payment
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What happens if I can’t get to the Landmark due to bad weather?
If the weather is bad, please contact our booking office who will be able to tell you whether the Landmark is accessible. If the housekeeper can safely get to the building to prepare it then we consider that it is open and available for guests. However if we cannot undertake a changeover then we will do our utmost to transfer your stay to another Landmark, depending on what we have available. It may not be of a similar size or in the same part of the country as your original booking. If the building is accessible but the customer cannot travel due to poor weather in his/her local area then please be aware that Landmark will not provide a refund. However the customer may be able to claim on his/her own travel insurance. We recommend that all guests take out travel insurance when they first secure a booking.
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How can I pay?
We accept Maestro (if issued in the UK), Visa, MasterCard, direct transfer and sterling cheques drawn on a UK bank. Cheques should be made payable to the Landmark Trust except for Lundy stays and boat/helicopter tickets which should be payable to The Lundy Company Ltd. All payments must be in sterling.
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How do I create an account?
If you have not used the Landmark online booking facility before and you wish to register in advance, you can set up an on-line account by following the instructions below:
Go to the Landmark home page and click on Gift shop (located at the top of the home page in red).
Select a gift (e.g. Landmark Handbook or Anniversary Mug) and complete the ‘Amount required’ box. There is no need to complete the purchase but this step is necessary in order to bring up the registration page.
Click ‘Next Step’ at the bottom of the page.
This will bring you to the ‘Your details’ page.
Please complete all the fields (name, address, contact details and create an account). Click on the green ‘Create Account’ button once you have finished.
At the top of the page headed ‘Your details’ there will be a grey box saying ‘Signed in’ and underneath this it will say ‘you are currently signed in as ….
Here you will also have the option to ‘Sign out’. Please do so and that is your registration completed.
Please return to the Landmark home page.
To check your registration or update your account details at any time please ‘Sign in’ using the icon in the top right-hand corner of the home page.
If you experience any problems in registering or setting up your on-line account please contact webmaster@landmarktrust.org.uk.
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How do I pick up the key?
There are various arrangements for picking up keys. To arrange to get into the Landmark, please contact the housekeeper at least two days before your stay
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Can I pay a deposit?
If your stay starts more than three months from the date you make the booking, you are required to pay a deposit of one third of the cost of your stay (or £100 per booking, if greater) at the time of booking. Camping on Lundy must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
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How can I cancel or change my booking?
If you wish to cancel or change your booking, please contact our Booking Office on 01628 825925
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Do you accept payment in other currencies?
At the moment we only accept payment in sterling.
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What if I arrive late?
Please let the housekeeper know if you are going to arrive late and s/he will leave a key for you in a suitable place.
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How far in advance do I need to book?
It depends. Some of our most popular Landmarks are booked up a long time in advance, but many can be booked at short notice. We will always have Landmarks free for the coming weekend so it’s always worth checking our availability list.
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Do you have to be a member to book a Landmark?
No, Landmarks are available to be booked for anyone.
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Do I need a Handbook to be able to book?
No, all the information you need can be found on our website, although we’d like you to buy one anyway as it will be a pleasure to own!
Staying at a Landmark
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Are Landmarks accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility?
Some of our Landmarks are suitable for people with disabilities or limited mobility. However, many Landmarks have steep or narrow staircases, uneven floors and thresholds, changes of level, low ceilings or beams, as well as indistinct colours on steps and in corridors.
We recommend that you call
Booking Enquiries on 01628 825925 if you would like to find out the suitability of a particular Landmark for anyone with a specific disability.
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Are Landmarks only available as self-catering accommodation?
Yes, Landmarks are only available as self-catering accommodation. We do not offer bed and breakfast.
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Do you provide catering?
Landmark does not provide catering, but we can recommend Greycoat Lumleys who can arrange for expert and well-trained staff to cater for one evening or for your entire holiday. Their cooks and chefs are able to work with you to meet your specific requirements
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Do you allow dogs?
You may bring up to two dogs to properties where dogs are allowed (please see specific property details for exemptions however dogs are not permitted on Lundy except assistance dogs). They must be kept off the furniture and under proper control.
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Can I bring a pet?
Apart from two dogs (see above) no other pets are permitted.
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What time can I arrive and what time do I have to depart from the Landmark?
Arrival is from 4pm and departure is by 10am.
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Am I insured if I break something?
We do not carry insurance for breakages. However we appreciate that accidents do sometimes happen. If you have a breakage during your stay, please let the housekeeper know and if appropriate we reserve the right to invoice you accordingly.
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Are Landmarks suitable for children?
Yes, most of our Landmarks are perfect for children, with gardens to play in and secret places to discover. Our furniture is surprisingly robust and we positively encourage families to stay. However, some of our buildings may not be suitable for small children; for example, some of them have steep or uneven spiral staircases. We recommend that you call the Booking Enquiries team if you would like to find out the suitability of any of our Landmarks for young children.
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Can I get married in a Landmark?
Unfortunately, most of our Landmarks are not licensed for weddings. However, you may get married on Lundy.
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Can I hold a big party in a Landmark?
All our larger Landmarks are perfect for gatherings of family or friends. You may invite an additional two guests to visit you during your stay, however they must not stay overnight. This is very important because our fire regulations specifically note the maximum number of people in any one building. In addition our properties are prepared, furnished and equipped for the number of people specified and greater numbers cause damage and excessive wear and tear to vulnerable buildings. Should this condition be ignored we shall make a retrospective charge per person per day (whether or not they stay overnight) for each guest over the permitted limit, the charge being pro-rated on the total cost of your booking.
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Are there televisions in the buildings?
We deliberately do not provide televisions and find that most people appreciate this.
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Why are your access tracks sometimes difficult?
One of the challenges of restoring unloved buildings is gaining access to them. We frequently have to negotiate rights with our neighbours and share tracks with them. In many cases tracks do not belong to us and we have no right to maintain them. Wherever possible we work with our neighbours to provide you with a good quality surface, but where this is a problem then you will be warned at the time of booking.
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Will there be sockets for my electrical appliances?
Yes, we have standard electricity sockets for UK appliances. If you are coming from outside the UK, you will need to bring your own adaptor plug(s).
If you are visiting one of our European properties we have standard European electricity sockets. If you are visting from the UK, you will need to bring your own adapter plug (s).
Facilities
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Are the kitchens and bathrooms restored to a modern standard?
Sometimes our kitchens and bathrooms have to be imaginatively fitted into the available space in buildings where before there were none, but they are all planned and equipped to a high and modern standard.
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Is linen provided?
Yes, Landmarks are fully equipped with sheets and towels. All the beds are fully made up for your arrival.
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Are the kitchens fully equipped?
Yes, our kitchens are well equipped with cookers and fridges. There are freezers and dishwashers (in larger buildings) and, where space allows, microwaves as well as a wide and standard range of utensils. A full equipment list is available at time of booking.
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Do you provide logs for the open fire/stove?
Logs are provided at many of our Landmarks for an additional cost.
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Will there be a mobile signal in the Landmark I book?
Mobile coverage varies. Some Landmarks have an excellent signal, but others have none at all. If you are concerned, you can check with the housekeeper before your arrival.
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Is there Wi-Fi in your buildings?
No. At the moment, we have decided not to implement Wi-Fi in our buildings following a consultation with our customers. Many said that they would find it useful, but many also felt that it would somehow damage the experience of staying in a Landmark. As the responses were so split, and as we have so many other initiatives requiring funding, we have decided to put this on hold for the time being.
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What should I bring with me? Are there toilet rolls, soap, shampoo, milk, teabags, coffee, hairdryer?
A welcome tray with tea and sugar awaits your arrival and you will find a pint of milk in the fridge. We also provide toilet rolls and a bar of soap per basin, but no other toiletries. We do not provide hairdryers.
Do you have other questions?
Our Booking Office can help with information about each building.
History
A fine example of a 16th-century manor house
Dolbelydr is to be treasured on two main counts. It is a fine example of a 16th-century, stone-built manor house, which has survived remarkably unaltered. It was also where Henry Salesbury (1561-c 1605), physician and humanist scholar, wrote his Grammatica Britannica, published in 1593. The Grammatica was one of the first attempts to impose formal grammar on the Welsh language.
Little is known of Henry Salesbury’s life, although it seems likely that he was related to the Salesbury family, one of the most powerful and wealthy in 16th-century Denbighshire.
Dolbelydr, in the parish of Cefn Meiriadog, would originally have been a house of considerable status, built of well-dressed limestone and with tall chimneys. Analysis of the timbers dates its construction to c.1578 and for this date its plan is transitional. The end chimneys and primary spiral staircase would have been considered innovatory, as would the rectangular entrance hall with its plank and muntin screen (rather than the more usual cross passage arrangement). Dolbelydr gradually declined in status through the years and underwent various alterations. It stood empty from around 1912.
Landmark first visited Dolbelydr in 1982. Its significance as one of Wales’s ‘lost houses’ had long been recognised but the main obstacle to acquiring it was lack of access – during the latter part of its history the house was often approached on stilts from the opposite side of the River Elwy! We were grateful to Mr. Roberts, the farmer on whose land it stands, to agreeing finally to sell us the building and an access track to it in 1999. This acquisition was directly enabled by a generous bequest by Dorothy Stroud. By the time we acquired the house the roof had fallen in. A later bread oven and external staircase were reduced to rubble and the solar screen on the first floor had been removed to a house in Chester, where it remains today. We installed emergency scaffolding at once, although it was another two years before we had raised the necessary money for its restoration.
Experience the house
For up to 6 people
Set in a timeless, quiet valley, this sixteenth-century gentry house has many of its original features including a first floor solar open to the roof beams. It also has good claim to be the birthplace of the modern Welsh language.
Book a stay
Restoration
Once a house of considerable status
Our initial view was that this was a very interesting vernacular building, special because of its largely unaltered features. Local building historian Peter Welford soon convinced us that this had also once been a house of considerable status for the area, with its tall chimneys and well-dressed stone. This led to considerable soul searching about how we should restore it as its later fabric was, if anything, more dilapidated than earlier, hard wood remnants.
In the end, we decided with our architect Andrew Thomas that as both Dolbelydr’s architectural and historic significance stemmed from its late 16th-century form, we should present it as closely as possible to its primary appearance.
The house would once have stood in a cluster of walls and farm outbuildings. The forecourt walls have been reconstructed on the footings of the originals and are typical feature of buildings in Denbighshire at this time. As was customary in the 16th century, the walls have again been flush-pointed and then limewashed. Most of the wall at eaves height also had to be rebuilt. Much of the first floor framing remained on the site as well as some of that on the second floor so replacement of the floor joists was not too difficult. The collapsed roof structure was a bigger job, subcontracted to specialists Carpenter Oak and Woodland who took away the roof timbers to their framing yard in Perthshire. Here they painstakingly reassembled the roof frame.
Late in the autumn of 2002, a 40-foot crane arrived on site to lift the three massive roof trusses back into position. Stone tiles were used for the roof covering, as they would originally have been. There were vestiges of a rear dormer window, which we have recreated and the building now has a full set of correctly sized windows in their original positions, several having twelve or even fourteen mullioned lights, survivals of great rarity. These too are limewashed once more, in imitation of stone.
Experience the house
For up to 6 people
Set in a timeless, quiet valley, this sixteenth-century gentry house has many of its original features including a first floor solar open to the roof beams. It also has good claim to be the birthplace of the modern Welsh language.
Book a stay
Supporters of Dolbelydr
We are hugely grateful to those who have already supported Dolbelydr, including:
Legacies:
Mrs C Hunt, Mrs D Stroud, Mr W Williams, Mrs D Wray Bliss
Gifts in memory:
Mrs E Ashby
Charitable Trusts and Statutory Grants:
Carpenter Charitable Trust, Denbighshire Key Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, J G Hogg Charitable Trust, Trees Naunton Charitable Trust, Trusthouse Charitable Trust, Veneziana Fund, Welsh Development Agency, Welsh Tourist Board
We would also like to thank everybody who supported the appeal and Mr R Eaton for donating books for the library.
Availability & booking
Select a changeover day to start your booking...
What's a changeover day? and Why can't I select other dates?Explain More
A changeover day is a particular day of the week when holidays start and end at our properties. These tend to be on a Friday or a Monday but can sometimes vary. All stays run from one changeover day until another changeover day.
Arriving on...
Monday 13th February 2014