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AN historic multi award winning south Wales valleys pub at the centre of its community for decades which has hosted stars of screen and politics has a new starring role.

Treorchy’s imposing Pencelli Hotel, reputed to have been a favoured haunt of Hollywood megastars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, could have a glittering future after being sold at auction.

The  Rhondda valley pub, which can trace its history back to the eighteenth century, listed with guide price of £173,000 sold for £180,000 after attracting a total of five bids from three bidders.

The former hostelry, on Pencai Terrace, next to the town’s Pengelli Bowls Club and pristine green and Ysradfechan Park, was sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The Pencelli Hotel oozes history from every square inch of its bricks and mortar. It has had a celebrated past over many years and is now well placed to repeat its multi award winning journey at the centre of its unique community after being bought at auction.

“The ground floor of the property offers a welcoming, traditional atmosphere with a bar area, lounge, pool room area, commercial kitchen and toilets. To the rear of the property is a beer garden with additional seating and coach house. Subject to the relevant consents the coach house may be suitable for further development.

“The first floor of the property, traditionally used as function rooms, has most recently been used as living space. The area has a large living room, three large function rooms, a kitchen and bathroom with separate WC. Subject to the relevant consents the function rooms may be suitable for use as bedrooms.

“The second floor has three large bedrooms inclusive of large cupboards which may be suitable for conversion into ensuites.

“There is a basement made up of three large rooms inclusive of a cold room/ barrel store.

“This property is ready to be reopened as a public house and offers potential for an AirBNB, or residential accommodation on the upper floors. Alternative uses may include but are not limited to a restaurant, gym, hotel or development opportunity.”

The vendor of the former hotel said: “The Pencelli Hotel lies in picturesque surroundings in the heart of the south Wales valleys, nestled at the head of the town of Treorchy that was voted best town in the Great British high street awards 2020.

“The property is a substantial building, in one of the most sought after areas in the Rhondda valleys. Benefiting from scenic views of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys that surround the property.

“With the location and proximity of the town and local amenities this makes The Pencelli Hotel both perfect for future business and ideal for numerous commercial opportunities.

“Directly across the road from the Pencelli Hotel is the Ysradfechan recreation area that was given to the community by the Ocean Coal company just after the First World War as a showpiece park. It features a model playground, complete with children’s paddling pool, tennis courts, vast lush playing fields and a bowling green.

“Next to the Pencelli Hotel there is a lush bowling green “Pengelli bowls green” this is well kept with bench seating and pavilion. A stone’s throw away is the Treorchy public library, The Park and Dare theatre and also the town’s award-winning shopping centre.

“There is a bus stop situated across the road from the property and a train station less than two minutes’ walk away offering easy access to the capital and surrounding areas.

“The Pencelli Hotel was re-opened in 2016 and became arguably the most successful public house in the Rhondda valleys, boasting multi prestigious C.A.M.R.A awards until the public house closed due to the landlord’s ill health in 2022.

“The Pencelli was renowned for its real ales, real ciders and live music that attracted customers from near and far including politicians, sportspeople and TV celebrities.

“It is said that Hollywood mega stars Richard Burton & Elisabeth Taylor were frequently seen in the back snug of the Pencelli. At the end of the Second World War the decision to reform the world renowned Treorchy Male Voice Choir was made in the bar of the Pencelli Hotel.”

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 18 and ends from 5pm on the first day of summer, Thursday, June 20.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A bidding frenzy was the order of the day when a tasty South Wales high street takeaway in a plum south Wales town centre location was on the menu at auction.

Bidders with an appetite for the ideally located restaurant, owners flat and maisonette, went head to head to secure the lot at the online sale.

Listed with a guide price of just £60,000 a new owner eventually had their order accepted and took away the property after bidding almost four times the list price .

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “It’s fair to say that there was a real battle among the various bidders to win this property which is located on the principle route through the historic town of Caerphilly.

“In all, a total of five bidders got the bit between their teeth and cast a phenomenal 157 bids with the final successful bid being £221,000. It’s sometimes the relatively unexceptional lots that create most interest, which was certainly the case with this property

” The property, at 21- 23 Pontygwindy Road, Caerphilly, has two street level retail units which have been converted into a single large unit and which  is currently let to a Chinese takeaway. The units including owner’s accommodation on the first floor, is let at £650 a month.

” Subject to the relevant consents the property may be suitable for conversion back into two units.

“Accessed via the rear of the property there is also a maisonette, this property is let at £216.67 a month. Subject to the relevant consents the maisonette may be suitable for further development.

“Situated on the main thoroughfare through the town of Caerphilly the restaurant has plenty of footfall from passing traffic. It’s located in a prime location within close proximity of world famous Caerphilly Castle and Caerphilly the town centre.”

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 18 and ends from 5pm on the first day of summer, Thursday, June 20.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A trio of dilapidated former South Wales tin miners’ cottages listed with a £0 price at auction have sold for thousands of pounds.

Wesley Buildings, in the South Wales village of Machen, between Newport and Caerphilly,  on Wesley Hill, are only accessible on foot.

But this didn’t deter prospective owners of the cottages as some 79 bids from a total of ten individual bidders came in before the lot was sold for £40,000.

Gemma Vaughan, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Interest in the cottages was red hot from the get go with bids piling in as soon as the online auction went live and carried on until the end. The fact that the properties had a £0 guide price added to the interest.

“The cottages are in such a state of disrepair that we weren’t able to inspect them prior to the auction and they were accessible for any external viewings only on foot. This only added to the general mystique.

“Wesley Buildings offers the new owner an  opportunity to acquire a building which, we’re told, was originally three cottages. It has a very interesting history. The vendor advised me that he bought the cottages back in 1979 when he arrived back from Saudi Arabia as a carpenter.

“He bought the property, his old family home, as he saw that it was up for sale. His great grandfather and mother were born there. His great grandfather worked in the tin mine in Machen.

“The cottages are now in an extremely dilapidated condition but could well present a blank canvas to a developer, subject to planning and the removal of a vast amount of undergrowth.

“The property, which can only be reached on foot as there is no vehicular access, is certainly a challenge.

“The three cottages, which are spread over three floors, are as basic as they come and aren’t even connected to any utilities, not even water. However they are in an awesome location, near Machen, a large village three miles east of Caerphilly and just up the road from Newport.

“They are situated in the Caerphilly Borough within the historic boundaries of old Monmouthshire. It neighbours Bedwas and Trethomas, and forms a council ward in conjunction with these communities.

“Lying on the Rhymney river the  cottages look out over the towering presence of Mynydd Machen (Machen Mountain).”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A glamping hut in an idyllic location in Monmouthshire will be on the move after being sold at auction.

The mobile home in Skenfrith, near Abergavenny, was sold online at auction and the new owner must find a new plot for the lot.

In a first for Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, more used to selling lots of bricks and mortar in situ, offered the mobile glamping hut.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions said: “Normally the lots we sell are in situ. This one, a fitted glamping hut is not just mobile but now needs to be taken away and re located now that it has been bought at auction.

“Ahead of the sale we were expecting interest in the lot from people who have a large garden, a spare piece of land or perhaps some woodland, subject to planning, where they can get away from it all. It may also have commercial tourist-type prospects.

“The hut  is currently based on land in the historic village of Skenfrith, near Abergavenny, but the successful bidder at auction now needs to find a new site for the mobile home.

“The hut, which has a cosy loft sleeping area, is being sold as seen and will need to be transported from its current location by the purchaser.

“At present the hut has an open plan sitting/kitchen area, mezzanine sleeping area and an additional room which could be converted into a shower/cloak room. Freshly decorated and linked to an electricity supply the hut could make a great studio or children’s den or holiday/Airbnb or even a writer’s or artist’s studio, located within the purchaser’s own grounds or garden.

“The hut, which had a guide price of  £2,250-plus, sold for £2,500 after attracting five bids from a  total of four bidders.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Cwmbran solicitors’ firm Rubin Lewis O’Brien is delighted to announce their relocation to newly refurbished premises at Pendragon House, General Rees Square in Cwmbran Town Centre – just a short distance from their old offices.

Established in 1966, the firm has worked with Cwmbran Centre owners L&C Investments to create a modern and spacious environment for staff and clients alike.

Managing Partner, Damian Lines, said: “After almost sixty years in the town centre, and 26 of those in our last premises, the firm outgrew the available space. By working with the owners of Cwmbran Centre we have created a more welcoming environment for clients and staff.

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring into use a previously under-used building, and that we are able to remain in the very heart of our community – something which we consider extremely important.

“By taking a long-term view, and investing in our facilities and in technology, we will be able to continue providing an exemplary service to clients both in person and digitally for many years to come.”

Rubin Lewis O’Brien has been a constant presence in Cwmbran for almost sixty years, beginning with a small office on Caradoc Road, moving to the Strand, now demolished to make way for Asda, and latterly Gwent House.

Mr Lines said: “We pride ourselves on giving clear and concise advice and looking after the interests of our clients. That has never changed.”

www.rlo.law

ADJACENT plots of land backing onto the scenic Monmouthshire and Brecon canal could provide the perfect location to build a pair of stylish dream homes.

What’s more much of the paperwork has been completed as the land comes with full planning permission to build two detached executive homes.

Angie Davey, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the plots, said: “Detailed plans have been agreed so that the new owner can get straight on and build the executive homes in this brilliant location which backs onto the canal, amid glorious countryside.

“These two adjacent building plots, at The Willows, Twyncarn Road, Pontywaun, near Crosskeys, are being sold as a single lot at auction with full planning permission to create the detached executive houses.

“Situated within a sought after area the properties will back onto the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and will also be within walking distance of the renowned Cwmcarn Scenic Drive.

“Each property will provide a lounge, open plan kitchen and dining room area, utility, cloakroom, two en-suites, family bathroom and four bedrooms. Outside will include rear garden, parking for two cars and an integral garage. The Vendor has provided structural foundations/design calculations and drawings, details of which are included in the legal pack.

“Pontywaun is an area near to Crosskeys which is well known for its stunning scenic walks and mountain bike trails. Although the area is surrounded by countryside there are good transport links via the A467 and train stations at Crosskeys and Newport City which is approximately 9.5 miles away.”

Full planning permission has been granted for the two detached houses. Planning ref: 21/0837. Contact Caerphilly County Borough Council for further information

The two plots, which are listed with a single guide price of £185,000-plus, are being offered online at the Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts at noon, on Tuesday, April 9, and ends from 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

EXTREME freezing temperature adventurer Paul Fosh is set to hang up his snow shoes, his sub zero gear and pack away his pulk after completing his latest adventure in the Arctic wastes amid life-threatening sub zero conditions.

Paul has returned home to Monmouthshire after enduring almost unimaginable conditions while taking part in the annual Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra.

Icy explorer Paul, owner of Newport-based property and lettings business Paul Fosh Auctions, is elated that he managed to overcome all obstacles to finish the gruelling event.

The determined 57-year-old successfully completed the 500km, about 315 miles, trek pulling all his gear, food and clothes in a pulk, in a challenge against himself and the elements.

The event started from the village of Overkalix, in the region of Norbotten, Sweden, on Sunday, March 3 and finished 10 days later.

Paul, who has competed in a range of ‘ultra’ events over the years, speaking on his return said: “That’s probably it for me now. I’ve done what I set out to do and will now take it a bit easier. These events take a toll on you personally, family and others around you and I’m not getting any younger.”

Paul, a man who has spent his life in property, is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Wales-based homelessness charity, Llamau, by completing the event.

The extreme athlete, who has experienced highs of ultra success and some deep lows of disappointment in previous years having to pull out due to injury and illness, was determined the initials DNF (Did Not Finish) would not be chalked up against his name this time.

“It’s not something I said or discussed before I set off this time but it’s certainly something that was at the forefront of mind as the miles of snow and ice stretched out in front of me.”

And conditions could hardly have been worse at the start with conditions too warm!

“The temperature was in the positive instead of minus so that meant that the deep snow, which is much easier to travel over when it’s frozen, was very soft and powdery. Pulling the pulk over, or as it happens, through that was like hauling it through sand. Very draining and demanding. That went on for the first day and a half which meant having to wear snow shoes, which I don’t usually wear and which alters your gait and walk, made it doubly difficult.

“Happily temperatures soon dropped to near minus five, minus ten, which made it a little bit easier and better for getting the pulk to slide over the surface.”

Paul, who didn’t sleep for the first forty or so hours and afterwards only when it was dark, managed to get into a rhythm after the challenging start  and was able to enjoy his surroundings including incredible displays of the Northern Lights.

“Despite the torture and agony of the event and the various extremes the wilderness does have its beauty, the Northern Lights being one and the utter peace, calm and tranquillity, being another.”

Paul, who finished 12th in the 500km race out of an international starting line up 19 ice-hardened athletes in just over eight days, said the relentless training and deprivation of 12 hour training days ahead of Ultra events, including dragging car tyres around the trails in the Forest and Dean and Monmouthshire, had helped him make up his mind about his future.

“I think my age and the sheer torment, agony  and relentless punishment of the training and the events themselves has caught up with me now. I was absolutely elated, ecstatic, to have been able to complete this one and to come out on a high. I gave everything and made sure that there was no unfinished business left out there in the Arctic waste.

“I felt very disappointed, disheartened, with some previous failures and this was something that was at the front of  my mind as I ate up the miles in the wilderness. I took things steadily, going at my own pace, knowing that by successfully completing this event I could pack away my gear for good and take life a little less easier.”

But Paul, a keen photographer, hasn’t given up involvement in the events entirely as he is looking to offer his services as a volunteer in the future and also to become an official lens man for the event.

Paul stressed that raising funds for Llamau is ongoing and is urging people to continue to donate to the appeal

“Llamau is an incredible charity. If you have five minutes, please take a look at their website and work that they do, it is truly life-changing.”

No stranger to the extreme demands of Ultra events Paul, who is a long time supporter of Llamau, has competed in a variety of extreme challenges in the past.

Paul competed in 2015 in the Likeys Ultra in Canada when he was one of just eight to finish, coming fourth out of the 24 that entered. He also completed the 300-mile Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra in 2016.

 

To support Paul please visit and donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-fosh-1708962833731?fbclid=IwAR0W2oEFr_X-n4N4HOrWBjAWiWhykPSJJMnKj98DcnbkKtQahWg_5omWB88

A Gwent road could prove a route to success for an enterprising investor.

The unassuming, single track tarmac road may seem unremarkable but it could be a canny buy for an investor.

Angie Davey, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, are selling the access road at Cwm Lane, Rogerstone, with a £0 (nil) reserve.

Angie said: “The lane gives access to eight to ten residences together with agricultural fields and a water pumping station belonging to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.

“We are informed that the vendors received a one off payment of £600 from Welsh Water for the grant of access over the land in 2023 to adjoining land which they were investigating for possible future works.

“The vendor has also informed us that the agricultural land adjoining the road is being promoted for development in the Local Development Plan. The road may present an opportunity to afford cycle and or pedestrian access to Cwm Lane, if successful, subject to planning.

“The lane is located to the east of Cwm Lane in the village of Rogerstone which lies within approximately three miles to the west of Newport City and one mile from junction 27 of the M4.

“The lane has a nil reserve as it can be hard to value a stretch of road. We’ll just have to see how much interest is generated and what the lot achieves when it goes to auction.”

The road with potential, along with some eighty other lots, is being offered online at the next Paul Fosh Auctions sale, which starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, April 9 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

 

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A parcel of land in a desirable village location near the city of Cardiff has come on the market.

The pocket of scrubland property in a cul de sac at Cefn Bychan is in the highly sought after location of Pentyrch on the western outskirts of the city of Cardiff.

Being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, Sean Roper of the property auctioneers, says the land may well have potential for a number of alternative uses.

“The  site is mainly rectangular in shape and could be ideal for a number of uses including development or tourism-based use such as a holiday let or for extra land for adjoining properties/neighbours.

“The village of Pentyrch lies to the north-western edge of Cardiff and is ideal for access to the A470 and the M4 and Cardiff City Centre.

“We are aware that previous planning for a detached dwelling was refused. Any interested parties should make their own enquires regarding any future planning with the local planning department.”

The land, which has a guide price of £54,000-plus, is included in a catalogue of some eighty properties which are being offered for sale online at Paul Fosh Auctions April sale which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 9 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

AN eye-catching  South Wales Victorian terraced house hides an exceptional secret when viewed from the street.

The outwardly smart and appealing end terraced house was once the hub  of a thriving market garden business serving the then busy sea port town of Newport.

The spacious house with outbuildings and workshop has expansive grounds, which stretch beyond the rear of the property, previously cultivated for the production of a variety of produce.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is handling the sale of the intriguing property at 21 a Woodland Road, Newport.

Sean said: “The spacious, bay fronted, end of terrace property overlooking leafy Woodland Park is steeped in the history of this once thriving port town.

“The house benefits from an exceptionally spacious rear garden area which was previously used as a market garden. The substantial garage/workshop was formerly used as a plumbing workshop and there are further very useful outbuildings.

“I’d say that the property could be ideal as a wonderful family home with its fantastic large gardens or it may also suit a developer with scope to develop the rear garden, subject to planning.

“There was previous planning on the site for a detached dwelling in the garden which has now lapsed. Any enquiries regarding this need to be made to the local authority.

“The house itself retains many attractive features including period doors and floors and various tiled areas. It also benefits from gas central heating.

“This not only presents a unique opportunity in itself with the buildings, outbuildings and expanse of land but it is situated in a highly sought after residential location close to local amenities, schools and convenient for both the city centre and M4 motorway.”

“The house has an entrance hallway, lounge, dining room, kitchen and Landing, three bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor. There is also an attic space. It has a forecourt and parking bay, rear gardens that measure approx. 459 m2 (4,944 sq ft) with laid lawn, patio and large planted borders.

“There’s a substantial garage with first floor storage area ideal for workshop, a further storage unit and outside w/c and another storage unit.”

The property, which is listed with a guide price of £150,000-plus, is included in the Paul Fosh Auctions catalogue of some eighty lots which go for sale online from Tuesday, April 9 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

 

www.paulfoshauctions.com