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Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Wales Online
Former stargazing observatory in stunning part of Wales is going to auction
Former stargazing observatory in stunning part of Wales is going to auction If you want a stunning location and a unique property, this place can deliver Definitely one of a kind property hiding somewhere in the Wye Valley (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Property auctions have become well-known for selling some of Wales' most unusual homes, buildings and land but surely not many can compete with this house going under the hammer that comes with an unexpected bonus. The detached property in Monmouthshire, situated in a stunning historic rural setting and described as 'out of this world', is set to go under the hammer. The former observatory in Trellech village, once frequented by astronomers and sky-watchers, has been grounded by its current owners. This unique dwelling, which in the past lured stargazers worldwide to scan its clear skies for distant celestial bodies, has now been transformed into an ultra-luxurious abode that impresses from every angle. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. According to website BBC sky at night magazine in an article written by journalist Jon Powell in 2017 about his visit to the observatory in 1990, the observatory was under construction at the time. How the building looked when it was an observatory before it was converted into a home (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) It was considered to be in a perfect spot for stargazing, located about 1,000 feet above sea levels and enjoying amazing views of the Wye Valley as well as the Black Mountains in the Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons national park mountain range, now both certified International Dark Sky Reserves. Article continues below Comes with about three acres of land (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) At the time of construction the building's primary objective was to provide a 'not-for-profit observatory with access for all interested in the night sky' including school trips. According to Jon Powell, the observatory showpiece comprised a 6-metre observatory dome housing a telescope as well as a camera obscura, which 'allowed an image of the surrounding countryside to be projected onto a circular table allowing many to see the spectacle all at once'. Entrance still has the observatory 'welcome' visitor sign (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) The article goes on to state that the project at Trellech moved to Knighton, Powys and developed into The Spaceguard Centre. But back in Trellech in the present day, the former observatory has been wholly converted into a spacious five-bedroom, four bathroom home that is now going to auction. Gemma Vaughan, from Paul Fosh Auctions who are handling the sale, commented: "The observatory is truly out of this world in terms of space, accommodation and luxurious finish to its rooms and its rural setting. The former observatory room is now a games room with a normal ceiling (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) "The interior space of not just one but two dwellings is complemented by the simply superb grounds which have been meticulously cultivated over recent years into a quite awesome and remarkable expanse of outdoor space. "The former observatory can only now be recognised as its former use by a sign, which has been retained on an inside wall, and the former observation cupola which has been converted into a comfortable lounge. The lounge is a unique shape too (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) "The observatory, as a whole, offers extensive living accommodation all set in some three acres of fabulous gardens, lawns and woodland in the sought after location of Trellech, in the heart of rural Monmouthshire." Due to its configuration, which is a horseshoe-type shape, the property could be used as two separate dwellings. In total the observatory currently offers five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two ensuites, two kitchens and two sizable reception rooms and a central courtyard. There are three storage sheds and a carport. Plenty of character in the kitchen diner (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Gemma goes on to say that the observatory, located within the famous Wye Valley National Landscape, has feature fireplaces and a wood burning stove, benefits from double glazing, oil fired central heating, three outbuildings and a carport and if that's still not enough, there is also further off-road parking for several vehicles. Outside, the home sits within about three acres of gorgeous gardens and grounds enveloped in nature that includes woodland and a paddock that allows the observatory to become your own smallholding offering a home for animals, birds and pets too and, of course, a clear and mesmerising view up to the starry night sky. Article continues below Five bedrooms and four bathrooms inside this spacious home that is still a perfect place to gaze up at the night sky (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) The property is roughly five miles from Monmouth, known for its excellent schools, boutique shops and eateries as well as boasting the river Wye as a neighbour - a popular spot with residents and tourists for enjoying a myriad of outdoor activities on land and water including canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, riding and rowing. The Observatory, near Trellech, Monmouthshire is up for sale with a guide price of £660,000-plus with bidding opening at noon on Tuesday, May 20 and ending 17:36 on Thursday, May 22, call 01633 254044 to find out more. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax Day: Deadline extended for Georgians until May 1
The Brief The IRS has extended the tax deadline for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene until May 1. The state has done the same for 2024 individual tax returns. Residents can also file extensions after this period. With the deadline getting closer, experts are warning Georgians to keep an eye out for scammers claiming to be the IRS. Tax Day is here, but some Georgians may not need to rush to make sure their returns are turned in by midnight. The Internal Revenue Service says residents in the state affected by last year's Hurricane Helene have a few more weeks to file. What we know The agency says the deadline was extended after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a disaster declaration following the deadly storms in September. Taxpayers affected by the disaster will have until May 1 to file and make any tax payments. The new filing deadline applies to: Individuals and businesses that have a 2024 return normally due during March or April 2025. Individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2023 return due to run out on Oct. 15, 2024. The IRS noted, however, that because tax payments related to these 2023 returns were due on April 15, 2024, those payments are not eligible for this relief. Calendar-year corporations whose 2023 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2024. The extension also included any affected taxpayers whose previous due dates were postponed until February 2025 due to Hurricane Debby. The state of Georgia has also extended its tax deadline for 2024 individual returns as well. Georgia's not the only state to get this extension. Some taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia may also have their deadline extended. If you need more time to file, you can request it using the IRS's Form 4868. Dig deeper With the deadline approaching, tax and cybersecurity experts are warning Georgians that scammers are trying to pose as representatives of the IRS to swindle people out of their hard-earned money. One of the most common ways is to text, email or call their victims claiming that they're from the IRS. They may offer an easy way to file, and then threaten you by saying if you don't use their link you'll be punished. Or, if you've already filed, they'll tell you your return is ready, and send you a bad link to view it. Jon Powell, CPA and partner at Moore Colson, says that the IRS will never send a link through email or via text. He says the best thing to do if you feel something may be fishy is to go directly to the source. "If I get a text from the IRS, right, I'm going to the I'm going to look and see if there's a form reference that I can look up, and I'm just going to call them and be like, 'Hey, I got a notice. Is this really you?'" Powell explained. "And they're to go, 'No, it was not us, because we would contact you via the U.S. mail, via letter, and we would have given you a notice number.'" For more information on tax scams to watch out for, click here. The Source Information for this story came from a release by the IRS and previous FOX 5 reporting.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia tax deadline extended; How to avoid scammers
The Brief The tax filing deadline in Georgia is approaching, and scammers are exploiting this pressure to target individuals. Scammers often impersonate the IRS via text, email, or phone calls, offering fraudulent links and threatening penalties. Remember: The IRS will never send links via email or text, nor demand or threaten over the phone; legitimate contact is via U.S. mail. Verify any suspicious communication by visiting and using official contact methods, not the number provided by scammers. Georgia residents have an extended deadline until May 1 to file taxes due to Hurricane Helene. The deadline to file taxes in Georgia is coming up quickly. Scammers are hoping the added pressure will make you more vulnerable. What they're saying Jon Powell is a tax expert and partner at Atlanta Accounting Firm Moore Colson. He says there are a lot of ways scammers can try to use tax filing to get to swindle people out of their hard-earned money. One of the most common ways is to text, email or call their victims claiming that they're from the IRS. They may offer an easy way to file, and then threaten you by saying if you don't use their link you'll be punished. Or, if you've already filed, they'll tell you your return is ready, and send you a bad link to view it. Powell says to remember that the IRS will never send a link via email or text. If they call, they'll never demand anything from you or threaten you. The best thing to do if you feel something may be fishy is to go directly to the source. "If I get a text from the IRS, right, I'm going to the I'm going to look and see if there's a form reference that I can look up, and I'm just going to call them and be like, 'Hey, I got a notice. Is this really you?'" Powell explained. "And they're to go, 'No, it was not us, because we would contact you via the U.S. mail, via letter, and we would have given you a notice number.'" What you can do If you haven't received a letter from the IRS, chances are that any communication via text or email is fraudulent. What's important to note is that when you're calling to verify, do not use the number that called or texted you. Look up the verified number of the IRS on their government website. Never click any of the links sent to you. Remember, thanks to Hurricane Helene, Georgia residents have until May 1 to file taxes, not April 15. Read more about the extension. The Source This information has been confirmed by tax experts interviewed by FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Eric Mock. Supporting documentation was found on
