Some people fancy the idea of living in a historic manor house but not everyone has a big budget to satisfy the dream mansion desire - for buying it and then for running it, with maintenance and energy bills surely added to the yearly outlay.
The answer for this scenario for house hunters with the urge to own a slice of property history but not gorge on the whole cake is a home within a converted manor house, and over the last few decades the choice has become more widespread as developers change one huge house into a collection of unique homes.
One of the most unique and popular due to its commutable location to Cardiff is the former manor house at Talygarn, south of the M4 at Pontyclun and nestled within the glorious Rhondda Cynon Taf countryside.
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The manor house site is literally littered with listings on the Cadw website, including garden benches, stone walls, balustrades and a sundial in the beautiful grounds, as well as the manor itself - it is such an important site within the Welsh property historic landscape, as well as being nestled within an idyllic landscape.
The house was mainly built between 1879 and 1882 for the industrialist and one of the most foremost public figures in the area, G T Clark. The original house on the site purchased by Clark included a large library and great hall.
The listing states that further additions were subsequently made to the house, including a billiard room in 1894. Clark's son Godfrey made further alterations and additions in the 20th century including the extension of the south east wing to join a previously detached water tower.
In 1922 the house was sold by G T Clark's grandson for the sum of £20,000 and became a convalescent home for injured miners, and eventually a rehabilitation centre within the National Health Service.
The house externally is described as 'free Gothic' but the interior of the house is sumptuously fitted out and, in contrast to the Gothic exterior, is mainly in early Renaissance style, with Clark opting for a high end, expensive finish by employing craftsmen from numerous Italian workshops working mainly to his drawings.
The property secured the rarer listing level of Grade II* in 1981 as 'one of the leading industrialists and historians of late 19th century south Wales. Talygarn is also exceptional for the opulence of its internal fixtures and fittings'.
The manor was renovated and converted into 26 houses and apartments by Cowbridge Developments, part-funded with a £5m injection from the South Wales Corporate Banking Centre of the Co-operative Bank in Cardiff, with the project completed in 2008.
The refurbished manor retains many original features including the fireplace in the chapel hall, carved panelling and sphinxes in the drawing room, and the great staircase carved in wood from Venice, most of which have been incorporated into the communal areas of the property for all residents and visitors to enjoy.
But one of these original features that remains for private enjoyment only is one of the most eye-catching rooms of the original clock tower, which is now on the market as a private home at this site of unique and amazing homes.
In the sitting room, look up and marvel at the artwork and intricate wood carvings that adorn the ceiling in this unique space within this amazing four-storey home.
But that's not the only special element of this wonderful three bedroom house that sprawls upwards, and partially sideways too, across four floors because at the very top of the tower is an amazing castellated roof terrace that is a truly unique place to call part of your home.
What a place to enjoy a morning coffee accompanied by birdsong with views across the communal, landscaped gardens, or to watch the sunset with a nightcap, and a place to feel like you are the true lord or lady of this manor, even if you only own a part of it.
The home is much more spacious inside than the thoughts of a tall tower might initially conjure up - with the ground floor spreading sideways to create a study, cloakroom and spacious and sociable kitchen diner lounge that is not actually even in the tower. This generous space is surely the heart of the home, flooded with light and presumably laughter and chat.
For a separate but still special setting, wander through the connecting study area and you are into the base of the tower and the sitting room with the special feature above you - there may not be a roaring fire in here, but the original and breath-taking ceiling makes up for it.
Up to the first floor and here there are two bedrooms with an ensuite each waiting to offer you even better views of the garden and rolling countryside beyond, as well as light and spacious slumber zones to happily lay your head each night.
Both of these bedrooms also have a handy built-in storage cupboard and the larger of the two has a dressing area too. This more spacious bedroom suite has an intriguing spiral staircase in the corner that is a surprise but is definitely worth the circular climb.
Spiralling upwards gets you to bedroom number three and maybe not everyone's cup of tea to have to get to the final room via another bedroom, but this house is a versatile creature so maybe the ground floor, separate sitting room could be a bedroom and this top floor room could become a wonderful lounge.
The higher level at the top of the tower certainly lends itself to a reception room, with the best views of the stunning scenery, at least from the inside, thanks to its elevated position. The spiral staircase continues and gets you, via a cute wood-panelled porch, out onto the roof terrace - the crowning glory of this magnificent home within its majestic setting, certainly worthy of any lord or lady.
The Clock Tower at Talygarn Manor is on the market for £399, 950 with HRT estate agents, call their Cowbridge branch on 01446 772911 to find out more. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, auction properties, renovation stories, and interiors - join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter, sent to your inbox twice a week.
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