2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Joanne Ridout)
Think you're good at DIY and fancy putting your skills to the test? This massive Georgian mansion called Penrhos is looking a little sad these days but is surely one of Wales most exciting property opportunities - it's ripe for a renovation but might be best left to an experienced renovator with vision and a healthy budget. The new owner who is lucky enough to bag this once beautiful home when it goes to online auction with a guide price of just £400,000, will have to be a cash buyer too - it is not mortgageable because it requires extensive work inside and out. If you can save Penrhos from its further slide into dereliction you are inheriting a slice of technology and communications history as well as a slice of property heritage because it was once owned by Sir William Preece.
For more property, renovation and interior design stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here . READ MORE: One man’s mission to turn an old nunnery into homes with virtually zero energy bills YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This colourful Welsh home is so gorgeous it had to be shown on TV According to website History Points, Preece was born in Caernaerfon in 1834 and became a leading name within the telecoms industry. He began as an engineer at the Electric Telegraph Company and helped Michael Faraday with experiments.
Later, his work for the London & South Western Railway included developing a safety system for single-track lines which prevented more than one train occupying a track section at the same time. From 1870 he was involved in the telegraph system of the General Post Office (GPO) and in 1877 was one of the first people to bring a telephone in to the UK, only a year after Alexander Graham Bell patented the device in the USA. It was at this time, as GPO engineer-in-chief, that Sir William encouraged the younger engineer Marconi to develop his telecommunication ideas and supported him with GPO facilities.
Preece was also president of several professional bodies, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and one of Penrhos' former owners. Preece lived at this former Georgian gem in the last two years of his life before he died in 1913, and he surely would be distressed to see the property looking so rundown? But its sorry state does create an exciting opportunity for someone to revive this formerly impressive country home and bring it back to its former grand glory. The grounds that surround the home total around 7.
26 acres and includes mature trees and lawns and a sweeping driveway awaits you, once you pass through the historic stone columned entrance gateway watched by two stone carved lions. The three-storey, eight-bed property has oodles of parking and obvious potential for a variety of uses, subject to planning permission, how about a truly unique family home, a boutique hotel, or an apartment complex so many people can enjoy its history and location? The site already has occupants living in the converted outbuildings which includes a home for the new owner to use as they bring the massive mansion back to life - so no leaky, cold caravan to add to the renovation story at this site. The location is another major selling point of this unique property proposition, with the house nestled into the landscape on the outskirts of the village of Caeathro with the majestic Eryri National Park mountains, including Y Wyddfa Snowdon peak, as the forever breathtaking backdrop.
The coastline of north Wales, Cardigan Bay and the Llyn Peninsula are all close by if a day at the seaside is preferred to diving into outdoor activities in the national park. For shopping, socialising and every day amenities and facilities the historic town of Caernarfon, including its impressive castle, is literally just up the road. Penrhos is going to online auction from 10am on Wednesday 27th November 2024 with a six week completion clause, with First For Auctions for a guide price of £400,000.
Pre-registration is required and the sale comes with added fees and legal requirements, call 01344 753120 to find out more. Viewings of this incredible and unique property are via Leaders Sales, Chester, call 01244 349999 to find out more. If you buy this Georgian house make Preece proud, become an important part of its unique history by bringing his former beautiful home back to life, so it lives at least another few centuries as a happy and much-loved abode.
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