Inside ‘the Tardis’ of the Valleys
THE facade of this traditional stone home looks pretty normal for the type of housing stock found along the hillsides of the valleys in South Wales, although being double-fronted it is probably bigger than many similar homes in the region.
So, it’s going to be bigger inside than many of its neighbours, but just how big is going to surely surprise you. Not only does this Tardis property offer more room than even Doctor Who and his companions need, the interior design that awaits you will transport you in places to a country lodge or even a mini stately home.
There are intriguing, wood panelled corridors that lead you through the home and even a secret librarystyle room hiding at the centre of the property, with a mirrored ceiling, built-in display cabinets and an extra secret hiding in the walls.
So the unique tour starts as soon as you walk through the front door. The eye-catching and unexpected features begin with the absence of a hall; the dividing wall has long gone and instead there’s one of the front reception rooms to greet you.
In here, the country stately home come manor house mixed with country lodge interior style begins but within this traditional home from another era in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A feature wood panel ceiling, coupled with the fireplace and traditional dining suite, creates a cosy and sociable space, with stately home bling provided by the central chandelier.
Past the staircase, which can boast its own wood panelling, to a stripped wood door that showcases a beautiful feature stained glass window.
The colourful, chapel-like stained glass is a feature that can be spotted throughout much of the home and it could be argued enhances its mini stately home grandeur.
Into the other front reception room and the classic and traditional style continues, as does the warm and welcoming feel provided by the wood flooring and fireplace.
There’s no wood panelled ceiling in here, but there’s no ‘normal’ flat ceiling either.
There are ceiling beams painted white that ensure this room, although more subtle, does not miss out on the home’s unique style.
But arguably no room can compete with the inner reception room found once you leave the living room.
This intriguing space is a bit like a cross between a traditional, minilibrary, a gentlemen’s club, and Professor Dumbledore’s study at Hogwarts - well, the display cabinets at least. For a traditional valleys house, this room is pretty amazing.
The room also has ceiling beams and ceiling panels, but this time the majority are panels of mirrors bouncing not just light around the space but also reflections of the unique style of
If you guess correctly, one section of this seamless bespoke unit is actually a hidden, secret door - how very Harry Potter
the room below them, making it feel almost like a cocoon.
At one end of the unique space there are built-in, bespoke display cabinets that offer a mesmerised visitor an array of curios and treasures to gawp at, plus shelves of books and china.
At the other end of the room there’s a log burner nestled in an exposed brick chimney breast, more wood wall panelling, a glass door out to the garden and a ground floor cloakroom.
Definitely unusual, right?
But this room hasn’t finished with its surprises yet. There’s a television tucked away behind the carpentry at the far wall in the mini-library, but that’s not the end.
If you guess correctly, one section of this seamless bespoke unit is actually a hidden, secret door - how very Harry Potter.
The secret door leads into a surprisingly substantial lounge, with a wall of glass windows and doors that couldn’t be more different from the dark and atmospheric inner sanctum that you’ve just left.
This generous space also has a brick fireplace and log burner, but that’s where the similarities finish.
This room has a second set of stairs and also those doors out to the garden. Step outside, and if you thought the inside of the house was spacious for a traditional valleys property, the garden is enormous when compared to its neighbouring valleys counterparts.
There’s definitely room for a swimming pool, or two, in this surprising outdoor space that no-one could surely have predicted from the pavement, looking at the front of this amazing home. At the bottom of the garden is a large garage which could become an additional granny annexe or amazing games room
From the garden you can see yet another significant space that adds to this property’s Tardis description.
It’s the kitchen and yes, because it’s this house, it’s huge and it’s a surprise. Not only is the space very big and very high, with the ceiling actually the roof structure in this doubleheight space, the interior design displays industrial chic in abundance and mixes it with vintage pieces.
Upstairs, the incredible amount of space on offer inside this home continues with a stunning master bedroom, again with double-height ceiling and again with a surprise - a large, sunny terrace that overlooks the garden. It’s only a few steps from bed to breakfast on the balcony.
Of course the master bedroom of this spacious house has an ensuite, and it continues the traditional character via roll-top bath and choice of pattern floor tiles. It has extra character too with a feature internal window, but blushes will be spared as the fancy glass is etched and frosted.
The master also has a walk-in wardrobe built into the eaves, but on leaving the master bedroom there’s more unique built-in, bespoke features to discover.
This valleys home that takes bespoke carpentry and surprise features to the maximum, and is all the better for it, is surely one of the most unusual and bespoke homes in the area.
■ The Tardis house in Aberdare that hides more space than you could ever believe from the outside is on the market for £300,000 with estate agent Herbert R Thomas, call their Neath branch on 01639 639541 to find out more.