Pembrokeshire home with Fishguard Bay views snapped up at auction

THE awesome Fishguard Bay views may have sealed it for the for the buyer of a detached Pembrokeshire house which sold at auction.

Rawcliffe, a substantial detached seaside house with harbour views to die for and room in the large garden to create a luxury new build sold for £165,000.

Although the  solid three bedroom home needs a fair bit of TLC to bring it back to its former glory it’s believed the breathtaking views sold it to the new owner.

And there is always the prospect, subject to achieving consent,  of  creating a fabulous new build in the extensive adjacent land.

Sat in its own grounds with garden to the front, side and rear and with a garage, Rawcliffe, on Glanymor Road, Goodwick, was sold by Newport, Gwent-based Paul Fosh Auctions at its online December sale.

The guide price was £150,000-plus.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “There was a far bit of interest in this property ahead of the online auction. The fabulous views of Fishguard Bay, straight from the front of Rawcliffe, were surely worth the guide price alone. This awesome house will make a magical detached family home once it’s refurbished.

“The prospect of being able to build on the large adjoining plot, subject to obtaining planning permission, makes this a compelling property for those looking for a large slice of west Wales life and among the best maritime locations Pembrokeshire has to offer.”

Rawcliffe has an entrance porch, living room, breakfast room and breakfast kitchen on the ground floor with three bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online auction starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 and ends from 5 pm on Thursday, February 2.

Investors may be tempted to take a dip in this Art Deco auction property

A significant part of arguably one of the most iconic building in Newport may tempt investors to dip their toe in the property market when it comes up for auction later this month.

The unmistakeable sea blue painted, Art Deco style terraced house attached to now closed Grade II listed Maindee Baths, is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

The three bedroom property, with a guide price of £139,000-plus,  will be sold with vacant possession as the current tenant, who pays £700 pcm, moves out on January 1, 2023.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Historic Maindee Baths, is surely one of the most recognisable buildings in Newport. The property we’re offering is the terraced house attached to the former baths building, it’s even painted in the same eye-catching blue.

“The property, at 1 Victoria Road, Maindee, provides lounge, dining room, kitchen, wc, bathroom and three bedrooms. There are gardens to the front and rear  with shed and door to leading to front. The property is to be sold with tenant in situ with a current rental of £700 pcm.

“The former Maindee Baths is an Art Deco building. The disused, empty swimming pool has been used for location shots in the BBC TV series Being Human. There are good commuter links via Newport train station and the M4.”

The property is being offered at the Paul Fosh Auctions online sale, which starts  at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 13 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, December 15.

Looking for a change of direction in 2023? How about buying a smallholding in West Wales?

CAN there be a better way to start the new year than as the owner of an idyllic small holding in bucolic West Wales?

Rural Tredomen, in Esgardawe, close to  bustling Llandeilo, in Carmarthen, may well present that perfect life-changing opportunity for 2023.

The alluring smallholding offers a two/three bedroom cottage tucked into a manageable 4.1 acres of land nestled in a stunning wooded valley. On the ground floor is an entrance hall, living room, bedroom three or study, kitchen/dining room, utility and bathroom, The two further bedrooms are on the first floor.

The property is approached via drive leading to the traditional farmyard with farmhouse and surrounding outbuildings. A cowshed offers excellent potential to provide further accommodation subject to obtaining planning permission for conversion.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the gem, said: “There is no doubt that Tredomen offers a rare chance to acquire a wonderful smallholding in an outstanding location amid trees and rolling Dyfed countryside.

“Listed with a guide price of £350,000-plus it offers a really exciting package. Along with the cowshed there is further scope offered with a detached coach house and barn which would be ideal for people wanting to create a further income from a tourism-based use, subject to necessary planning consents.

“The smallholding is nestled in a stunning wooded valley with surrounding rolling countryside and has approximately 4.1 acres of land.

“The land is to the rear of the property and can be accessed immediately to the rear of the farmhouse or via the adjoining lane, this would be ideal for equestrian, livestock or keeping for conservation purposes. There is also a small area for growing vegetable and fruit.

“It’s an ideal location for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city or town life yet offers the convenience of the proximity of the bustling market towns of Lampeter, which is  just 4.5 miles to the north and Llandeilo, lying approximately 14.6 miles to the south.”

Tredomen is being offered by Paul Fosh Auctions in its online sale which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 13 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, December 15.

Chancellor’s Autumn Budget prioritises stability, growth and public services

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Autumn Budget 2022 on Thursday 17 November. Mr Hunt outlined his plans at a time of significant economic challenge for the UK and the global economy as he attempts to fill the black hole in the government’s finances says Newport-based Kymin Financial Planners Managing Director Robin Hall.

Mr Hall, commenting after the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his Autumn statement, said the Chancellor’s priorities are stability, growth, and public services, and he is providing “fair solutions” despite taking “difficult decisions.”

Economic stability, Mr Hunt announced, relies on fiscal sustainability – and the Autumn Statement sets out the government’s plan to ensure that national debt falls as a proportion of the economy over the medium term.

By reducing debt servicing costs and leaving more money to invest in public services, supporting the Bank of England’s action to control inflation, and giving businesses the stability and confidence they need to invest and grow in the UK, Mr Hunt said this is a “very balanced package,” insisting that decisions were made in a “fair way.”

The chancellor says the government’s approach to delivering fiscal sustainability is underpinned by fairness, with those on the highest incomes and making the highest profits paying a larger share. The UK minimum wage for people aged over 23 will increase from £9.50 to £10.42 an hour and the income tax additional rate threshold will reduce from £150,000 to £125,140, increasing taxes for those on higher incomes.

Income tax, national insurance and inheritance tax thresholds will be maintained at their current levels for a further two years, to April 2028. The government will also reduce the Dividend Allowance to £1,000 from April 2023 and then to £500 from April 2024 along with the annual exempt allowance for capital gains tax which will be cut from £12,300 to £6,000 from April 2023 and to £3,000 from April 2024.

The chancellor announced that businesses must also pay their fair share. The Autumn Statement fixes the National Insurance Secondary Threshold at £9,100 until April 2028. Reforms have also been set out to ensure businesses in the energy sector that are making extraordinary profits contribute more. The Energy Profits Levy will be increased by 10 percentage points to 35% and extended to the end of March 2028.

Scheduled public spending will be maintained until 2025 but then grow more slowly than previously expected, in England, the NHS budget will increase by £3.3bn a year for the next two years, and spending on schools by £2.3bn. Defence spending will be maintained at 2% of national income – a NATO target.

There is a raft of cost-of-living support measures, including the energy price guarantee which will be kept for a further 12 months at a higher average of £3,000 for a typical household up from the £2,5000 at present. The Pension Triple Lock is to be upheld and set to rise in line with September’s inflation rate of £10.1%, meaning that the weekly payment will increase from £185.15 to £203.85 from April 2023.

Other measures included electric vehicles paying road tax for the first time from April 2025 and the lifetime cap on social care costs in England that were due in October 2023, will be delayed by two years.

Mr Hunt commented that the Autumn Statement balanced revenue raising and spending restraint whilst protecting vital public services. He said the Autumn Statement confirms that total departmental spending will grow in real terms at 3.7% a year on average over the current Spending Review period.

For further information on how the Autumn Budget will affect your finances contact us today on 01633 840000 or email info@kymin.co.uk

Auction sale of former Gwent medical centre is just what the doctor ordered

A former South Wales health clinic sold for almost twice its guide price at auction.

The modern, two storey, brick-built building in Maendy Square, Pontnewydd, near Cwmbran, was sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions for £215,000. It had a guide price of  £120,000.

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “There was loads of interest in the former clinic which is currently set out for its previous use as a health clinic on the ground floor with offices above.

“In all there were six bidders who lodged a total of 44 bids over the two days of the online sale before it finally went to the fourth of the six competing to secure this prime property.

“The rear of the former medical centre there is an enclosed space. To the front there are parking spaces for at least two cars. Additionally there is a public car park to the rear.

“There are electric roller shutters on the main front door and on the front windows. It is located on the intersection of Maendy Wood Rise and Heol Y Pwca in the highly sought after area of Cwmbran close to local amenities and transport routes. The area is primarily residential with a number of local shops to the rear.

“This property is currently classified as ‘health centre and premises’, with the current rateable value being £8,700.”

Auction bidders are converted by charm of 17th century Gwent chapel

AN historic stone built two storey semi detached chapel dating from the early 1700’s in the countryside but close to Caerphilly town centre sold at auction.

Bijou Watford Chapel, on Watford Road, Caerphilly, was sold by Paul Fosh Auctions after a flurry of bids from a total of four bidders.

Originally constructed in the 17th century and extended towards the end of the 18th century the property, listed with a guided price of £87,000-plus sold for £135,000.

Gemma Vaughan, of Newport-based  Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “There was sustained interest ahead of the two day online sale which converted to a total of 44 bids over the span of the auction.

“Those interested were fascinated by the  solid, compact former chapel under a timber-framed roof with Welsh slate overlay as it appears almost exactly as it was left as last visited by its congregation.

“The chapel, which subject to permissions could make a lovely home or  home/office, is made up of an entrance vestibule with solid, timber-panelled doors leading straight into the semi-detached property. The staircase leads off the vestibule which leads up to the gallery.

“Further benefits from the chapel, which is next to the A469 Watford Road and just a short drive to the town centre with good links to the A470 and M4, is a car park adjacent to the chapel which provides parking for five to six vehicles.”

Leading South Wales law firm creates two new partners

Established Cwmbran solicitors, Rubin Lewis O’Brien, are delighted to announce the promotion of two solicitors to Partner of the firm.

Patrick Howarth, 39, is Head of Litigation and Andrew Williams-Jones, 37, is the Head of Property.

Patrick, who lives in Cardiff with his fiancée and young daughter, said: “Being invited to become a partner of the firm is the proudest moment of my career to date. I joined Rubin Lewis O’Brien in February 2017 and to have progressed to the level of partner here in that time is something about which I feel immensely proud.

“I have always felt at home with the firm, and I am grateful that I have been afforded this opportunity. I look forward to continuing my career here and to further develop and expand the firm’s litigation practice.”

Away from the office Patrick plays drums and guitar, which he has also taught, and enjoys football.

Andrew lives in Pontypridd with his wife and two children. He joined the firm in April 2018.

Andrew said: “Being invited to be a partner at this firm is a proud moment for me. When I joined the firm, I was aware that there was a reputation for investing in and developing its staff and assisting them in progressing their careers. I am pleased that my work here has been recognised and that I have been given this fantastic opportunity to continue to build on the success of our property department.”

Outside of work Andrew is coach to a women’s football team in Pontypridd.

Managing Partner of Rubin Lewis O’Brien, Damian Lines, said “Everyone in the firm recognises the hard work and dedication that both Patrick and Andrew have shown in their work for their clients.

“They are knowledgeable and professional, and it is clear to clients and colleagues alike that they care deeply about what they do. We are delighted to appoint these two solicitors as Partners of the firm and look forward to seeing the contribution that they will undoubtedly make to the future of Rubin Lewis O’Brien.”

Rubin Lewis O’Brien was established in 1966 and after over half a century still provides high-quality legal advice to the local community and beyond.

www.rlo.law

Former Gwent bed and breakfast hotel transformed into a luxury modern nine bedroom home sells at auction

A trio of bidders competed to secure the keys to a rambling detached nine bedroom house in a Gwent village when it went up for auction.

The substantial former bed and breakfast property, in Argoed, close to the bustling town of Blackwood, has been transformed from top to bottom under its most recent owners.

Angie Davey, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The new owners, successful at the auction, have bagged a whole lot of property for their money.

“The modern accommodation stretches over three floors and includes nine bedrooms, six with en-suite facilities, two kitchens, several cloakrooms/shower/bathrooms, five/six reception rooms, laundry room, four hobby/office rooms, two store rooms and cellar room.

“In addition the property benefits from parking and a large rear lawned garden. The property having previously been a Bed & Breakfast investment and was changed to superb calibre residential use by the current owner.

“This substantial detached house, tastefully transformed into a spacious luxury home, is situated only minutes from Blackwood High Street and has excellent road links, offering versatility and an investment potential.

“On the ground floor is the lounge, kitchen/dining room, shower room, cloakroom, multipurpose room, games room, TV room, laundry room, on the  first floor is a kitchen, lounge, two wcs, two shower rooms, bathroom, four hobby rooms/offices, store room, and two of the bedrooms, on the second floor there are even further bedrooms,  six of which are en-suites and a  store room.

“There is parking for approximately four cars at the side of the building, there’s a patio area, large rear lawned garden and a spacious cellar with external access.

The property, Meadow View, High Street, Argoed, was listed with a guide price of  £250,000 and sold after a three way bidding tussle for £270,000 to an undisclosed buyer.

The property was previously the  Sirhowy Arms Hotel where, in November, 2014, 22-year-old Cerys Yemm was murdered by Matthew Williams, who also died at the scene after being tasered by police officers.

Block of modern Newport city flats go up for auction

A block of nine flats in the Pill area of the city of Newport have come on the market.

The flats, at 50 Alexandra Road, and which are all occupied and returning a combined annual rental income of £42,000, are being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This presents an excellent opportunity for an investor to buy a substantial block of nine self-contained flats. There are six, one bedroom flats and the rest are two bedroom self-contained flats across the three floors of the building. There is gas central heating and also two small courtyard areas.

“Each flat is to be sold with tenant, on an assured short hold tenancy agreement, in situ. Total rental income for the entire block is £42,000 per annum, with potential for yearly rent increases on every flat.

“The area of Pill provides a good selection of shops and cafes while the main town of Newport with its railway station is a short distance away as is the Royal Gwent Hospital. There are excellent commuter links via the M4.”

The block of flats, which is listed with a guide price of £351,000-plus, is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions in its online sale which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 8 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, November 10.