Ambitious plans could see a former Second World War observation post transformed into a huge ultra-modern home. The post was built in the 1940s as part of the Bristol Channel defence system and has since been converted into a three-storey home which offers stunning views over the water.
But the building in St Mary's Well Bay near Sully could be transformed completely after a pre-planning application for a sustainable 'eco-home' was submitted. The architects behind the project said it would "deal sensitively with a site steeped in history," and hope it will add to the area's "rich tapestry".
The current property is on the market for offers in excess of £795,000. Marketed by Cowbridge estate agents Herbert R Thomas, it is listed on Rightmove as a "uniquely converted WW2 observation post with accommodation set over three floors with a magnificent top floor glass balcony".
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The listing adds that the building - known as The Block House - is "ideally located in a semi-rural setting" with "exceptional elevated coastal views", whilst also being convenient for nearby Sully and Penarth. You can get the latest Welsh property news and trends by signing up to our newsletter.
It continues: "A favourable pre-planning application [has been] submitted to reposition and build a spectacular modern home making the most of the elevated coastal position. The pre-application scheme would allow for an innovative, three storey eco house with approximate floor area of 434 square metres plus large garage."
On the ground floor, the current property has a double bedroom, dressing room and fitted shower room, as well as a ceramic tiled hallway with a pot belly wood burning fire. On the first floor, there is a fitted kitchen and dining room, while the top floor has a large living room/ studio room with another wood burning fire and windows to a decked glass balcony offering a "spectacular view of the Bristol Channel."
Adjoining agricultural land as well as gardens adjacent to the Block House is also included in the listing, meaning the property is set in approximately 1.76 acres. The property also has a gated driveway and parking area, while the site is "partly lawned and lightly wooded".
However, the property could be transformed beyond recognition after Cardiff-based architects Benjamin Hale proposed a sustainable home to be built on the site, which will borrow from elements of the area's history. The firm have received a positive pre-application response from Vale of Glamorgan council, but still require planning consent to be granted.
A post about the project on the Benjamin Hale website reads: "Located on an exposed headland overlooking the Bristol Channel in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales this project deals sensitively with a site steeped in history. Moving from the Bronze age through to the arrival of the Romans, Vikings and WWII billeted soldiers observing the Channel this plot has been inhabited for millennia. Our proposal is one addition in this rich tapestry of history.
"We have proposed a sustainable home, rooted in the landscape hugging a rocky outcrop surrounded by Scots pine planted by the 3rd Marquis of Bute who owned the surrounding land and farm," it adds. "The character of this project is defined by a combination of a series of brick volumes differing in heights.
"Grass roofs and larch cladding face north whilst a series of terraces and balconies face the sea. The internal spaces are separated into living and sleeping and arranged around a central tower which borrows from the scale of a demolished WWII block house."
A pre-application response was received from Vale of Glamorgan council in December 2021 and was "generally positive". It concluded: "Subject to the comments set out above, and if in line with the suggested comments made, I see no reason why the proposal could not meet the requirements of policy MD12 [regarding dwellings in the countryside]. The importance is that policy MD12 can be satisfied and if so, it is likely the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the wider rural character of the area".
More information can be found by contacting Herbert R Thomas, Cowbridge, on 01446 377029
