BACKTO THE FUTURE
Luxury from top to bottom, from period to modern, this city centre renovation has it all
If you want the landmark location of Cathedral Road, Cardiff, as your address, there are a number of options - from period houses transformed into a small collection of flats or larger apartment complexes, to single, stunning townhouses.
And if you have the budget to splash out, some of the single dwelling homes on this tree-lined avenue that is home to some gorgeous Victorian villas are the very definition of luxury.
A trio of townhouses that can definitely tick the stunning dream home box can also add high-end renovation to the list too, so all you have to do – if you have the dosh to buy it – is turn up and start living the luxury abode dream; and they are very lucky houses indeed, because their future could have been very different.
Firstly this triplet of properties were fortunate to be located on this very popular and distinctive Cardiff street, and situated at the end of the street, too – the end that is classed as being in the heart of the trendy and thriving suburb of Pontcanna, with its independent shops and eateries and doorstep access to parks and the city centre.
Secondly, the location meant their future was assured. Step back in time and although the three homes were not offering a luxury existence (in fact, they were pretty rundown), they were not in a derelict state – there was the opportunity for someone to add value by renovating. Perfect for a property developer to swoop in and create something special.
The houses had been empty for 10 years and had gone through a variety of uses before being left vacant due to a protracted legal battle, but when that chapter on their existence was closed, Cardiff-born chartered surveyor and property developer Andy Martin and his business partners saw the potential to create three amazing abodes in an enviable location.
The company’s aim was to create a Chelsea-style townhouse in the heart of Wales’ capital and surely most people who see inside, either virtually or in reality, will surely agree they have achieved just that – stylish, high-end, posh homes that stand out for their quality of renovation and restoration, and attention to detail.
From the moment you push the charming front door open at this gorgeous Cardiff home, the mix of restored original and period features with luxury fixtures, fittings and interior design greets you, and surely instantly impresses, and this continues throughout the home.
The double-height rear extension of the home is the showcase aspect of the renovation project.
The drawing room at the front of the home, boasting stained glass windows, intricate cornicing and that amazing marble fireplace, is a triumph both in restoration of original features and the interior design that has been lavished on the space – gorgeous.
The ground floor continues past the period staircase and a bathroom and utility room and then into the huge and breathtaking kitchen-diner family room at the rear.
The rear extension is home to the kitchen, placed centrally to be the hub of the space, dining area next to the bi-fold garden doors, and a lounge area at the rear of the room. It was designed to be a substantial space where all the family and friends can gather and spend time together.
The interior design came as the finishing touches to ensure the space feels welcoming, with the use of tactile soft fabrics, classic design statement pieces of furniture, artwork and photos, and exposing natural materials such as brick to soften the metal structure of steel beams above.
The section of hidden roof windows allows light to flood the preparation area of the kitchen.
Step outside via the wall of glass bi-fold doors to the south-facing garden that continues the options for socialising, this time at the alfresco dining patio or lounging on a garden sofa next to the bubbling, and very inviting, hot tub.
Under the stairs there’s an intriguing staircase that leads down into a bespoke built, newly fitted wine cellar.
The house spans four storeys and all have been lavished with the same thoughtful design and tasteful and timeless, elegant and exquisite interiors to ensure seamless flow, as well as a relationship between the old and new sections of the house.
The first floor is home to three large bedrooms, including the master suite and the front and middle bedrooms also boasting a luxury ensuite.
The master bedroom wing includes a separate walk-in wardrobe within the suite and a glamorous ensuite that cleverly has a sliding, space-saving, frosted glass door to keep the space seamless, with no room needed for opening doors either in the bathroom or out in the corridor.
The second floor houses two more bedrooms and one ‘Jack and Jill’ ensuite that both bedrooms share, with an access door each.
The handsome house is for sale with a guide price of £1,250,000 with estate agent Jeffrey Ross, call their Pontcanna branch on 029 2049 9680 to find out more.