A DECO DELIGHT

STANDING proud in a unique location on Penarth’s cliff top this handsome house was, until recently, the muchloved home of Welsh rugby legend Gareth Griffiths.

The Rhondda-born winger was a member of the celebrated Wales team which beat the All Blacks in 1953 and made 140 appearances for Cardiff RFC.

Gareth, who passed away two years ago, also toured South Africa as part of the 1955 Lions team, making three appearances.

But this is the place he called home, with wife Anne and it’s a place almost as special as the player himself.

Built in the 1930s, this extraordinary period property called Winton bares all the hallmarks of the distinct and yet scarce Art Deco style.

The whitewashed walls, the soft curves, the large bay windows, and the flat roof are all trademarks of this popular architecture and design.

According to the Architectural Digest, Art Deco was most popular during the 1920s to the 1940s and a style that brought glamour, luxury, order and symmetry to the design of a property inside and out, epitomised by rich colours, strong shapes, bold geometry and decadent detailing.

How rare to find a genuine, original example of an Art Deco building in the south Wales area.

Estate agent David Baker is now selling the property again, after having sold it to Gareth and Anne in 1993.

He says: “It is a unique and genuinely magical property, it has a very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere inside and will make a magnificent home.”

Approaching the grand old lady through double gates, the location next to Penarth’s cliff walk path could not be more ideal for stunning sea views across the Bristol Channel to England in the distance.

The private and secluded home is set within a large garden that includes an (empty) swimming pool, which has gently curved ends that echo the distinctive curved bays of the house.

And the circular contours don’t stop there.

Entering the home via a hallway with a curved frontage, you are greeted by a sweeping staircase. The lower steps gently flow around the base of the stairs, like the waves of the sea lapping the cliff base below.

Even the distinctive fireplace in the main reception room is a cool collection of curves, mirroring the vast bay window that is the standout Art Deco interior design feature of this room.

The main lounge is virtually openplan to a formal dining room, which makes this space potentially the hub of the party in this house that is perfect for entertaining.

But if you think this room is substantial, it’s likely you will be impressed by the vast kitchen/diner.

Featuring the larger of the two lower bay windows this room is flooded with light and still enjoys the retro red kitchen that was the height of luxury and sophistication back in the 1970s.

The potential to make this room the heart-of-the-home again is obvious as it’s spacious enough to accommodate cooking, eating and lounging, looking out at the sea views beyond.

This ground floor also has a separate sitting room with sea views and the perfect spot to get away from any noise and rumpus in the other rooms.

There’s also a study, a cloakroom and a utility room that completes the rooms on offer downstairs.

Up the curved staircase reveals surely one of the best master bedrooms and ensuites in the area.

From this elevated position, it is easy to watch the sea world go by on the Bristol Channel directly from your pillow via a set of double doors and a substantial balcony.

Large enough to host a small dinner party or a family brunch, the balcony makes the most of this sunny spot as well as the waterside views.

But maybe that bedroom isn’t the master at all.

Further down the landing there is a substantial bedroom that enjoys the only curved bay window on this floor and also has special sea views. So which one would you choose as the master? Tricky decision, but what a nice problem to have.

This first floor also has another two bedrooms, one of which is ensuite, a family bathroom and access to a feature that only an Art Deco house can offer.

Wonder up a secret staircase and you enter a small observation room that leads out onto the flat roof terrace and a breathtaking 360 degree view including Penarth rooftops.

There is abundant potential for a new owner to make their own mark on this property gem, as the architecture and structure of the building can easily embrace and enhance a sleek, contemporary style, or the traditional and glamorous art deco style.

But a potential buyer will have to move quickly as David Baker says there have been 16 viewings already on the property, which has only recently gone on the market.

Winton is for sale for offers in excess of £1m and offers a new owner a genuine slice of Art Deco history. Call David on 029 2070 2622 for further details