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Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature Five fabulous homes have been the most popular online, from a castle to a London mega mansion to a wonderful Welsh abode - with something quite unexpected in one of the rooms Rightmove's most viewed home so far in 2025 is in Wales (Image: Rightmove ) So many people enjoy rummaging around looking at unusual and dream homes on the numerous online property portals - even if they're not interested in finding a new place to live. Rightmove, the UK's largest property platform, has revealed five of the most viewed homes in Great Britain so far this year and a historic gem in Wales has hit the number one spot as the most popular home to have an online tour around. Rightmove says of this amazing Welsh house in Conwy, north Wales that has grabbed the number one spot: 'One of the standout properties this year features a truly unique bathroom centrepiece, a stiletto-shaped bathtub. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This is Wales' best place to live in 2025 Years of careful restoration has ensured this historic house will thrive through the next century (Image: Rightmove ) Article continues below This intriguing Grade II listed residence, situated within the walled section of Conwy town, is just a short walk from the impressive castle and historic quayside. Described by estate agents Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno, as a most fascinating and intriguing Grade II* Listed residence, it appears that visitors to Rightmove in the first six months of 2025 agreed. The original single-storey house was dendrochronologically dated to the winter of 1441-42, and since then it has retained its overall 16th century form with 18th century additions and alteration. Each room is packed with historic character (Image: Rightmove ) The house was listed by Cadw in 1950 'as one of the few surviving pre-Georgian buildings in the town centre, retaining its overall C16 form with C18 addition and alteration, and for its group value within the historical townscape'. The listing states that the house as seen today is predominantly dated 1589 and built by John Birchdall, vicar of Conwy 1569-1607 and his initials, and those of his wife, Elizabeth, are on a stone tablet within the property. But, step back in time 17 years and the house did not look like the dream home it is today - between 2008 and 2015, the property was completely and comprehensively gutted and renovated with full Listed Building and planning consents by the present owner. On the market with Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno for £875,000 (Image: Rightmove ) The sympathetic and careful revival of this important Welsh slice of history was a substantial undertaking and the result is a breathtaking home that combines restored history with modern additions. Of course, the addition of a bath the shape of a stiletto shoe would have grabbed people's imagination but it is the revival of this historic gem so that it doesn't just survive but thrives long into the future that's the most important element of the home that should be its most celebrated aspect. Mesmerising bathroom with stiletto shoe shaped bath (Image: Rightmove ) Complementing the interior is a gem of a walled garden located to the rear, a welcome surprise considering its central position within the town. The furthest boundary wall is in fact a section of original town wall whereby wide steps lead up to its uppermost section from where there are superb views of Conwy quay and estuary with its numerous sailing vessels with the outline of Deganwy Vardre 'Castle' on the far shoreline. The garden is integrated into Conwy's ancient town walls (Image: Rightmove ) Within the garden is an attached former bakehouse outbuilding which functions today as a garage, having a high-pitched ceiling and original inglenook fireplace plus toilet facilities. Inside, the house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, a kitchen and oodles of amazing character thanks to the diligence and care afforded to it by the current owner. A restored historic church in Bradford priced £1,395,000 on the market with Bronte Estates (Image: rightmove ) Also amongst the most viewed properties on Rightmove so far this year is a restored St. Paul's church built in 1846, located in the village of Denholme. This Grade II listed building has open plan living, arched windows, a spiral staircase, and the original bell tower. And there is a magnificent country estate, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At its heart lies a historic 14th-century Grade I listed castle and an East Wing that has successfully operated as a wedding venue. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here A historic haven in the Yorkshire Dales near Ripley for sale for £21,000,000 with Carter Jonas (Image: rightmove ) Situated on a secluded plot in the heart of Caldy, is a luxurious modern mega-mansion which spans over 12,000 square feet and offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a leisure complex and also caught the eye of people online dreaming about living like a footballer or celebrity in this high value area of The Wirral. A luxurious modern mega-mansion in Caldy priced £4,500,000 on the market with Bradshaw Farnham & Lea (Image: rightmove ) A striking stucco-fronted home, unfolding across five floors and measuring 21,659 square feet is another most viewed property on Rightmove this year. Set in the heart of St. John's Wood on the prestigious Avenue Road, the property features interior design by the internationally renowned David Linley, characterised by its Art Deco finish. Art deco elegance in St. John's Wood, London one of the most expensive houses for sale priced £59,950,000 and on with Sotheby's (Image: rightmove ) Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: 'From a stiletto-shaped bathtub abode in Conwy to a restored historic church in Bradford, this year's most viewed homes so far on Rightmove highlight the unique charm and diversity of the UK housing market. "With the UK's largest choice of homes, there's a home to meet any unique requirement on Rightmove, from historic estates to modern mega-mansions. It's no wonder that home seekers spent over 16.4 billion minutes on our platform last year, exploring these incredible properties' Find your a property for sale with a lush bathroom too: Article continues below
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Inside 13 stunning seaside homes by the sea that you can't live in permanently
Inside 13 stunning seaside homes by the sea that you can't live in permanently The mixed-use development has been built on the site of an old hotel by the sea The development of detached houses, apartments, and a dormer bungalow and mews house (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) A range of properties, built on the site of a former hotel on the Isle of Anglesey, have been launched onto the market. The 13 homes with sea views have taken the place of the old Bull Bay Hotel, a village establishment that served locals and tourists for more than a century before shutting its doors in 2017. The three-year project was carried out by south Manchester-based ah2 Developments in collaboration with local contractors DU Construction. But the £4.5m development in Porth Llechog (Bull Bay) has sparked debate due to the decision to restrict the use of the 13 properties to holiday lets or second homes. In a region grappling with a housing crisis, where locals find it difficult to purchase homes in their own communities, the announcement of the Porth Llechog holiday homes provoked outrage on the island. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: 'I turn shipping containers into homes and hotels. My latest one is my most unusual yet' YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This Welsh town is 'most affordable' for families to buy a home View from the balcony (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) Article continues below Properties started being released last year and the mixed-use development is now fully completed. It includes a variety of detached houses, a dormer bungalow, mews house, and apartments. One house has already been sold and five other units are currently being rented out through short-stay operator Birch Stays with high occupancy rates predicted for the summer season, reports NorthWalesLive. Due to the properties being designated as holiday residences and not permanent dwellings they are exempt from Anglesey Council's second-home council tax premium. One of the holiday homes available to buy (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) The local council previously stated that the planning permission was granted under specific policies aimed at managing tourism, explaining that residential properties were not feasible on the site as it wasn't allocated for permanent housing in the current local development plan. However holiday lets were considered "akin" to the site's previous incarnation as a hotel, according to the council. "We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved here," ah2 Developments have stated, adding: "From the build quality to the views this is a unique offering on the island. The pricing, finish, and location have created strong demand both from buyers and those looking to invest in high-performing holiday lets." The upside-down layout with the living area upstairs makes the most of the views (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) Estate agent Dafydd Hardy is marketing the remaining seven units with prices starting from £275,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse flat and reaching up to £425,000 for a three-bedroom detached house. Also on offer are a two-bedroom maisonette priced at £329,950 and a three-bedroom bungalow for £395,000. Thanks to the former hotel's elevated position the estate agent states the new development offers "exceptional sea and coastal views" and adds: "In a location that's as dramatic as you'd like this remarkable setting is just a stone's throw from the sea and the beautifully rugged Bull Bay. For those who haven't ventured to this corner of Anglesey you'll find the scenery quite mesmerising." The properties come with contemporary kitchen on the first floor (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) The properties have been intentionally designed with an open-plan layout to create a "light and airy feel". The interiors boast a contemporary style featuring "handless kitchens" and residents benefit from shared parking and access to garden or patio spaces. Each apartment is equipped with air source heat pumps for hot water and wi-fi controlled electric heating, adding modern convenience to the living experience. The location is particularly attractive to holidaymakers due to its easy walking distance to the coast, ideal for leisurely strolls and fishing activities. Golf enthusiasts will be thrilled with the local 18-hole course, according to the estate agent, where "its superb views means playing golf will never be the same again". In the houses, the bedrooms are on the ground floor (Image: ah2 Developments/Dafydd Hardy ) Birch Stays manages five of these units as luxury holiday rentals with initial performance data suggesting "high investor returns". Rates for a night's stay in one of the first-floor apartments begin at £200 for up to four guests with peak season prices reaching as high as £536 per night. Initial plans to convert the former Bull Bay Hotel were revealed in 2020 and received approval two years later. However during the commencement of works the building was deemed unsafe and an "immediate danger to the general public", leading to its demolition. New development proposals were subsequently greenlit under delegated powers in February 2023. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Find your own property for sale anywhere in Wales: Article continues below
North Wales Live
18-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
First look inside stunning seaside properties that caused such a furore in North Wales
A variety of properties built on the site of a former Anglesey hotel have been released onto the market. The £4.5m development, in Porth Llechog (Bull Bay) is contentious because of the occupancy conditions attached. The 13 sea-view homes have replaced the village's old Bull Bay Hotel, which had entertained visitors and locals for more than a century before closing in 2017. South Manchester-based ah2 Developments delivered the three-year scheme in partnership with local contractors DU Construction. Controversially, the 13 properties can only be used as holiday lets or second homes. In an area grappling with a housing crisis, where local people struggle to buy homes in their local communities, the Porth Llechog holiday homes caused uproar on the island when they were announced. Properties began to be released last year but the mixed-use development is now complete, comprising a selection of detached houses, a dorma bungalow, mews house and apartments. One house has been sold already and five other units are currently being let through short-stay operator Birch Stays, with high occupancy rates forecast for the summer season. As the homes are designated as holiday residences, and cannot be used as permanent dwellings, they are exempt from Anglesey Council's second-home council tax premium. Previously, the local authority said planning was agreed under separate policies designed to manage tourism. It said residential properties would not have been possible as the site was not designated for permanent housing under the existing Local Development Plan. Holiday lets, however, were 'akin' to the site's former use as a hotel, said the council. 'We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved here,' said ah2 Developments. "From the build quality to the views, this is a unique offering on the island." 'The pricing, finish and location have created strong demand, both from buyers and those looking to invest in high-performing holiday lets.' Selling agent Dafydd Hardy is now marketing the remaining seven units. Prices range from £275,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse bedroom flat up to £425,000 for a three-bedroom detached house. Also available is a two-bedroom maisonette (£329,950) and a three-bedroom bungalow (£395,000). Given the old hotel's elevated position, in Wales' most northerly village, the agents said the new development provides 'exceptional sea and coastal views'. They said: 'In a location that's as dramatic as you'd like, this remarkable setting is just a stone's throw from the sea and the beautifully rugged Bull Bay. 'For those who haven't ventured to this corner of Anglesey, you'll find the scenery quite mesmerising.' The properties have deliberately designed open-plan to give them a 'light and airy feel'. Interiors are contemporary with 'handless (sic) kitchens', and the apartments come with a communal parking and garden/patio areas. Air source heat pump provide hot water and in the apartments there are wi-fi controlled electric heating. Adding to the scheme's appeal for holidaymakers, said the agents, is easy walking access to the shoreline for walks and fishing. For those looking to play at the local 18-hole, 'its superb views means playing golf will never be the same again'. Birch Stays currently operates five of the units as luxury lets, with early performance data indicating 'high investor returns'. Nightly stays at its first-floor apartments start from £200 for up to four guests. In peak season, prices rise up to £536 per night. Conversion plans for the closed Bull Bay Hotel were first unveiled in 2020, and these were approved two years later. However, once work had begun, the building was found to be unsafe, posing an 'immediate danger to the general public', causing it to demolished. New development plans were subsequently approved under delegated powers in February 2023. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
