Sometimes a property opportunity comes along that is a very tempting proposition for anyone looking for a distinctive period property to renovate.
Add to that the property is located on a popular road full of character with a park at one end, neighbouring houses that ooze charm too and the chance to put your own stamp on it, then the property becomes even more inviting.
Add panoramic views of a city's rooftops and Welsh hills in the background from a top floor balcony, and the ingredients seem to all be in place to excite many experienced renovators looking for their next project.
This three-storey villa on Stow Park Avenue in Newport ticks all of these property boxes.
According to the estate agent selling the property, the house was built in 1896 and is one of a pair of distinctive semi-detached homes that are totally unique to the street scene and can still boast most of their original period facades.
Decorative two-tone brickwork, fancy roofline with carved stonework, big bay windows and a distinctive upper floor balcony combine to ensure this period house gets the attention it deserves from the street below, even if it is surrounded by equally as beautiful period neighbours.
Many of the substantial houses built on this popular road would have been seen to be located in the poshest part of Newport at the time, built for families gaining in wealth from the success of coal exporting from Newport docks.
The house and the street is within the Stow Park Conservation Area, reflecting the historical and architectural importance of both within the city.
The Stow Park Conservation area was designated in April 1983 by Newport City Council and is one of 15 conservation areas under their jurisdiction. It was constructed with the objective of preserving or enhancing the designated area for the future.
The 2018 Newport City Council conservation area appraisal report states 'The Stow Park Conservation Area recognises its historical origins as a suburb financed by the increased of wealth into Newport in the 19th century, which influenced the richness of its architecture, and the high proportion of greenery'.
Within this document, this particular house is listed as a 'positive contributor' to the area, although it is not listed.
Being located within a conservation area of course means any alterations or replacements to features of the house need to be discussed with the local conservation officer at the local authority.
Inside, the former grandeur of this historic house is immediately evident with the discovery of the stunning central staircase.
Boasting original newel posts, rails and spindles and bathed in light via windows on landings as you progress up the three storeys, once restored it will be one of the showcase features of this potentially stunning home.
And that's what this property sale is predominantly about; potential.
If you have the skill and the budget to project manage the restoration of this property gem in Newport's historic crown you will be rewarded with an incredible six-bed home oozing character.
High ceilings throughout, even in the former servants' quarters on the top floor, dado rails, picture rails, layered cornices, ceiling roses, decorative hallway arches, and floorboards crying out to be stripped and restored, all show the period bones of a historic home are in place and are just looking for a programme of restoration.
The ground floor layout currently sees the main sitting room at the front of the house with the benefit of the substantial triple window bay.
Fireplaces of appropriate vintage need to be added throughout the main rooms if period charm is the interior design decided upon for the transformation of this house to a home bursting with character.
Past the staircase to the rear of the house and there's a formal dining room to the side, which also has its own bay window, and then through to the kitchen and finally a family room at the very rear of the house.
The estate agent selling the property states these rooms are designated as how the house was last used but, of course, room functions can be altered to fit the lifestyle of a new owner, with many spaces that could be used as a home office.
If a large kitchen diner connecting to the garden is a desperate desire for a new owner then there may be a chance of knocking down the dividing wall between the kitchen and family room and adding a wall of glass to the end of the space.
But, of course, this would need expert advice from a structural engineer and a conversation with building control and planning before any sledgehammers can turn up on site.
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Up that beaut of a staircase to the first floor and three bedrooms and a bathroom await, as well as an extra cloakroom and storage cupboard.
As these two rather hidden spaces can be found next to one of the bedrooms, there might be the possibility of an expansion of use to create an ensuite shower room, as currently the house only has one bathroom.
The front bedroom with the big bay window is listed as the master, being the most spacious, but others can maybe compete for that title.
Up on the top floor and bedroom four of the six on offer might not be as big as the bedroom below it but it has a distinct advantage.
Through a door in the window frame gives you access onto a private balcony and access to amazing views of the Newport skyline below stretching out to the horizon.
A perfect place for brunch or an evening drink, the balcony is surely the final persuasive piece of this period renovation jigsaw that sees a distinctive house on a popular road finding a new owner to realise its potential and unlock all the character it has to offer.
This Stow Park Avenue house is on the market with a guide price of £385,000 with Ocean estate agents, give their Bradley Stoke branch over the border a call on 01454 205 070 to find out more.
