There has been a dwelling on the site of Cantre Selyf for many centuries. The current house is built to a medieval plan, indicating the existence of an earlier structure.

An historic link takes us back to the 9th Century when Gruffydd, the ruler of Brycheiniog, split his territory into three areas known as Cantref's and named each one after his sons, Selyf, Einon and Tudur.

Cantref Selyf was therefore created at that time. Perhaps the name of the house suggests a link to Selyf himself!