UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES
W ELCOME to the house that has one of the most unique landmarks in Wales as a spectacular garden feature.
Bargoed Railway Viaduct is a Grade II listed structure – and it stands proudly at the end of the property’s back garden.
The 330ft long, seven-arched railway bridge spans Factory Road.
When Shelley and Mark O’Neill, who have lived at the property for three years, first viewed the threebedroom terrace, they were pretty dumbstruck.
Shelley said: “Our first thought when we saw the viaduct was wow, OMG, how amazing, and what a brilliant garden ornament! It’s a phenomenal piece of history and engineering.”
The reaction from friends and family who visit is not that different from the couple’s initial shock.
Shelley said: “People absolutely love the viaduct. Its size is amazing and the arches are a marvel to look at. They are gobsmacked at its beauty and how it encapsulates our little Welsh valley.”
The couple feel honoured to have the historic structure so close to where they live.
Shelley said: “It’s stunning and beautiful. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing, or in sunlight or moonlight, the viaduct perfectly frames our views of the sky and surrounding countryside.
“It simply takes your breath away and it’s never the same; always changing. It is often the subject for artists, producing drawings and paintings that are stunning.”
The couple said they are regularly asked whether it is noisy living next door to a viaduct but Shelley said: “As the viaduct is so high you very rarely hear anything, except the rare sound of the reassuring squeaky brakes of the train coming down into Bargoed station.”
According to website British Listed Buildings, the viaduct is “an integral component of the original Rhymney Railway, which was begun in 1854 and opened in 1858, running from Rhymney, via Walnut Tree Junction, to Cardiff”.
A visually imposing reminder of the area’s industrial past, the viaduct achieved listed building status in 2002 as a fine example of 19thcentury civil engineering.
And the good news is, the property has just gone up for sale. It’s on the market with estate agent Peter Alan for £90,000. You can call 01495 231199 to find out more.