HOT HOUSE II

QUEEN Anne Square is nestled within the Cathays Park conservation area, and is arguably the most exclusive address in Cardiff. After all, how many other estates can boast their own Roman column gated entrance? Despite being a five-minute walk from the city centre, it has its own mini village green and has been a filming location for TV shows including BBC hit Sherlock.

It’s a neighbourhood so popular that property rarely becomes available.

But this Georgian-style three-bedroom home, in the heart of the square, has just hit the market.

Perfect as a family home, the property still retains many original features from the 1930s, plus some distinct retro fixtures and fittings.

A tour through the substantial property is a fascinating journey through decades of design style.

Many rooms have the original 1930s parquet flooring, decorative coving, and deep skirting boards.

The grand staircase in the hallway reflects the grandeur of the exclusive address, and the landing is so spacious it can actually fit a baby grand piano.

The kitchen/breakfast room is a delightful feast of retro decor, showcasing wood panelling, built-in benches and an arched hatch with breakfast bar below.

And if a new owner loves retro chic, then the avocado bathroom suite will excite; there are so few that have been preserved over the years.

Formerly home to the late David Michael and Valeria Creighton– Griffiths, their son Eugene says: “My dad had long admired the square, in particular number 15, and set his heart on buying it one day. Finally it became available, and in 1984 he set about it as his next big project.”

This included adding to the already spacious downstairs accommodation, which now offers a new owner a vast utility room, garage, kitchen/breakfast room and three reception rooms.

And for added space, there’s a huge attic just waiting to be utilised.

The open bar, kitchen and seating area is Eugene’s favourite spot in the property.

“It was large enough for the family and guests to get together and drink whilst a meal was being prepared,” he said. “Card games were played before finally settling down together around the dining table for one of mum’s truly incomparable Italian meals.”

In fact, it’s the space on offer within this home that lends itself to social gatherings and fantastic parties and provides Eugene with his favourite memories of his parents’ home, namely: “Social gatherings with a large number of guests spread throughout the house, including at the main stairway, and around the grand piano with the impromptu choir belting out Cwm Rhondda.

“It was always a welcoming home with plenty of space for friends, grandchildren and large gatherings; it was never cramped.

“Its location also made it ideal for popping into the city centre and walks in Bute Park.

“Beyond the restoring and extending of the property my dad was instrumental in setting up the company owned by the residents to buy the freehold from the Bute Estates, replace the infrastructure, re-plant the trees and control the ongoing management of the square.

“He was also heavily involved in the organisation of the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958 and the visit to Wales in 1982 of Pope Benedict XVI.”

Queen Anne Square was originally commissioned in the 1930s and was personally supervised by the Marquis of Bute, based on designs by the architect Howard Williams.

“It is an historic property in an exclusive spot, just waiting for a new owner to add to its story.”

The property in Queen Anne Square is on the market with estate agents Cardiff Homes for £950,000. Call 029 2055 5587 for further details.