Art deco renovation project
1930s art deco renovation project in Penarth, Cardiff, South Wales
It needs work, that’s for sure. But this 1930s art deco renovation project in Penarth, Cardiff, South Wales will definitely be worth it.
The house is something of a landmark in the area and a property desperately in need of bringing back to its best. The owner, former Welsh rugby Union star Gareth Griffiths, died last year and the house looks to have been left empty since then. That’s not really a good thing.
A look around the house shows damp creeping in here and there, which is inevitable in a house left empty. But with an art deco house with a flat roof and terraces, it becomes more of an issue and more of a threat to the building.
Have a look at the full gallery of photos, you can probably see the damage already done and the work required. Although that might not be the only work needed here.
If you want to take this one back to its glory days, you might want to consider looking at the double glazing too, which really doesn’t sit well with the art deco architecture.
Also, the bathrooms will need a sort out and the kitchen? Well, the jury might be out on that one. Obviously’ that part of the house had a makeover in the 1970s and this is something you will love or hate. But it isn’t in keeping with the style of the house regardless. Probably a lot of things you can’t see too.
But what you do have is a substantial art deco house in a sought-after area with some lovely coastal views. Despite the windows, the architecture looks untouched and it still has some lovely period touches. Yes, I am looking at that fireplace in the living room, the terraces and the huge bay windows.
The worry (as ever) is the area and the size of plot. This is a pricey place even before you budget for the work. Someone who just wants to live in this spot might see the asking price as something worth paying to get the bulldozers in and to build their own dream home. I don’t believe this one is listed.
Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that, and someone sees how amazing this house could be. Space is one of those selling points, inside and out.
The ground floor space starts with the entrance hall with feature curved door and windows plus under stair and coat cupboard. Beyond that is the lounge with large bay window and the feature marble fireplace, opening onto the dining room overlooking the front garden, with a door leading out.
Further along is the dual-aspect sitting room and that kitchen/diner area with tongue and groove ceiling and those 1970s retro kitchen units, as well as a study with built-in storage, a utility room and a cloakroom.
On the first floor is the landing with stairs leading up to the second floor roof terrace, along with access to the master bedroom with en-suite and balcony (offering views of the Bristol Channel), a second bedroom with built-in units, a third dual-aspect bedroom with en-suite, a fourth bedroom (also dual-aspect) and the family bathroom.
As I said, a second floor too, which features a ‘small observation room’ leading to the extensive terrace with more of those views over the Bristol Channel.
The property has substantial gardens, mainly laid to lawn and with flowerbeds plus mature trees to the front. There is also a driveway to the side leading to a large detached garage with electric power and a swimming pool, which has a large paved patio surrounding it and a garden room that houses a boiler room that heats the pool. Like the house, the pool looks like it might need a bit of work.
Offers in excess of £1,000,000 for this one, which seems like a lot considering the work required. But, the size of the house, the plot and the location all add up here.
Images and details courtesy of David Baker. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
Huge thanks to Stephen for the tip off!
