Wynnstay Hall, seat of the Williams Wynn family, developed from a 17th-century timber-framed structure, of which only a stone tower added in 1706 still survives today. The house was substantially enlarged and remodelled in 1736–38 by the architect Francis Smith of Warwick and his son, with later work by James Wyatt adding a large assembly room, reflecting the family's growing wealth and status through the 18th century.
Further remodelling by the architects C. R. Cockerell and Benjamin Ferrey was under way in 1858 when a catastrophic fire severely damaged the building, destroying, among other things, the early records of Ruabon Grammar School that had been stored there. Ferrey rebuilt the hall afterwards in a 16th-century French Renaissance style, using sandstone ashlar and areas of sandstone rubble — broadly the appearance the building retains today.
Much of the wider Wynnstay estate was later sold, and the hall itself became a private school. That school closed in bankruptcy in 1994, after which the building was converted into private residential apartments, the use it retains today. It has been a Grade II* listed building since 1963, reflecting its architectural and historic importance.
Wynnstay Hall itself is private property and not open to the public, but its presence is still felt throughout the parish, from the Wynnstay Arms on the High Street to the family monuments inside St Mary's Church. Glimpses of the parkland and estate walls are possible from public roads on the estate's edges.
Wynnstay Hall and its grounds are private residential property; there is no public access to the building or gardens. The parkland edges, lodges and boundary walls can be seen from public roads nearby, free of charge, and the Wynnstay Arms pub on Ruabon High Street is the best way to experience the family's legacy in person.
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