Historic Eastern Valley property comes up for auction

One of the most recognisable buildings in the historic south Wales valleys town of Pontypool is on the market.

Distinctive Tudor House, a four storey black and white fronted town centre property on Hanbury Road, is being sold at auction.

The mixed use building with offices on the ground and upper floors and a residential flat is lasted with a guide price of £130,000.

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “It’s a striking and recognisable mid terrace building in the heart of the town. It’s most recently been used as the offices for a recruitment agency but has had a host of other incarnations over the years.

“The ground floor is comprised of a retail unit with a glazed frontage onto Hanbury Road. There are offices and sales area and ancillary area. The remainder of the property is comprised of office and ancillary space, and a  residential flat. The total approximate size is 293 sqm/3154 sqft.

The  current rateable value is £4,150. The property, which is being sold with vacant possession,  is classified as ‘Shop offices and premises'”

Tudor House is included in the Paul Fosh Auctions online sale which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 8 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, November 10.

Piper leads walkers out of Caldicot Castle on hospice twilight memory walk in the country park

A lone piper was at the head of a gathering of Twilight Memory Walkers as they filed out of historic Caldicot Castle.

The walkers gathered at the castle to remember loved ones in a walk in the country park  around the grounds organised by Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care.

Harpist John Thomas, playing near the drawbridge, welcomed families and friends to the castle. Singer and organist Grace Curtis entertained as walkers signed stones of remembrance and heard moving poetry before a minute’s contemplation and a skirl of the pipes from piper Matthew Bartlett, sent them off on their walk.

Hospice minister, Andrew Webster, addressed walkers and Joanne Hume, of event sponsors, Ian Watts and Son, independent funeral directors and Gill Tanner, of St David’s Hospice Care, read remembrance poems before the near 200 people were invited to stand in silence for a minute’s contemplation.

Among the throng  and who took part in the walk were members of the family of former Gwent police constable father of one, Kyle Lewis Burns,  who was cared for by the hospice but died after a battle with bowel cancer. He was just 36.

Beth Harrington, who organised the event for St David’s Hospice Care, said: “It was a really moving and lovely event which was much appreciated by all who took part.

“The evening was bright and warm, perfect conditions for the circular, flat, mile-and-a-half walk completed by people of all ages and abilities. Caldicot castle and grounds is a perfect setting for the Twilight Memory Walk.

“We can’t thank the people who attended and Caldicot Castle staff enough for such a awesome evening of remembrance.”

Stones, which had been collected for the evening’s walk by Hermione and Imogen, decorated by walkers with the names of loved ones and carried on the walk, were left on a platform overlooking the lake while The Morganna String Quartet played.

The memory stones have now been taken back to St David’s Hospice in Newport where they will form the basis of a memorial cairn.

The Severn Tunnel Brass Band welcomed walkers, some with their dogs, others pushing buggies, some using walking sticks, back to the castle with a programme of music.

Beth said: “The stones decorated by the Twilight Memory Walkers have been taken back to Newport to live at the hospice gardens in Newport.

“The Twilight Memory Walk is open to everyone of all ages, anyone that would like to pay tribute to their loved ones. This does not have to be a patient of ours.

“We all have loved ones that we miss. Here at St David’s Hospice Care, we believe that everyone deserves bespoke, individual care which we endeavour to provide. We offer a free and comprehensive palliative care service of excellence throughout Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and within South and Mid Powys. We deliver support to over 3500 patients each year.

“By getting involved in the Twilight Memory Walk and raising vital sponsorship, you not only remembered your loved one but have helped our nurses to continue providing support to patients, their families and carers.”

For more information visit: https://stdavidshospicecare.org/eve…/twilight-memory-walk/

Gwent policeman Kyle Burns’ family to raise funds for hospice with Caldicot Castle memory walk

FAMILY members of a former Gwent police officer who died after a short illness are preparing to walk in his memory.

Police Constable Kyle Lewis Burns died after a battle with bowel cancer. He was 36.

Relatives gathered at Caldicot Castle & Country Park, to help launch the Twilight Memory Walk in aid of St David’s Hospice Care who looked after the former PC at his Newport home.

The walk, which is sponsored by Ian Watts & Son independent funeral directors, is on Saturday, October 8, from 5 to 8pm. Entry fee is £15 adult, £7 child.

Kyle’s sisters Bronwen and Megan, who have launched a Just Giving page to raise funds in memory of their brother, are taking part in the memory walk.

Father of one PC Burns, was a response officer based at Cardiff Central police station having previously served with Gwent Police and the Metropolitan Police. Kyle was also an Army reservist who served with both the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital and Three Royal Welsh.

Pc Burns’ parents Larry and Rose, from Newport,  said: “Kyle fell ill in November 2020 in the middle of Covid pandemic and was cared for during his illness at home by us with the help of wonderful St David’s Hospice Care nurses.

Kyle’s Mum rose said: “I gave up work and moved in with him for five months to care for Kyle at his home with his wife, Jen, who had just given birth to their son, Arthur.

“Kyle passed away in February 2021. The St David’s Hospice Care hospice at home nurses were absolutely marvellous especially as they and we were all having to deal with Kyle’s illness and give him the care he needed, in the midst of the pandemic.

“The twilight Memory Walk is a wonderful way for us as a family to remember Kyle and also for other families and friends to remember the lives of their loved ones who have passed away.”

Beth Harrington, of St David’s Hospice Care who is organising the Twilight Memory Walk, said: “The walk will give the bereaved an opportunity to remember a loved one who has passed away in the serene and majestic setting of Caldicot Castle and Country Park.

“The one-and-half-mile route is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. We would love for you to join us to remember your loved ones. The walk starts with a  reading and remembrance poem from Reverend Andrew Webster.

“There will be music from Severn Tunnel Band, Wales bag piper Matthew Bartlett and the  Morganna Quartet. Opera singer Grace Curtis will be at the start from 5:15 – 5:45 pm while harpist John Thomas will welcome walkers to the park from 4:30 pm

“Twilight Memory Walkers will be given the opportunity to decorate your own memory pebble, which you can then place under the memory tree. Fundraising staff will then move these to live at the hospice gardens in Newport.

“The Twilight Memory Walk is open to everyone of all ages, anyone that would like to pay tribute to their loved ones. This does not have to be a patient of ours.

“We all have loved ones that we miss. Here at St David’s Hospice Care, we believe that everyone deserves bespoke, individual care which we endeavour to provide. We offer free and comprehensive palliative care service of excellence throughout Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and within South and Mid Powys. We deliver support to over 3500 patients each year.

“By getting involved in the Twilight Memory Walk and raising vital sponsorship, you will not only remember your loved one but will help our nurses to continue providing support to patients, their families and carers.”

For more information visit: https://stdavidshospicecare.org/eve…/twilight-memory-walk/

Arts and Crafts style former Gwent valleys pub could become flats

An imposing, historic former Gwent pub looks likely to be converted to apartments after time was called by a previous owner.

The former Tilers Arms, Abertillery Road, Blaina, near Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent,  has been sold post auction by Paul Fosh Auctions. It had been listed with a guide price of £85,000-plus.

Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The former pub and restaurant is a substantial building could be ideal for a range of other uses, including conversion to residential, subject to planning.

“The property sold post auction for £147,000. It’s believed the new owners will now undertake the current planning consent for conversion of the Arts and Crafts style former pub.

Debra said: ” The property has been stripped back and is ready for renovation. There is generous accommodation over three floors and also benefits from a cellar. There is a garden adjacent to the property

“The development currently has lapsed planning permission for a total of five flats – three, two bedroom flats and two, one bedroom flats. We have been informed that drawings for the five flats have been approved by building regulations, and Health and Safety has confirmed that work can commence on the property.

“Located in the town of Blaina, in the south Wales valleys, this property is ideally situated for access to Brynmawr and the A465 Heads of the Valley trunk road. The area is predominantly residential, and is located a short drive from the historic tourist area of Blaenavon. Offering scenic views of the valleys this property would make an ideal investment.”

“The previous vendor advised us that they made enquiries into planning for seven supported accommodation flats. It is reported that there has been a positive indication from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council that planning might be accepted for this.”

On the ground floor is the main bar area, restaurant, rear bar, former kitchen and WCs, there are five rooms on the first floor with kitchen and bathroom, three rooms on the second floor and a garden area to the side.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale  starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 4 and ends ending from 5pm on Thursday, October 6

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Former boarding house at prestigious West Wales school up for sale could put new owner in Hogwart’s heaven

The former home of a housemaster and boarding house for scholars at prestigious Llandovery College dating back to the early part of the nineteenth century is to be sold.

The Grade II listed property overflowing with bedrooms, dormitories and bathrooms: imposing Llandingat House, at 23 Broad Street, Llandovery,  is splendidly situated in 1.2 acres of its own grounds.

The awe-inspiring house, a short distance from Prince Charles’ country home in the quaint village of Myddfai, is for sale through Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

The Carmarthenshire property has a guide price of £252,000-plus.

Founded in 1848 co-educational Llandovery College is a independent boarding and day school charging boarders fees of up to £28,350 a year.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions said: “Set in a prestigious position within the town of Llandovery  this substantial Grade II listed Georgian Town House, which is in need of sympathetic renovation, offers more than 7,500 sq/ft (700 sqm) of accommodation.

“The building dates from the early nineteenth century, probably 1813 to 1814, with some original features remaining including fireplaces, arched window and window shutters, a curved cantilevered stone staircase and 16-stack chimney.

“It was most recently used as a boarding house and housemaster’s residence for Llandovery College and as such has more than a passing resemblance to the legendary Hogwart’s. The large grounds include outbuildings, courtyard, parking area and grounds extending to approximately 1.2 acres.

“The property lends itself to multi uses apart from being returned to a glorious family home, it could be converted into luxury apartments, boutique hotel or business/residential premises, subject to the necessary planning consents.

“The house was built for David Lloyd Harries who had been an attorney in the town since 1808. In 1870, it passed into the hands of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Pryse Lloyd, who changed his name to Lloyd Harries, as a condition, when he came into his inheritance. In the 1890s his brother Tudor Lloyd Harries became the owner.

“Llandovery is an ancient market town often described as the gateway to West Wales situated at relatively low level at the foot of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. The village of Myddfai, famous for its folklore,  is nearby and is where Prince Charles has his Welsh home.

“The A40 trunk road running through Llandovery gives good access to other towns with Brecon only twenty miles to the east and Cardiff being within sixty miles. The M4 is within easy reach to the South.

“Llandovery has a railway station on the Heart of Wales line which links Shrewsbury to Swansea with connections on to the main line network. Llandovery benefits from a range of shopping facilities which includes a variety of shops, supermarket, post office, butchers, doctors surgery, public houses/restaurants, junior school and Llandovery College in the private sector.

The property has three reception rooms, grand entrance hallway, bedrooms, ancillary W.C’s and shower rooms, store rooms, boiler room, housemasters apartment with one bedroom on the ground floor.

On the first floor there are bedrooms,, dormitory rooms, W.C’s, bathrooms and shower rooms, housemaster’s apartment with three bedrooms. On the second floor there are a further eight bedrooms, ancillary bathrooms and W.C’s. Outside the grounds extend to  approximately 1.2acres, with several dilapidated outbuildings, parking area and gardens.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale, when this property will be offered for sale, starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 26 ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 28.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

City’s Angel pub sold and could now become flats

A Newport city centre pub in the heart of a traditional residential area of the city of Newport which called last orders for its regulars could now become flats.

Previously a popular two bar pub The Angel, in the trendy Baneswell district of the city and closed for a while, was sold at auction.

The property, close to the city centre, the train station and with good links to the M4, was listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £145,000-plus. The once popular watering hole attracted 44 bids from five bidders eventually selling for £181,000.

Debra Bisley, of  Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Located in the Newport city centre, within walking distance to Newport train station and local bus routes, this property would make an ideal investment.

“Previously a public house, the property has recently been granted planning in principle for four flats. The potential re use of the pub as flats certainly helped to increase interest in this property from bidders throughout the two-day sale.

“The planning application is comprised of two one bedroom flats, one two bedroom flat, and a studio apartment. However, there may be potential for the studio apartment to be a one bedroom flat, (subject to the relevant planning consent).

“Additionally, there is scope for the property to remain as a commercial building. Subject to the relevant planning permission this property could provide opportunity for a restaurant, public house or retail unit.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale, starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 26 ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 28.

www.pauldfoshauctions.com

Gwent house offers mountain view

A house with an apt name offers unrivalled views across the countryside surrounding the city of Newport

The family-sized bungalow, Mountain View, is at the top of Barrack Hill to the east of the city with wide-ranging views across the countryside and nearby mountains.

The detached property, in the Alltyryn region of the city  is being offered for sale by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions. The guide price has not been undisclosed.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This is a  detached, family sized bungalow with wonderful views. This spacious four bedroom bungalow offers generous accommodation and may offer scope to extend (subject to necessary planning consents). The property is accessed via a lane within a gated community and is ideally situated for access to Newport City Centre and the M4 Motorway.

“The property boasts many attractive features including an exposed stone breast fireplace with stove, fitted kitchen and bathroom, UPVC double glazing and gardens areas to front, side and rear with drive.

It has a spacious garden areas with wood store and parking space. The property is accessed via right of way through Penylan Farm from Allt-yr-yn Way.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions auction, when this property will be offered along with some seventy others, starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 21 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, June 23

www.pauldfoshauctions.com