900-year-old ‘haunted’ house in Porthcawl some are 'too scared' to get close to
One person who visited recently said they were 'too scared' to get closer because of tales of hauntings at this incredible slice of history
A recent TikTok video has brought fresh attention to one of Wales’ most mysterious historic buildings - Sker House, located just outside the seaside town of Porthcawl. The video, which shows the property in daylight, has sparked renewed interest in the site’s long history and its reputation for being haunted.
Sker House is around 900 years old. It began as a monastic grange built by Cistercian monks from Neath Abbey, who used the surrounding land for farming. Over time, the original structure was largely lost, but in the late sixteenth century it was rebuilt into the Elizabethan-style house that still stands today.
TikToker Christopher Evans, who shares videos about places to visit, where to eat and what to do in Wales paid a visit, walking towards the building in the bright sunshine. Approaching the house, he said: “I come in peace”, and said he was "too scared" to get closer. He also shared that he had heard rumours that the ghost of a woman who had died from a broken heart had been spotted in the area. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
Zooming in to the bright yellow building, he said: “It literally looks so weird.”
He later added: “I’d love a little tour of that house but, no actually I regret saying that.”
The house is thought to be privately owned and not open to the public, but is clearly still a point of fascination for people, as many have been flocking to the comments section of Christopher’s video to discuss their thoughts.
One person said: “I was too scared to go up to the building. Much braver than me!!"
Someone else added: “If I had a car and drove I would go round the uk - mostly Wales, exploring abandoned houses and places.”
The light-hearted clip also seemed to confuse some people who watched it, as another person noted: “How can you be scared when you’re a mile from the house?”
Much of the medieval layout is now gone, but elements of the earlier building may remain in nearby structures like the medieval barn, Tŷ yr Ychen, which is a Grade II listed building according to information online.
Sker House itself is now a Grade I listed building and considered to be one of the most significant examples of Elizabethan architecture in South Wales.
Over the years, the house has been associated with lots of ghost stories and local folklore - some linked to R.D. Blackmore’s 19th-century novel, The Maid of Sker, which drew inspiration from the house and its setting.
Another novel called Sker House by Ronald Welch was also published in 1955.
So whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s no denying it has been leaving a lasting impression on people visiting or those from around the area based on the reaction it has been receiving from people over the years.