The Dolaucothi Estate was acquired in the late 16th century by the Johnes family upon the marriage of James Johnes (1552 - ?) to Anne Lewis (née Thomas) (1565 - ?), widow of James Lewis and heiress of John Thomas of Cryngae and Dolaucothi.
John Johnes (1768-1816), a former army officer, purchased the estate in 1800 from his cousin and brother-in-law Colonel Thomas Johnes M.P. (1748-1816) of the great Hafod Estate and Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire [REF].