It was a source of deep regret to the hardier spirits that they were not allowed to take their morning dip in the stream all the year round; but on that score mistresses were adamant, and with the close of September the naiads perforce withdrew from their favourite element till it was warmed again by the May sunshine.
The house itself had originally been an ancient Welsh dwelling of the days of the Tudors, but had been largely added to in later times.

The straight front, with its rows of windows, classic doorway, and stone-balustraded terrace, was certainly Georgian in type, and the tower, an architectural eyesore, was plainly Victorian.

The taste of the early nineteenth century had not been faultless, and all the best part of the building, from an artistic point of view, lay at the back.

This mainly consisted of kitchens and servants' quarters, but there still remained a large hall, which was the chief glory of the establishment.
It was very lofty, for in common with other specimens of the period it had no upper story, the roof being timbered like that of a church.

The walls were panelled with oak to a height of about eight feet, and above that were decorated with elaborate designs in plaster relief, representing lions, wild boars, stags, unicorns, and other heraldic devices from the coat-of-arms of the original owner of the estate.