Ruperra is a typical Jacobean pretend castle unique in Wales and marks the transition from medieval to modern design.

Although the houses no longer needed to be defended from attack as in mediaeval times, (indeed their walls were not strong enough) their design showed a nostalgia for the towers and battlements of times gone by, which were proudly added to the square building. Heraldry, once intended to distinguish friend from foe, now

became a means of expressing pride of pedigree. Hence the heraldic decoration on Ruperra's south porch.

Thomas Hardwicke designed the building replacing the earlier one destroyed by fire in 1785.

Both Lulworth and Ruperra were burnt out in the 20th C. Recently the restoration of Lulworth was completed by English Heritage. Ruperra has not been so fortunate.