Photo: Brynbella by Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Above the Vale of Clwyd, near Tremeirchion in Denbighshire, stands Brynbella, a neoclassical villa built in the 1790s by the writer Hester Piozzi and her husband Gabriel, an Italian musician.
Its name fuses their two languages: bryn for hill, bella for beautiful.
The house sits within a seven-acre garden and a further two acres of woodland, looking out over a forty-acre listed park across a ha-ha.
It opens to visitors on a limited number of set days, so it is worth checking ahead before a visit.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The Piozzis built Brynbella after Hester Piozzi's return from Italy, and the house passed into the Salusbury family, who held it as their seat from 1794 until 1920. Hester Piozzi, born Hester Lynch Salusbury, had been a close friend and correspondent of Samuel Johnson before her second marriage to Gabriel Piozzi, which scandalised polite society at the time.
Architecture
The house is a neoclassical villa built on a slope, with landscaped terracing linking it to the wider park on its western side.
Worth knowing
Hester Piozzi, who built the house, was a leading figure in Samuel Johnson's literary circle and one of the best-known women of letters of her generation.
Gardens & grounds
The grounds include an award-winning gravel garden designed by Andy Sturgeon, a walled garden and water gardens, set within the Vale of Clwyd's area of outstanding natural beauty.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Prestatyn Rail Station (6.7 miles)
Generally open to visitors on a limited number of set days during the growing season; check the official website for current dates.
Nearby properties
Denbigh Friary
View Denbigh Friary on heritage mapLeicester's Church (remains)
View Leicester's Church (remains) on heritage mapSt Hilary's Chapel
View St Hilary's Chapel on heritage mapDenbigh Town Walls
View Denbigh Town Walls on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Brynbella there are 9 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings and 2 castles, across Cadw and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Brynbella there are 12 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings, 2 chapels and 2 castles, across Cadw and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Brynbella there are 36 historic properties, including 10 historic buildings, 7 historic houses and 4 chapels, across Cadw, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Facts
A villa built by one of Samuel Johnson's closest friends, with an award-winning modern gravel garden set into its historic park.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Denbighshire, Wales
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