About The House

A bit about the house and quarry

 

Our research in to the house and quarry is a work in progress but this is what we have found out so far.

 

The house was once owned by the Bullock family who also owned the slate quarry on the mountain behind. In an ordinance survey map from 1889 we discovered that there was once a railway line which ran outside the house (where the road now is) which ran between the quarry and the slate dressing shed which is the long arched slate building next door. You are very welcome to have a look at this map if you would like to.

 

Originally single storey, the first floor was added at a later date. We think that the right hand side of the house (as you look at it) was built first, and then the other side added on as the timber work in the roof spaces are very different. We believe that the steps to the right-hand side of the building leading up to the window were where the quarry workers would line up to receive their wages Saturday afternoons after a 6 day week.

 

The stream at the side of the house leads up to a tunnel entrance (which unfortunately has been covered over) which leads into the first of two open quarries directly behind the house. There are still some remains of a wheel house and a quarry building at the top of the first open quarry. We are unsure as to whether there are any tunnels which lead up to the main Minllyn quarry. This is now thought to be the oldest slate quarry in Wales and can be accessed when weather conditions are favourable.

 

Ty Derw has gone through several name changes. As far as we know it has been called, The Cottage, Laburnham Cottage, 3 Carlyle Terrace and Ty Bullock. Ty Derw translates from Welsh as Oak House and was named for the oak tree which stood directly in front of the patio doors on the right hand side of the house. The large stump is sadly all that remains of the tree now.

 

Other Info About the House

 

We have a comfortable lounge solely for guests use with a Freesat TV, DVD player as well as books, maps and games. Feel free to use this room for pre-dinner drinks or just to relax in.  We can store bicycles and motorcycles in our secure barn. We can also offer the use of a power washer for cleaning off bicycles after muddy adventures!

During the summer months please feel free to use the front garden and patio furniture (weather permitting).