Cardiff’s Cathedral Road is enjoying something of a
renaissance. Until quite recently, businesses were squatting in the properties,
forming some kind of strange walk-in business directory. But now the Victorian
avenue is reverting back to its original and natural purpose: city living.
And Magnolia, from award-winning niche property developer Loosemore Home, is
flowering quite nicely.
Loosemore Home’s young and optimistic outlook is breathing fresh life
into Cardiff's property market. Director David Loosemore is quick to point
out that his company is offering the city something that's exciting and different: "Being
a small and young company, we're able to adapt to market conditions. We've
created a number of minimalist urban developments recently, but after staying
in boutique hotels across the country, I was determined to capture the luxurious
surroundings in a residential setting."
As a result, Loosemore Home snapped up a Burgess-inspired Victorian villa in
Cardiff's Cathedral Road and set about restoring it to its former glory, albeit
with a stylish twist. "If you’ve ever been to a boutique hotel and
loved the stylish surroundings and acute attention to detail, then this is
for you,” says the brochure.
So. Check it out if you’re checking in - sculpted front gardens lead you
up to the grand lobby entrance, complete with grand chandelier, console table
and original mosaic flooring. What better way to impress your guests? In keeping
with the boutique hotel theme, each apartment is designed to a superior specification.
The development offers nine apartments, seven one bedroom and two three bedroom
signature homes. "The property boasts original cornicing and balustrades
and one of the signature homes benefits from a domed ceiling and atrium," says
Mr Loosemore. Certainly a grand statement if ever there was one.
The decor is beautifully boutique, all overseen by leading interior designer
David Hutton. The properties feature classic contemporary designs and luxurious
fittings. High ceilings are the order of the day too, but that doesn’t
mean that everything is all too old fashioned. Quite the contrary. Using the
latest technology and design, the kitchens come equipped with top of the range
appliances from Siemens (including of course, the wine cooler) while the hotel-inspired
bathrooms feature designer suites and walk-in power showers. All bathrooms come
with quality German-made fittings. Buyers can benefit from assisting in planning
the décor, which will keep the new guests more than happy.
The development is completely design led. “We believe that we have done
something rather special with this building. We’re building our reputation
through these types of projects, as well as stylish homes for people who live
there,” says Mr Loosemore. Parking, always at a premium in this part of
Cardiff, is not overlooked. There is secure parking for five out of the nine
apartments, and of course, the property comes with security in mind. The location
could not be more perfect; the city centre sits at one end of the tree-lined
avenue, and Pontcanna's pavement cafes and swanky restaurants at the other. The
area is a conservation area and Magnolia sits opposite the entrance to Bute Park.
Pontcanna-based Abode Estate Agents, sole agents for the development, are particularly
excited: "This is one of the finest buildings in the Cathedral Road conservation
area. It's a unique development for Cardiff in a prime location. This would have
been the home of an important member of society in Victorian times, judging by
the rather grand ballroom on the first floor," says Jeff Hopkins, Managing
Director. So if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, but for more than
a few nights, them Magnolia might just be the place for you.
Prices start at £150,000 and reach £375,000. For more information,
contact Abode on 029 2034 3499.
Bouti-ful living