A historic Welsh lifeboat station which is up for sale has made quite an impression on those looking for a bit of a change of scenery and a move near, or should that be above, the sea. The Old Lifeboat Station in Mumbles, near Swansea, is on the market as “residential use only”, but its setting and availability is so unique that it doesn’t have a guide price.
The listed building sits at the end of Mumbles Pier, which has been part of the Swansea Bay landscape for more than 120 years. The red and white lifeboat station itself was built in 1934 and was in use until 2015. To get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free, click here.
While the property does have planning permission for refurbishment and adaptation of the existing building into a restaurant, its sale is contingent on the property being used for residential purposes only, something which opens up an exciting opportunity for whoever wants to take it on. You can read more about the former lifeboat station and the details of its sale here.
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The news has sparked quite a reaction, suggesting the building could be attracting a lot of interest from potential buyers.
Karen Moretto said on social media: “Can you imagine waking up to that amazing view! Plus breathing in that healthy sea air every day.” Sarah Mitchell said it would be “my dream to be surrounded by the sea”, while Phil Pardell said buying the building would represent a “stunning project”. Alison Jones said: “God, you would have to be very rich to buy that but lovely place to live in the Mumbles - stunning views.”
Lindy Kowalski had a different take on the potential future of the building, saying that it would “make a lovely bar and restaurant", a view shared by Elsbeth Edwards who said: "It would make a lovely restaurant or holiday accommodation if no-one wants to live in it." You can read more stories about Mumbles here.
Others had some misgivings about living above water, with Chris Thomas saying: “The noise of the seagulls roosting underneath would drive you to distraction! Their squawking and screeching are ear deafening!”
Bu Gordon said: “I think I would have such anxiety during a really fierce storm! I remember watching the show when they built it out and thinking - one person’s dream is another person’s heart attack!", while Brian Pugh said: ”I wouldn’t like to have to pay the maintenance costs. Can’t see any painters wanting to paint the outside!” Read here about how Mumbles Pier has secured £1.85m for major new developments.
Dawn Watkins said: “I would love it but it needs to be preserved as it's a bit of history of Mumbles so it should not be turned into a home.” This sentiment was shared by Margaret Prichard who said: “They can’t sell it, it’s a historical building and should be maintained as one.” Others were put off by certain practical issues that the building’s location would present. Lisa Williams joked “wouldn’t like to carry my shopping over to it”, while Travis Montain quipped: “All very good until you fancy a Chinese and they won’t deliver.”
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