Mansions and private mansions to visit Wales

The smallest house in the country catches the eye with its bright red color. It dates back to the ^14th century and was inhabited until May 1900 by a fisherman measuring 1.80 meters! He was evicted after the house was declared uninhabitable due to its small size. He decided to go and measure small houses in the UK. By the end of his journey, he had proof that his was the smallest. It has since been listed in the Guinness Book of Records!

It's a handsome ^17th-century red-brick manor house, once home to the wealthy Morgan family. Move from room to room to discover, through reconstructions of interiors and genre scenes, what life might have been like for a bourgeois family of the time and its servants. Don't miss the gilded salon and the cedar cabinet with its fragrant panelling. You can visit the vast 36-hectare gardens, some of whose original features are still visible, such as geometric flowerbeds and a superb wrought-iron gate.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council offers an interesting tour to discover the most sumptuous houses in Penarth. It was north of the city, between Penarth Marina and Windsor Road, that wealthy owners took advantage of the city's heights by building large residences facing the waterfront.

From Beach Road, you can join the itinerary from Kymin Terrace, where you can see sumptuous Victorian properties.

Higher up, on Clive Crescent, is Osborne House, a large red brick house flanked by round towers with a pointed roof. On the right is a park, from which you have a beautiful view over the sea and the two islands Flat and Steep Holm.

We continue towards St. Augustin Church. The polychrome interior of the church is superb and original. It was the architect William Butterfield, then very popular in the 19th century, who created this bold and contrasting mix of stones in various colours. From the picturesque cemetery, there is an interesting panoramic view of Cardiff Bay.

The route then suggests continuing to Penarth Marina, but the interest of the buildings is less on this last part of the route. It is better to then go down directly to the centre.

Another interesting tour through the city is the Penarth Woman's Trail, which showcases 15 places of interest, women who have had an impact on the region through their accomplishment and commitment. A great opportunity to discover 15 local personalities.

This perfectly renovated ^17th-century manor house is well worth a visit. Set in the heart of Dinefwr Park, the Gothic facade you can admire today dates back to the ^19th century. Home to several generations of descendants of Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth in the ^12th century, it is now open to the public. You can explore the elegant rooms or stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens. With interactive exhibits and guides, you can learn more about the family's past and its influence on the region's history.

Classy!^18th-century manor house, owned by the Marquis of Anglesey, on the shores of Menai Strait. 700 years of history in one place. Inside, Gothic-style hall, paintings, trompe-l'oeil, frescoes, etc., as well as a military museum. This elegant residence offers a magnificent view of Snowdonia. If the castle is closed, don't hesitate to take a tour of the grounds and gardens. There's also a café on site.