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BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Penarth: Derelict Victorian hotel on most-endangered list
A Grade II listed hotel has been placed on a list of the 10 most endangered buildings in the Hotel in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, dated back to about 1865 as part of the Mercantile Marine Offices and played a central role in the town's industrial, maritime, and social the surrounding area's transformation into a thriving marina and past proposals for redevelopment, the hotel remains derelict. Now on sale for £2.25m, the Victorian Society, which compiled the list, said it may be the "final opportunity to restore a vital piece of Penarth's maritime and architectural heritage". Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society, also expressed disbelief that the "handsome hotel" in a "posh and sought-after" area still awaits restoration. He said the "elegant" building was a valuable heritage asset in need of care. According to Mr Jones, Penarth's rise as a prosperous Victorian town began with the construction of its docks in 1865, which also helped it thrive as a seaside resort. Built at the same time, Marine Hotel served dock workers, tourists, and likely Allied forces during World War since the early 1980s, the once-grand Grade II listed building has remained derelict for over 40 years as previous redevelopment plans, including a £6m boutique hotel scheme, have failed to materialise. James Hughes, Director of the Victorian Society, said Marine Hotel is an "irreplaceable link to Penarth's proud dockside past". "After four decades of decay, this sale is a last chance to bring the building back from the brink and give it the future it deserves," he said.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Wales Online
Landmark former hotel 'most at risk' building in Wales
Landmark former hotel 'most at risk' building in Wales The Victorian Society have released their most endangered buildings of 2025 and this semi-derelict former beauty is on it Marine Building, former Marine Hotel at the end of Penarth Marina (Image: Richard Swingler ) One of Wales' most historic buildings listed has been added to The Victorian Society's "most at risk" buildings register for 2025. The former Marine Building also known as the Marine Hotel, which is Cadw listed is located in a prime position overlooking Cardiff Bay and adjacent to the barrage lock gates, at the very end of Penarth Marina. Every year the heritage preservation society produces a list of the buildings in England and Wales it considers most in need of rescuing, chosen because they are at high risk of being demolished, falling into disrepair or suffering significant damage. The Marine Hotel has been rightly added to the list as it is an extremely run down state. It has lain empty for over 40 years and is now in serious need of attention. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Stunning designer home with incredible sea views and a brilliant surprise in the garden YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The 18-year epic renovation project by Griff Rhys Jones that turned a derelict farm into dream properties Article continues below Dating back to around 1865 and boasting a grand French-renaissance style façade possibly designed by architect Samuel Dobson. The building was awarded its Grade II listed status by Cadw in 1986 for its group value with the next door Custom House. With the construction of Penarth docks from 1865, Penarth flourished not only as a centre for coal exportation but as a popular and genteel Victorian seaside town, resulting in numerous grand buildings appearing including the Marine Hotel and Customs Office, which formed part of the Mercantile Marine Offices. Redevelopment of Penarth docks began in the 1980s (Image: Seabreeze Homes, Penarth ) Likely constructed by the Taff Vale Railway - its monogram is still visible - the Marine Hotel was among several grand establishments serving both dock workers and tourists and included the Esplanade Hotel, Royal Hotel, Washington Hotel, Glendale, and Lansdowne. The building is said to have played a pivotal role in the town's industrial and social history and likely served in WWII when the docks became an American naval base supporting the D-Day landings. The building went on to be used as apartments and offices during its later use. But while the disused dock was redeveloped from 1987 into Penarth Marina boasting docks, moorings and homes, the Marine Building remained empty and now, decades later, is only home to foliage, birds and wildlife, with numerous floors collapsing as a result of the state of the roof - all of which can be seen just be strolling past it. The rundown building is owned by the family who own and operate The Custom House restaurant next door (Image: Google street view ) In 2001 the Marine Building was acquired by Cardiff restaurateur the late Martin Martinez who owned the adjoining Custom House and restaurant. In 2015 WalesOnline reported that the family had submitted restoration plans worth £6m to Vale of Glamorgan Council in a bid to transform the empty building, creating a boutique hotel with 55 four-star rooms and a 100-seater cafeteria-wine bar overlooking the marina. Nataniel Martinez, Director of The Custom House, commented at the time: "Now the plan is to develop the adjoining site. With planning permission due to expire in 2017 we would work to commence in 2016 but at the moment we require extra funding which we hope will be in place by then. The development will take two years and be completed by 2018." Read more of that 2015 article here. At that time Vale of Glamorgan County Council had granted planning for the building to be including a rear extension and retaining the historic façade and a catch up of progress in 2023 saw both sides of the story keen for the building to be saved but with funding the main challenge. The building has been empty for over 40 years and for sale for four with E J Hales for £2,250,000 (Image: Mirrorpix ) A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said at the time the local authority was "keen to get the building back into use" and officers had been working with the owners towards that aim. But fast forward to 2025 and there's only one change to the façade - the addition of a for sale sign because the building has been on the market for over four years and is currently for sale with E J Hales for £2,250,000 with a member of staff telling WalesOnline there had been "little interest" so far. Now The Victorian Society has added its voice to the call to save the historic building as it deteriorates further. Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society President said: "What? In posh and sought-after Penarth? This handsome hotel seeks care and attention? After failed schemes and stop- start suggestions, buildings do start to look tired, and developers start looking for excuses, but some enterprise must surely recognise the value in this elegant building and its amenities. Griff Rhys Jones, president of The Victorian Society, in Pembrokeshire where he has restored and saved a hamlet of historic buildings (Image: Griff Rhys Jones ) "A classic case of added value in the heritage building itself, with history and glamour thrown in. We are pleased to help advertise its availability for a sensitive restoration to its former glory." James Hughes, director at The Victorian Society, said: "The Marine Hotel is an irreplaceable link to Penarth's proud dockside past. After four decades of decay, this sale is a last chance to bring the building back from the brink and give it the future it deserves." Griff adds an extra layer of reasons why buildings, such as the Marine Hotel should be saved for everyone's benefit. He says: "I also think that it's really important for people to realise putting up a new building is a hugely carbon dense operation and recycling our rubbish, putting things into five different bags and boxes, is at the top of our every day agenda, it should be at the top of the agenda in buildings too. "It's not about the past, it is entirely about the future. We don't want generations to come to say 'what happened to that beautiful building or town?' - we want to make our towns and cities places worthwhile to visit, to be in, to live in - that's the future and saving buildings like Marine Hotel is at the core of it. "Of course it is about investment but it's investment for the future, so what I'd also say is the more that we can say as a group the more is achieved, so I'd say j oin The Victorian Society, join your local amenities society - we particularly need more young people expressing their beliefs in the qualities of the character of these heritage buildings because it gives it a voice for the future, one that can't be ignored by politicians as a voice that doesn't count." The Victorian Society's Top 10 Endangered Buildings 2025 Marine Hotel, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan Bosworth Park Water Tower, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire Torquay Pavilion, Torquay, Devon Birley Spa, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield 33 – 39 St James Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk Former Methodist Central Hall, Corporation St, Birmingham Gibson Street Baths, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Aldermaston Court, Aldermaston, Berkshire Edgerton Cemetery Chapel, Huddersfield Gwalia Villa, West Derby, Liverpool The Victorian Society is not the only heritage charity keen to see the Marine Building be rescued and restored, as it is also currently featured on the Save Britain's Heritage website. Liz Fuller, buildings at risk officer, told WalesOnline in December 2024 that the charity is also trying to raise the building's profile because it is "incredibly important and worthwhile". She said: "Even in its currently dilapidated state Penarth's Marine Building has unmistakable architectural elegance and drama. Buildings of this history, quality, and design give places identity and interest for both locals and visitors alike. Their sensitive and imaginative rescue has the potential to spark exponential benefits, restoring to use an important element of the community's history and bringing new visitors and new revenue to the area." For more homes and property television stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Article continues below Find your own property, maybe even a big renovation project, for sale here:
IOL News
21-05-2025
- IOL News
Remembering Durban's grand Marine Hotel: A lost landmark with a bay view
And artist's drawing of the Marine Hotel shortly after its construction in 1902. Image: Supplied The old picture this week was sent to us by keen Then & Now follower Peter Sharland from Hillcrest. It is a limited edition print (No 100) of Durban's gracious Marine Hotel that was drawn many years ago, the artist not known. Sharland remembers his grandmother lived at the hotel for seventeen years from 1947 to 1963. 'We visited her from Lusaka every three years,' he says. The famed hotel was built at the bottom of what was the Gardiner Street, today Dorothy Nyembe, with sweeping views over the bay. On the other corner stood the more modest Twines Hotel, which opened in 1902 while the Marine was still being built. The Hotel soon became regarded as Durban's top hotel. The site of the office tower The Marine today. Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Newspapers The 1932 survey picture from eThekwini shows the bayshore at Gardiner Street with the Marine Hotel on the righthand corner. The Gardiner Street Jetty in the foreground was later often used to land flying boat passengers. The statue of Dick King was right in front of the hotel. Today considerable reclamation has been made to the bayshore. The hotel was demolished in 1972. A 1932 survey photograph of Durban showing the Marine Hotel Image: eThekwini Municipality In its seventy year history it played host among many other eminent people, including the Prince of Wales in 1923, Prince George in 1934 and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1954. The lifting of the siege of Mafekeng was celebrated in the hotel and a framed copy of the dinner menu in the reception area revealed that the dishes on offer had included Kruger Marrow Bones on Toast [Paul Kruger being President of the Transvaal at the time]. A number of permanent residents had to seek other accommodation when the Marine was closed including Mrs Leslie Leuchards who had lived there in a suite for 50 years and had always dined at table number 13. Mrs Leuchards then moved to the Royal Hotel. The modern multi-storey office tower, called The Marine, stands on the site today.
Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Former Highland care home designed by 'The Traitors' architect on sale
A grand Highland estate designed by the architect behind The Traitors' iconic castle has come up for sale – offering the chance to own a piece of history just a 15-minute drive from the show's dramatic filming location. Newmore House, located near Alness in Ross-shire, was designed by Alexander Ross, the mastermind behind Ardross Castle, now the stunning backdrop for the hit reality series. With the celebrity edition of The Traitors just wrapped, Ross's grand Highland designs are in the spotlight, and estate agent Macleod & MacCallum is keen to flag the connection. Set in four acres of garden, the property was built circa 1875, using stone from the ruins of an old castle, 400 yards down the road. It contains over 12 bedrooms, six bathrooms, and nine public rooms. Formerly used as a mental health care home, and most recently as a private residence, agents say it has strong potential to be developed into a hotel or country retreat. Still retaining much of its original character, agents say it is in need of modernisation. 'Viewing is highly recommended for anyone with vision who can fully appreciate the potential this property has to offer and the truly enviable location,' said Janette Dillon of Macleod & MacCallum. Meanwhile, for anyone looking to buy a hotel in turnkey condition, the well-established Heathmount Hotel in Inverness has been listed for sale, at £1.4 million. The eight-bedroom boutique hotel in the city's upmarket west end has been extensively refurbished by owner Gillian Newton in recent years. Agents Graham and Sibbald say the sale is down to her decision to retire. The three-storey hotel features a popular bar and restaurant, known for serving traditional Scottish cuisine. A significant amount of investment has gone into the property, including a glass extension, a new kitchen and an extensive terrace with outdoor heaters and a TV. 'From a business perspective, Heathmount Hotel offers a great opportunity to run a lifestyle business in the thriving tourist area of the Highlands,' adds agent Peter Seymour. 'The property already benefits from a stellar reputation and a loyal customer base, attracting visitors from near and far throughout the year.' Overlooking the Moray Firth Coast, the two-star Marine Hotel in Buckie is also on the market. Owners are seeking offers over £300,000 for the 16-bedroom property, and report a turnover in excess of that sum for the year ending March 2023. It reports strong food and beverage sales, with accommodation income coming mainly from workers in the oil and fishing sector. Located at Marine Place, the hotel includes a reception, bar, 40-person restaurant and a function room that can accommodate up to 80 people. Outside, there is a good-sized beer garden. Agents Graham and Sibbald say the hotel is ideally located for tourists visiting for distillery tours, golf, and sea trips offered by Buckie's local harbour. 'The sale of the Marine Hotel provides the opportunity for a new owner to acquire a lovely hotel in a popular coastal destination' adds the agent. 'There is potential to develop the business by making improvements to the hotel to attract new tourist trade.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
'Thug' who rained punches on prone pubgoer jailed
A man who walked away from an unconscious pubgoer after repeatedly punching him in the face as he lay on the floor has been jailed for two years and two months. Darren Barrow, 39, was seen having words with the man in the Marine Hotel in Peel on 30 December before the two men got into a fight outside. Douglas Courthouse heard witnesses saw Barrow knock him to the ground before continuing to hit him in the face for another 15 seconds. Deemster Graeme Cook said Barrow's behaviour was "thuggery at its worst". The court heard Barrow had been drinking in the pub on Peel Promenade at about 22:30 GMT before he approached the other man. A witness said she had seen the two men have a verbal argument in the pub before later spotting them fighting outside. Barrow left the scene after onlookers pulled him away from his unconscious victim, and an ambulance was called. The court heard the man suffered a broken nose and fractured eye socket in the assault. Barrow was arrested by police the following day and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors told the court that, at the time of the December incident, Barrow was on probation for assaulting the same man in January 2024. Deemster Cook said the type of behaviour displayed by Barrow on streets around the island was making some places "unsafe". The Isle of Man could "do without complete thuggery", he added. Barrow was also given a restraining order which bans him from contacting or approaching the man he had twice assaulted. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Isle of Man Courts of Justice
