The Gelli

The Gelli
The Gelli from the northwest about 1880
Location	Tallarn Green, Wrexham County Borough, Wales
Coordinates	52.9889°N 2.7998°W / 52.9889; -2.7998
Built	1877
Built for	Hons. Georgina and Henrietta Kenyon
Architect	John Douglas
Architectural style(s)	Domestic Revival
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated	20 October 2005

The Gelli is a small country house situated between Tallarn Green and Tybroughton in Wrexham County Borough, Wales. It is a Grade II* listed building[1] standing in a prominent position on the edge of a hill.[2]

History

The Gelli was designed by the Chester architect John Douglas and built in 1877 for the Honourables Georgina and Henrietta Kenyon,[3] who were the daughters of the 3rd Baron Kenyon of Gredlington.[1]

Architecture

The house is built in three ranges (wings), each at right angles to each, other forming a zigzag or "domino" shape.[2] It is constructed mainly in brick, with red sandstone and terracotta dressings, and with some timber framing in the upper storey. The roofs are tiled and the chimney stacks are brick.[1]

The west-facing range entrance range has 2½ storeys with a tower at its south end. The tower has a pyramidal roof with a weather vane incorporating the letter "K". The upper storey is jettied and timber-framed and its tie beam includes a painted panel inscribed "G and H K 1877". The northeast range projects behind this and also has a turret with louvred openings for a pigeon loft. The third range projects forward at the south end; it is in one storey, and comprises the coach house, stables and accommodation for the groom.[1]

Internally the fittings and details are described as being "typically Douglas", although they are in pine rather than in his usual oak.[2] The principal feature is the stair hall and staircase. The latter has balusters and newels and it leads by a quarter-turn to an arcaded landing.[1]

Critique

In its listing, it is described as "a very well preserved small country house in the Domestic Revival style characteristic of John Douglas, combining originality of planning and a rich vocabulary of detail in a striking picturesque composition.[1]

See also

• List of houses and associated buildings by John Douglas

References

1. Listed buildings, Wrexham, Cadw, 2009
2. Hubbard, Edward (1986). The Buildings of Wales: Clwyd. London: Penguin. p. 445. ISBN 0-14-071052-3.
3. Hubbard, Edward (1991). The Work of John Douglas. London: Victorian Society. p. 248. ISBN 0-901657-16-6.