From the outside, this red-brick Edwardian beauty on a sought-after road in Penarth appears to be a typical period home. But step inside, and you are transported to a different era entirely. The interior is a pristine time capsule of 1960s and 1970s design, with touches of 1930s style and original Edwardian features still intact.
A Rare Find for Retro Enthusiasts
This five-bedroom, three-storey house on Westbourne Road is a dream for lovers of authentic mid-century décor. The property has been lovingly maintained, with original wallpaper, light fittings, and even bedroom furniture from the era. The brown kitchen and classic avocado bathroom are standout examples of the period. For those who adore retro style, this home is a treasure trove.
However, if a new owner prefers a different aesthetic, the kitchen and bathroom could be sold to collectors rather than discarded. These genuine pieces are becoming increasingly scarce in such good condition. Meanwhile, the Edwardian elements—such as fancy ceiling plasterwork, quarry tiles in the dining room, picture rails, and deep skirtings—offer a chance to restore the house to its original character.
Property Details and Location
Penarth is a popular seaside town with a pebble beach, Art Deco pier, and a high street full of independent shops and eateries. It also offers excellent schools and a commutable distance to Cardiff. Westbourne Road is a standout location, with average house prices of £757,500 over the past year, compared to the Welsh average of £211,000. This five-bedroom home is listed at £650,000, making it a good buy despite likely needing updates to plumbing and electrics.
Interior Highlights
The front room is a visual feast, blending Edwardian ceiling plasterwork, coving, and picture rails with a 1930s fireplace and 1960s/1970s carpet and curtain pelmet. The second reception room flows to the rear courtyard through patio doors, offering ample light and potential. A third reception room, likely the original kitchen, features quarry tiles.
The retro kitchen is intact and in excellent condition, with a lobby and separate toilet that could be reworked for better garden access. Upstairs, bedrooms feature bold floral wallpaper and built-in cupboards that could be stripped back to natural wood. The family bathroom is pure avocado, including tiles and flooring.
Upper Floors and Potential
The house boasts five bedrooms plus a first-floor study. The loft space is bursting with potential, and the top floor could be redesigned into a stunning principal suite with dressing area, walk-in wardrobe, and ensuite. The rear garden, though in need of landscaping, offers private off-road parking—a valuable addition for busy families.
For more information, contact estate agents David Baker, Penarth, at 029 2070 2622. This home is a rare opportunity to own a piece of mid-century history in a sought-after location.
