Cardiff mansion built for department store founder for sale
According to the listing, the house's unusual entrance was a special request by Mr Howell, who wanted to allow the building to be split in two for future generations.
Both doors open into the same hallway, but a wall was built in the cellar so it could be extended upwards to divide the home.
Designed by Habershon & Fawckner architects, the building was granted Grade II listed status in 2002 by Cadw, the Welsh heritage body.
The listing notes: "The house, which was one of the grandest houses in Cardiff, was built for James Howell, the founder of Howell's department store."
After its time as a private residence, Mansion House was bought by Cardiff Corporation and served as the official home of the city's lord mayors until 1971.
The property has hosted a number of notable visitors, including King George V, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela.
It was also the preferred accommodation in the city for King Charles III during his time as Prince of Wales, according to the listing.
In recent years, the building has been used by Cardiff Council and is currently licensed for civil ceremonies and weddings.
Mansion House has also appeared in the television series Doctor Who.
The property is now up for sale, with offers invited for a freehold sale on an unconditional basis.
Savills' Ted Harding-Brown describes Mansion House as 'one of our city's most historically rich buildings' and suggests it could be converted for a range of uses, including a boutique hotel, nursery, health or education facility, or returned to use as a family home.
On the ground floor, period features remain, including the entrance hall leading to a dining room and drawing room.
There is a fully fitted kitchen and a reception room previously used for formal ceremonies.
The first floor includes the former lord mayor's suite with a linked bedroom, lounge, and drawing room.
Several bedrooms with en suites are located at the front of the house, with two additional wings at the rear.
One wing contains two en-suite bedrooms, while the other has three smaller rooms, including a kitchen.
The attic floor has eight rooms and two bathrooms, and the basement offers office space and storage.
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