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A former South Wales pub close to the heart of a south Wales city which once bustled with post office workers but was latterly shunted into the sidings, is up for auction.

The Royal Mail, in Mill Street, opposite  the mainline railway station in Newport, Gwent, was most recently converted to a coffee house. But although it  may have come to the end of the line as a pub it could well have a first class future.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, who are selling the property said: “The former public house is a substantial detached building that has in recent years been converted to provide an eight room House of Multiple Occupation(HMO).

“There is also a self-contained flat and the ground floor retail unit which most recently traded as a coffee shop. This space may well offer scope for alternative commercial uses or for change of use to residential, subject to necessary planning consents.

“The property is in a great location close to Newport city centre and just across the tracks from the railway station, which can be accessed by using a recently completed £10.5m footbridge linking Devon Place to Queensway, which has direct links to Cardiff and Bristol and London.

“The former pub is adjacent to a former Royal Mail building and latterly hi tech factory which has now  been converted into 55,000 sq ft modern office complex.”

Currently the HMO property offers an entrance, communal lounge with stairs to the first floor where there are the eight bedrooms and communal kitchen and bathrooms. There is a storage room, a rear yard and scope for parking

The Royal Mail pub, which is being offered at the next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale, which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 30 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, February 1, has a guide price of  £330,000-plus.

www.paulffoshauctions.com

A pair of aged corrugated sheet constructed houses in a former South Wales valleys mining village are being offered for sale at the princely sum of just 50p each.

The brace of battered bungalows, which are up for auction next month (December), are listed with a guide price of £1 the pair.

Perched on the valley side in a former industrial setting the twin, tattered, terraced buildings, 1-2 Bank Bungalows, Crumlin , near Blackwood, Gwent, could offer scope for development.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, says no internal inspections of the pair  of bungalows has been made due to their current condition.

Sean said: “The two tin bungalows are currently in a poor state of repair. However they do occupy an elevated position with views across the valley and do offer scope for improvement.

“The bungalows in their current state need some work but they may well be able to be renovated for AirBnB-type use or to be refurbished and rented out.

“Alternatively the plot of land that they are on may offer the possibility for alternative development such as the construction of a detached dwelling, subject, of course, to necessary planning consents.

“The village of Crumlin benefits from a range of local amenities and further shopping facilities are available in the nearby towns of Newbridge and Cwmbran, which is south on the A4042.

“Bungalow one is believed to contain an entrance, lounge, kitchen WC and two bedrooms while the second property has a lounge, bedroom and kitchen area. There is land to the sides, rear and front, with a parking area.

“The properties, listed with a guide price of £1, are to be sold with vacant possession.”

The Paul Fosh Auctions online sale, when the pair of bungalows along with some eighty other lots will be on offer, starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 12  and ends from 5pm on Thursday, December 14.

A magnificent Wye Valley country house once a private home, a rural retreat for underprivileged London children and currently an adventure centre, could be set for a new future.

Glasbury House, in the border village of Glasbury, Powys, in the Welsh Marches, which dates from the 1730’s when it was built for a private family, has been put up for sale.

Once owned by a London council to provide holidays for children from London, enlarged Grade II listed Glasbury House has most recently been the privately-owned River Wye Activity Centre.

The house, on the River Wye, was lived in by a succession of family members from 1738 until 1954. The property was acquired by Ilford Borough Council and the London Borough of Redbridge in 1963. It was the London Borough of Redbridge which converted the property into an outdoor activity centre.

Glasbury Outdoor Education Centre was run by Redbridge Council  for more than half a century to provide outdoor activities for more than 1,800 pupils a year from schools in London and surrounding areas.

But the centre was closed in 2015 after a council decided to cut funding and stood empty until April 2019 when it was bought and turned into the River Wye Activity Centre.

Offers are now invited for the sale of Glasbury House which is listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £1.2m.

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions who are handling the sale of the property, said: “Glasbury House, its grounds and facilities, in its unrivalled rural location is surely the ultimate location, right on the world renowned River Wye, for an outdoor activity centre. Everything you need is there; it would seem everything’s ready to go.

“There has already been stirrings of interest from prospective buyers in the property through word of mouth. I’m expecting great interest in Glasbury House for a number of reasons not the least of which being the growing demand for no fuss, eco friendly ‘staycation’ activity type holidays. Glasbury House would seem to be perfect to offer this type of multi-generational holiday.

“Glasbury House would also make a fabulous family home.

“Situated on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park), on the banks of the River Wye, Glasbury House is at the heart of the Wye Valley a popular location for river fishing, canoeing, kayaking and for walking in the Black Mountains.

“The site is located a short drive from the A438 which connects directly several historic English and Welsh towns with the cathedral city of Hereford. Additionally, it connects directly to the M5 at Ashchurch near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, providing access to Cardiff, Bristol and London.

“The nearest train station is found in Abergavenny and the M4 motorway is accessed at Newport and the M50 at Ross-on-Wye.

“The well-presented detached, Grade II listed period property built in the 18^th century is made up of a main building  of commercial kitchens, a dining room, lounge, games room, large toilet and shower block on the ground floor as well as toilets and sinks upstairs next to the bedrooms. The house is approached via a fine sweeping driveway, with a walled garden and with most attractive, mature grounds.

“As well as the main house, there is also a bunkhouse which sleeps up to 27 people. Originally a coach house and stables, the building was converted in the 70’s to self-catering accommodation. The building is briefly comprised of a commercial kitchen, a washroom containing five shower cubicles with two wc’s, and a drying room to the ground floor. On the first floor are five bunkhouse style rooms and bathroom.

A single storey extension was built in 2001 in architectural sympathy with the original coach house. This compliments the existing facility with a multi-purpose dining /common/ classroom, accessible toilet and wetroom and a further four WC’s and showers, conveniently split into two separate washrooms.

“Located within the grounds is a campsite that can sleep over  300 people. The campsite is a popular destination with families and kayakers during the summer months. A storage block, totalling  75.2sqm, is currently used as storage for outdoor activity equipment such as kayaks and guide ropes.

“The house is surrounded by six acres of grounds  which stretch down to the banks of the River Wye. The grounds include mature trees and a large vegetable patch, which make for a great place for all sorts of outdoor education and activities. The grounds are mostly comprised of laid lawn, but with a sweeping driveway, staff parking area, mature trees. There is also an attractive former walled garden, long stone walls and large garden shed. There is also access onto the river bank, locally known as The Bont.

“The site is currently being used as an education centre, providing accommodation and outdoor activates to school aged children. Additionally, there is a cafe and camping grounds on the site. Subject to the relevant consents this property may be suitable but is not limited to use as residential accommodation, a wedding venue or further development.

“For further information regarding the site please contact Paul Fosh Auctions as a number of additional documents can be supplied.”

Paul Fosh Auctions is inviting offers for the sale of Glasbury House based on a guide price of £1.2m.

Leading property auctioneer Paul Fosh claims strong demand for property persists across all sectors despite the effects of a recent ‘correction’ in the market.

Paul was commenting after the completion of the Paul Fosh Auctions November sale in which 100 properties were offered generating a total income of £5,818,940 with 58 per cent of lots offered, sold

Paul, owner of Newport, Gwent-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Our online November auction demonstrated once again that the property market remains as buoyant as ever. There is a strong demand for properties in all sectors but there is one key point that people should remember; there has been a correction in the market.

“On average we’d say that correction equates to about 10% but correctly priced properties are selling well. At our most recent auction (November 7-9) we had many cases of multiple buyers pushing sales prices way above expectations and two where the sale price was more than twice the guide price.

“One property guided at £95,000 selling for £191,000 and another in Ferndale guided at £45,000-plus and selling for £121,000. As always, though, the key is to guide and reserve the properties competitively to generate interest and attract buyers.

“Numbers of entries are still holding up well with 100 properties in the November sale and large numbers already coming in for our last sale of the year in December. The online catalogue for that sale to be held 14 December will be released on November 23.”

 

The top selling lots in the Paul Fosh Auctions November sale were:

 

Lot	Address	Result	Sale Price	Guide Price	Link
14	Hillside Farm, Broadstone, Trelleck, Monmouth, Gwent, NP25 4QF	Sold	£798,000	£750,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105649
26	63 Romilly Road (Block of 3 flats), Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF5 1FL	Sold Prior	£335,000	£385,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106101
13	41-42 Mariner Street, Swansea, SA1 5BA	Sold Prior	£230,000	£230,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106069
22 Sold for DOUBLE guide price	Plas Tirion, Tan Y Gopa, Abergele, Clwyd, LL22 8DS	Sold	£191,000	£95,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105747
42	48 Caerphilly Road, Bassaleg, Newport, Gwent, NP10 8LF	Sold	£185,000	£135,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105774
11   Sold for 1.5x guide price	17 The Ellipse, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Gwent, NP4 5AD	Sold	£170,000	£112,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106027
20	Flat 3, 11 & 12 St. Stephens Court, Pottery Terrace, Newport, NP20 2NX	Sold Prior	£170,000	£170,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106120
56	2 Osborne Place Poplars Road, Mardy, Abergavenny, Gwent, NP7 6LL	Sold Prior	£155,000	£140,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105888
5	1 Milner Street, Newport, Gwent, NP19 0GS	Sold	£148,000	£135,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105264

 

The top selling commercial lots were:

 

79	Former Court Hotel adjacent to, 215 Court Street, Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, CF40 1QG	Sold	£120,000	£90,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105907
60	46 Church Street, Abertillery, NP13 1DB	Sold	£88,000	£85,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106035
99   Sold for 219% of guide price	Garage To The Rear Of 298 Chepstow Road, Newport NP19 8NN	Sold	£17,500	£8,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/107660
3	Three Units & Two Storage Sheds & Container, Church Terrace, Nantymoel, Bridgend, CF32 7PE	Sold	£12,500	£0	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/105713
89	Ancient Historical Title Of The Lordship Of The Manor Of Trefnant	Sold	£1,950	£2,000	https://paulfosh.eigonlineauctions.com/lot/details/106162

Forget giving useful but boring socks or a flannel nightie for the man or woman in your life and instead go completely Arthurian this Christmas.

A unique opportunity to be able to dub your loved one, or to treat yourself to become,  Lady or Lord of the lake has emerged from the mysterious rippling waters of a lagoon near Trefnant, in Denbighshire, North Wales.

Girded with the ancient historical title of the lady or lordship of the manor of the lake you may well in future be able to stride, head high, through customs with the legendary title emblazoned  across your passport.

Arthurian legend buff Deborah Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is already sensing a stirring of interest among the reeds of the rambling Vale of Clwyd marshlands.

Traditionally the Lady of the Lake, also known or identified as Viviane or Nimuë, is an enchantress who lived in a castle beneath a lake surrounding the believed-mythical island of Avalon. According to legend, the Lady of the Lake she is most famous for giving Arthur the magical sword Excalibur, for fostering Sir Lancelot after his father’s death and for imprisoning Merlin in a tree.

Deborah said: “The manorial title we’re selling has really grabbed the imagination of many I’ve spoken to and who’ve enquired about owning it and what it means to be Lady of Lord of the Lake.

“There’s massive and growing interest in all things Arthurian. I can’t think of anything else that has such authenticity to it than being able to call yourself the actual Lady of the Lake.

“As well as being a rare opportunity to buy a Christmas present for the person who has everything this may well allow the owner to use the title Lord/Lady of the Lake after their name.

“The title could potentially be used on all official documentation including passport and other legal documentation.”

Deborah, warming to her subject, said: “It’s surely a must have for Christmas/Yule for any avid Arthurian sword hunter or esoteric enchantress looking to entice her man into the virtual magical waters in search of the Grail or Excalibur!”

And as if this title is not enough another, the Lord/ Lady of Trefnant, is also up for sale at the same Paul Fosh Auction.

Deborah, who is also charged with selling the second title said: “This is surely another must have for Christmas for any watery nymphs as the translation from the Welsh of the words Tref Nant mean Stream Town. If combined as Trefnant the English translation from the Welsh means organise or arrange.

“So perhaps the perfect gift for the manager in your life, or a PA perhaps, or you could buy this title to  compliment the other title up for sale so that the stream from your town can flow towards your Lake!”

The brace of lordship titles, which do not currently have auction guide prices, are included in a catalogue of some 94 varied lots which go up for sale from 12 noon on Tuesday, November 7 and end from 5pm on Thursday, November 9.

AN historic building which was once at the epicentre of South Wales fizzy pop distribution has sold at auction.

The full tenanted, three storey, former South Wales headquarters first of Thomas & Evans and latterly Corona and Beechams soft drinks is in the former coal mining town of Porth.

The mixed-use development has six retail units on the ground floor with a gym, boxing ring, sports bar and two residential flats, on the upper floors .

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This celebrated building, which we sold for the current owners after almost 40 years of ownership, is steeped in history.

“The fully tenanted property currently achieves an annual income of £39,507. So, based on the guide price of £225,000, this is a 17.56% yield. Ground floor retailers include an independent nail bar, tattooist, discount shop, butchers and therapist. Additionally there is national clothing retailer New Look.

“There was keen pre auction interest in the property which eventually sold for £291,000 after attracting 51 bids from six different bidders. The majority of tenants are long standing who have been on statutory periodic tenancy agreements for a number of years. The tenants have recently signed fixed term tenancies for their own security in anticipation of the sale.

“The property has been in the vendors family for approximately 38 years but the vendor is now selling as they wish to retire.

“Located in a prominent high street position the property is ideally situated on the main shopping thoroughfare in the town of Porth. The street stretches approximately 400 metres with an eclectic mix of retailers, cafes, hair salons and banks. The street benefits from plenty of footfall as well as free, one hour on street parking.”

The town of Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is some 15 miles north of Cardiff and the M4 motorway. The property is located within close proximity to local bus routes. Porth railway station is approximately a 10 minute walk away. The area is currently undertaking a regeneration programme which includes providing a transport hub for the town which aims to improve connectivity to the centre.

There was previous planning consent for four apartments and two bedsits but this has now lapsed. Grants may be available for this property for up to £2,000 per shop front  for renovations to improve the appearance of the street. Contact the local council for further information. There is also the possibility of grant funding for the conversion of the flats subject to planning permission.

Previous owner and vendor James Southgate says the top of the front of the imposing building reveals some of its history.

Mr Southgate said: “There are the initials T&E picked out in gold, and the date 1905. These initials refer to William Thomas and William Evans, both from Pembrokeshire. The pair produced bottled soft drinks which they distributed from their headquarters in Porth throughout South Wales under the name Thomas & Evans.

“The partnership was financed by William Thomas who lent £238 for the enterprise at the princely interest rate of 50 per cent.

“The property, 20-25 Hannah Street, Porth, was Thomas & Evans and Corona’s head office. The three upper floors were used as offices while the ground floor was used for shops.

“The pair of Pembrokeshire businessmen eventually sold out in the 1950s to Corona who were in turn bought up by Beechams.

“My family owned the property for near on 40 years. The building has a long history and means a lot to many people, especially locals, as it does to me and my family.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A simple garage in Downing Street has been snapped up at auction for an astonishing price.

But the single domestic car garage is unlikely to be of use to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as this one is in Newport’s Downing Street.

The garage, at 17 Downing Street, listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auction for sale with a guide price of just £1, attracted a flurry of bidders.

Sean Roper of Paul Fosh Auctions said: “There was red hot interest in the garage from the very start of the auction. Eventually the lot sold for £14,250 after attracting 60 bids from eight different bidders.

“The garage was  listed with a £1 guide price which effectively meant that anyone offering £100 could snap up this garage. Garages always seem to sell well in Newport and this one was no exception.

“The single unit is located to the rear of 17 Downing Street in Newport with access from Lloyd Street. It could well be ideal for those looking for storage of a vehicle, or parts or for general storage or the new owner might want to let the space out.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A 200-year-old former chapel once at the centre of the Welsh Revivalist movement has found a new owner to revive its fortunes after selling at auction.

Tucked away in the sleepy South Wales valleys village of Bedlinog, closed  Salem Chapel offers scope for a new life as a spacious home or outdoor recreation centre, subject to planning consent.

The detached, white washed the grade II listed chapel, which dates from 1830 and rebuilt in 1876, is presented for sale almost as it served its last worshippers.

Listed with a guide price of just £11,000, far less than the cost of a decent second hand car, the lot sold for £14,500 attracting 13 bids.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions said: “The towering former chapel is at the heart of the semi rural village. It is in desperate need of an uplift for it to attain its full potential.

“The chapel has a wealth of wooden fixtures and retains its pews and pulpit however there is clear evidence in parts, particularly in some areas of the ceiling and roofing,  that there is a need for some attention.

“The historic chapel, on the main road through the village, is in a  stunning location surrounded by some awesome countryside.

“It’s in a great location in the village and falls within the Cwm Felin designated  conservation area. The village itself is surrounded by a wealth of popular walks and cycling routes. The Rock UK Summit Centre is at Trelewis.

“There is an entrance foyer with stairs from it on both sides leading up to a seated gallery, pulpit and store room. Outside is a  graveyard to the front and access to the vestry.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

ARGUABLY the most famous potato of them all, although Supertato may argue differently, Mr Potato Head paid a personal visit to Chepstow days before the town’s inaugural Spudfest.

Welcomed by Chepstow Mayor, Cllr Margaret Griffiths and members of Chepstow Spudfest organising committee, the larger than life vegetable made a beeline for the town’s pebble sculpture.

The free to attend, Chepstow Spudfest, organised by Chepstow Town Council, is on Saturday, October 21 from 11 am to 5pm on the riverbank and in the Drill Hall.

Events at a third location, The Castle Dell, have been switched due to safety concerns.

Cllr. Griffiths said: “The organising committee were delighted to welcome Mr Potato Head to Chepstow and to show him the locations for Chepstow Spudfest and the Pebble sculpture. He doesn’t say much but seemed to be impressed. But he did urge people to get cracking and to enter the various competitions.

“Mr Potato Head has promised to join us at Chepstow Spudfest and is looking forward to meeting as many people as he can on the day, especially children and young people.”

Chepstow Town Clerk, Lucy Allen, commenting on switching from using the Castle Dell as a venue for the sports events Cllr Griffiths said: “There’s tree felling going on in the exact place where we’d planned to have the potato sack carrying races and some other events so, just to be on the safe side, we’ve switched locations We’re hopeful that we may be able to use the Castle Dell for the events next year.”

Ms Allen followed Mr Potato Head’s lead in urging those looking to enter the various competitions to get their entries in as soon as they can.

Groups and organisations within the town and any others with an interest and any spud-based ideas are urged to get involved in what it is hoped will become an annual festival.

Central to the celebration of all things potato is the pebble sculpture, unveiled in March this year on the River Wye in Chepstow, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the creation of Wales Coast Path.

The coast path, which attracts thousands of walkers and tourists to the town each year, starts and ends on the banks of the River Wye in Chepstow.

The pebble, which some say resembles a tin-foil covered baked potato, has grabbed the imagination of the people of Chepstow and visitors to the ancient walled town alike.

Cllr Griffiths, who is chair of the Chepstow Spud Fest Working Group, said: “Chepstow SpudFest is a perfect opportunity to build on the undeniable interest in the sculpture that has been generated since its unveiling on the river bank earlier this year. We hope that the spud fest will help to promote the town, its culture and attractions and will boost engagement with the community.”

Events at Chepstow SpudFest include competitions for the champion potato, potatoes resembling famous people and characters, photography and painting of potatoes, children’s artwork including, potato prints, potato people, collages of potatoes, cookery demonstration, potato sculpture, most imaginative use of a potato, craft Stalls, expert talks on potatoes, growing them, their uses and cultural significance, best home-grown potato competition, potato sack race, Chepstow potato trail, recitation of poems and stories about potatoes as well as a competitions and potato related music potato and spoon and sack races.

For more details about Chepstow SpudFest contact Chepstow Town Clerk Lucy Allen on 01291 626370 or email admin@chepstow.co.uk A Facebook group has been set up for SpudFest and is available here: facebook.com/groups/587091073400543

South Wales property and financial services business Harvey Bowes has signalled its intent for further growth with three key appointments.

The Newport, Gwent-based business, which recently launched Harvey Bowes Real Estate, is also heavily involved in a variety of building and regeneration projects in and around the city.

Local man Tim Webber, aged 56, has been appointed construction project manager as the entrepreneurial property business forges ahead with a raft of schemes in the Gwent city

Tom Evans, aged 32, from Newport takes the sales and lettings negotiator role while architecture graduate, Dominika Majer,  21, also from Newport, completes the signings.

Experienced business owner Tim said he’d Joined Harvey Bowes as ‘the role seemed like it would be an interesting challenge which is proving to be the case’.

Tom said he relishes the challenge presented by the new position. “I really enjoy building relationships and making new connections and engaging with new and existing people and clients. I was attracted by the vision that Harvey Bowes has for its real estate business. I’m looking forward to gaining experience from the wealth of expertise and knowledge that exist in the business.”

Dominika said: “As a recent graduate I am looking to gain experience in property and finance. Working with Harvey Bowes will allow me to gain valuable knowledge that I can use to build my career path and expand my connections. Arranging and planning events for the company will help me to develop my personal skills such as organisation, communication and time management.”

Harvey Bowes Managing Director, Howard Bowes, aged 46, a native of Newport, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to continue to attract the calibre of recruit that we have  to the business as we continue to grow. Harvey Bowes is at a key stage of its development with activity happening on a variety of fronts. I’m confident that Tim, Tom and Dominika are ready to make a important contributions to our journey.”

“Tim Webber has joined us to run our development projects for Harvey Bowes Real Estate, with exciting schemes such as our two grade II listed developments on Lower Dock Street,  Newport, one being the Drill Hall scheme, plus Tredegar Chambers.

“We are looking to bring 37 new apartments to Newport across these three developments. Tim will play a key role in helping to deliver these exciting projects.

“Tom has joined HBRE in the role of  sales and lettings negotiator. He’s already worked for Haarts and Hathways in the past and is a positive addition to the real estate team

“Dominika comes in as a  sales coordinator and to assist with customer service and the coordination of services.”

www.harveybowes.co.uk