Nestled a few miles north of the centre of Merthyr Tydfil, near Pontsarn Viaduct, stands a very peculiar house — for the area, at least. Attached to what appears to be an ordinary Victorian-style home is a tall turreted structure akin to what you would expect to find built along the Sardinian coastline, rather than in a Valleys town.
With its two decorative towers, arched doorways and romantic balconies all protected by a Welsh-slate roof, you can’t help but stop and stare in amazement as you wonder who built it and why. Unsurprisingly, the building’s story is just as magical and mysterious as its exterior. Legend has it that a previous owner added the extension in 1912 as a token of admiration for his Italian sweetheart. However, the tale ended in heartbreak and unrequited love.
