A visually striking series which opens the door on how people have lived in Wales over the centuries.
Programme 6 - Y Bwthyn
In the last episode of the series, we explore 'The Cottage' - for many a romantic symbol of a more simple past, a lost world that represents life before the modern industrial age. Cottages were 'home-made homes': they were often built by the people who lived in them using their craft skills, and they still have lessons for us to learn.
In this programme we'll be exploring the various types of cottages, and we'll be tracing the contribution that the cottage has made to our architectural heritage, examining how it can influence architectural practices of the future.
Programme 5 - Y Tŷ Modern
We will reveal the architectural, cultural and social influences that led to the rise of the modern house. Once considered radical, the design of the modern house is familiar to all today.
We will see several examples of the modern house, which is characterized by its symmetry and will examine the influence of the renaissance on Welsh architecture.
Programme 4 - Tai'r Ffin
Aled Samuel takes us in search of some of Wales' most self conscious dwellings of the seventeenth century. They are houses of the Welsh Marches. This episode will investigate the timber-frame tradition, the importance of oak in Powys and the regard for the carpenter's craft.
During the programme a distinctive regional plan-type emerges: the lobby entrance, a central chimney and the abundant use of oak. These are Peter Smith's favourite structures, it is no surprise that the author of 'Houses of the Welsh Coutryside' on behalf of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, finds them so attractive, as they are indeed stunning in scale and a delight to the eye.
Programme 3 - Y Tŷ Hir
The Long House - it is intrinsic to our landscape and is so familiar to us, it is practically a symbol of our heritage and culture. Whilst simply a farmhouse and cowshed under one roof, it is a building of architectural and cultural significance.
Aled Samuel will be guiding us around several examples of long houses, exploring their individual characteristics and also exploring a controversial academic argument between Dr Iorwerth Peate author of The Welsh House and Peter Smith author of Houses of the Welsh Countryside.
Programme 2 - Tai Eryri
Aled Samuel takes us to the most rugged landscape in Wales and the houses appear to have grown out of the rocky landscape in which they sit. In this programme we will be taking a look at one of the earliest types of storeyed houses in Wales - The Snowdonia house.
Programme 1 - Y Tŷ Neuadd
Our journey through the Houses of the Welsh Countryside begins by looking at some of the earliest houses from the middle ages, 'The Hall House'. This is the era in which carpenters mastered their craft. Aled will be guiding us around some of the country's finest examples.
The Series
Cartrefi Cefn Gwlad Cymru (Houses of the Welsh Countryside) is based on a remarkable book by Peter Smith published 30 years ago by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales in Aberystwyth and which is now acknowledged as the 'Bible' of traditional Welsh architecture, and a landmark in our understanding of our domestic buildings.
In the series presenter Aled Samuel takes the viewer on a voyage of discovery around some of the houses in Peter Smith's book and other architectural gems.
Aled says, "From medieval hall houses and Georgian chic to modern 'green' living, the programmes are a key to everyday life through hundreds of years of our history. We gain a clear picture of how people lived. The TV series now brings history to life, with animated graphics produced by See3D from Aberystwyth, beautiful photography and expert insight."
One of the architectural treasures featured in the first programme is Tŷ Mawr, Castell Caereinion, near Welshpool, built in 1460, and an excellent example of a house type known as the Hall House.
Other medieval hall houses featured in this first programme are Gloddaeth Hall in Llandudno, Egryn Hall in Llanaber, Gwynedd; and Rhydycarw in Trefeglwys, Powys, which is an innovative blend of the old and new.
A bilingual book will be published in conjunction with the series by Y Lolfa, in co-operation with the Commission.
