Earlier Houses: There were two earlier houses on the site of the current house: an Elizabethan house (the first house), which was replaced by a Georgian house (the second house), the latter of which was demolished to make way for the current (third) late 19th century house.

Built / Designed For: John Cory

House & Family History: During World War I Dyffryn was a POW camp called “The Colditz of North Wales.” The POWs were exceptionally well-treated, including the son of Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, head of the German Navy, who wrote of his exceptional treatment at Dyffryn. Until 1996, Dyffryn House was used as a police training center; after the police vacated, the House became a conference center. In 2008, after the conference center closed, Dyffryn House and Gardens underwent an £8 million restoration. The National Trust took over operation of Dyffryn House and Gardens on a 50-year lease from the Vale of Glamorgan Council in January 2013; the House was opened to the public in March of 2013.

Garden & Outbuildings: The gardens were selected by the British Tourist Authority as one of the Top 100 gardens in the UK.

House Listed: Grade II

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Admiral Thomas Button, 17th century; Button family here from the 16th until the 18th century. Thomas Pryce, 18th century; Pryce family here until the 19th century. Henry Ellis Collins, late 19th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: John Cory, 19th century; Reginald Cory, 20th century. Sir Cennydd Traherne, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Government

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

Ownership Details: Owned by Vale of Glamorgan Council and leased to the National Trust.

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 02920-593-328

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No