Pentwyn, Rockfield

The Monmouthshire historian Sir Joseph Bradney, in the Hundred of Skenfrith volume of his A History of Monmouthshire from the Coming of the Normans into Wales down to the Present Time, records that the property was originally owned by the Vaughan family of Llanrothal.[1] In 1834, James Vaughan left the house to his nephew George Vaughan Maddox.[2] Maddox, from a family of architects, had a significant practice in Monmouthshire and his works in Monmouth gave the county town, "its particular architectural flavour".[3] Maddox certainly undertook works at Pentwyn on his own behalf, and Bradney suggests he designed further improvements after selling the property to the Reverend Canon John Harding in 1864.[2] However, Maddox died in that year and Cadw considers that most of the improvements and extensions to the house predate the sale.[2] In the 20th century, the villa was converted into apartments.[4] It is currently for sale.[5]

The architectural historian John Newman describes the house as "Tudoresque" in style.[6] Cadw prefers a description of Georgian Gothick.[2] The house is of two storeys, with large attics above, and is rendered in stucco.[2] The roofline has elaborate bargeboards and pinnacles.[7] The interiors, which contain many original features, are similarly Gothick in design, with the exception of a large dining room dating from circa 1900 which Cadw describes as designed and decorated in an Edwardian taste. The building is Grade II* listed, on account of its architectural interest and its historic connections with George Vaughan Maddox.[2]

• Bradney, Joseph Alfred (1991) [1904]. The Hundred of Skenfrith. A History of Monmouthshire from the Coming of the Normans into Wales down to the Present Time. Vol. 1, Part 1. Chesterfield, Derbyshire: Academy Books. ISBN 978-1-873-36109-2. OCLC 59882270.
• Newman, John (2000). Gwent/Monmouthshire. The Buildings of Wales. London: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-140-71053-3.