A couple who transformed a dilapidated Tudor mansion into a thriving bed and breakfast have put the property on the market for £1.5 million, admitting the upkeep has become too demanding. Adrian Cole, 68, and Christine Tallon, 62, originally from Bexley, south-east London, left their legal careers behind to purchase the 500-year-old Y Fan mansion in Caerphilly, south Wales, in 2016.
A Ruin with Potential
The Grade II-listed building, which dates back to 1529, had been abandoned and was in a severe state of disrepair. Mould, mushrooms, rusted radiators, crumbling plaster, and rotting beams were among the issues the couple faced. Despite the daunting condition, they saw the potential and embarked on an extensive renovation. They removed all the old plaster, replaced walls and ceilings, and installed new heating, electrics, and plumbing. The couple even endured a winter without heating while working on the property.
Adrian recalled, "It was a gauntlet thrown down. Photos don't do justice for how bad it was. Every bit of plaster was damp, and as a result the house was wet and filthy. There was mould. In one of the rooms there was a mushroom the size of a plate growing in the corner." Christine added, "It was a mess. Everything that could leak did leak. The surveyor's report we had was like a book, and at the end of it the final sentence was 'this is not a project for the faint hearted.'"
From Ruin to Boutique B&B
The couple did much of the work themselves, despite limited DIY experience, taking courses in lime pointing and dry stone wall building. They renovated the 6,000 sq ft home in two halves, living in one section while tearing apart the other. The garden was cleared of brambles, and the exterior render was removed to reveal the original brick. After years of hard work, the boutique bed and breakfast finally opened in May 2021, delayed by the pandemic. Since then, they have hosted over 7,000 afternoon teas and built a successful business.
Christine said, "We love living in it, and it has got a lovely, homely feel to it. But it would be nice to have more of a relaxing work-life balance again. We are not getting any younger so I think it is time to hand it over to somebody who has got the energy."
A Bittersweet Decision
The couple acknowledged that running a B&B was more demanding than anticipated. "We were probably fairly naïve on what hard work that is. It is a massive commitment and you have to be on call all the time," Christine explained. Despite the challenges, they take pride in their restoration. "It still has a very historic feel just in modern times," she added. The property is now listed with Fine & Country for £1.5 million, offering a unique opportunity for a new owner to continue the legacy of this historic mansion.
