WowHaus

The work of Ifan Prys Edwards, this 1970s time capsule in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales has just had a price cut.

And I don’t use the term time capsule lightly. Ordinarily, I would refer to this as a late midcentury modern design dating back to 1971 and there’s a lot of appeal from that too. The architecture is both interesting and distinctive and as such, a selling point in its own right.

But the real ‘pull’ of this one is just as much its condition. The lack of updates adds to that time capsule quality and the excesses of the 1970s will always have their fans. If that’s you, then you will love this design.

Anyway, let’s start with the architecture. That is made up of a cantilevered timber-clad upper storey, exposed steel supports (which create a carport for several vehicles) and a lower portion made up of pale brick. Plenty of glass too, which boosts the views and the natural light.

It stands out from the other dwellings around but also hides itself a little with a dense hedge and brick wall. So a degree of privacy too.

It’s a design that hints at something interesting within. That’s not always borne out with interesting architecture, but in this case, it is.

The house has 1,800 sq. ft. of living space and much of it looks untouched from the initial construction. Ok, not everything quite works, even if you are a die-hard fan of 1970s interior design. But much of it does. This is an interior to be preserved and I don’t think there will be a shortage of people willing to preserve it. At least, I hope that’s the case.

The kitchen area would be impossible to replicate in the modern era. That avocado green shade, the geometric tiles and the retro fittings are an absolute dream. But there’s more to this than the time capsule kitchen.

Have a look at that expansive living room, complete with a wood-clad ceiling and its own bar area. Note also that the upholstery on the sofa and armchairs matches the covers on the dining chairs. That’s a concept very much of a bygone era.

Not sure if they are staying or not but so many of the furnishings and fittings are original too. Some will be staying, like the internal doors and glass block walls, of course, and probably the original built-in sound and intercom systems. But it’s worth a chat with the agent if you want to keep more. There might be a deal to be done.

Talking of more, have a look at the main bathroom. Again, it might not work for the modern-day family but I would hope that much could be repurposed. I would hate for the sink unit and tiling to be lost.

Spiral staircase anyone? Well, this is a 1970s house so it would be a surprise if there wasn’t one. Might not be the most practical thing, but it looks amazing.

The 1970s really does permeate every corner of this house. As I said, some things haven’t really carried through as much to the 21st century. But so much of it has. A sympathetic renovation of this one would create something that’s both liveable and eye-catching. The perfect backdrop for a photoshoot too I would guess.

As for the layout, there are two access points to the house. One via the ground floor and a second by an external stairwell leading to the upper storey.

Although that retro kitchen catches the eye, the heart of this one is the main reception space. That’s made up of two interlinking living areas, with a pair of sliding timber doors separating the two rooms. Throw in the bar and its original glassware and this is the ultimate 1970s party space.

A wide landing leads to an ‘arterial corridor’ and two of the four bedrooms, complete with hand-crafted joinery. The family bathroom is also on this level and another talking point in itself.

The open-tread spiral staircase leads down to two further bedrooms and a shower room on the lower level. The main bedroom is described as a ‘quiet and peaceful’ space, with a full-height glass wall and long ribbons of clerestory glazing framing views of the courtyard.

Some outside space too, not least with the carport offering that space for parking in a sheltered area. But it’s not all about the cars. There is some green too.

Specifically, grounds and gardens that are a mix of paving and lawn, with the hedges ensuring a bit of privacy too. You also get a private upper terrace, which is described as a ‘sun trap’ in warmer months.

Fancy moving in? This has now been discounted, with offers around the £5o0,000 mark for this one.

Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.