The Grade II listed Mansion House in Cardiff has been brought to the market by real estate advisors, Savills. Its prospective sale represents a unique opportunity to convert a landmark property in a prime location, and play a crucial role in securing its future.
Set within approximately 0.83 acres, Mansion House is located north-east of Cardiff city centre, with the city’s main amenities and attractions within circa one mile.
Mansion House – known locally as the Lord Mayor’s House – holds a notable history. It was originally built as a family home in 1896 for Cardiff luminary, James Howell, the founder of Howells department store.
In 1913 the property was purchased by Cardiff Corporation, and served as the home of the Lord Mayors of the city until 1971. Numerous distinguished guests visited the property during this time, including King George V, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. It was also the preferred accommodation in the city for King Charles III during his time as Prince of Wales.
Mansion House underwent significant restoration in 1998 in order to host the Cardiff European Council, after which it operated as a civic venue, hosting a variety of functions on behalf of the Lord Mayor.
Since then it has fallen out of operational use by Cardiff Council and, in November 2024, a report approved by its Cabinet recommended alternative ownership options were explored. Once the open market exercise has been completed, the Council’s Cabinet is expected to meet again in the Autumn to decide the preferred option for the building.
Designed in free classical style and constructed from rock-faced Pennant stone with lighter Bath stone dressing under a slate roof, Mansion House provides 16,445 sq. ft (1,528 sq. m) accommodation over three storeys and a basement.
The ground floor is rich in period features and encompasses an impressive entrance hall, leading to the dining room and drawing room. There is also a fully fitted kitchen, alongside a large reception room, which was once used for formal ceremonies.
The first floor comprises the former Lord Mayor’s suite, consisting of a linked bedroom, lounge and drawing room. There are a number of bedrooms with en suites located in the front of the house. To the rear are two additional ‘wings’, one comprising two en-suite bedrooms and the other wing comprising three smaller rooms, one of which is used as a kitchen.
The top attic floor is currently arranged with eight rooms and two bathrooms, while the basement is currently set up as office space and storage facilities.
The property is licensed for civil ceremonies and weddings.
Commenting on the opportunity, Ted Harding-Brown from Savills Cardiff, said: ‘Mansion House is one of our city’s most historically rich buildings. Originally a residence, it was for many years, a cornerstone of Cardiff’s civil life. Now an underutilised asset, the Council is looking for prospective buyers to invest in the building and secure its future.
‘Its age, location and condition makes Mansion House a prime conversion opportunity, with a number of potential uses, from a boutique hotel to a nursery, health or education facility – or it could be reinstated to its original use as a beautiful family home.’
Savills is inviting offers for a freehold sale on an unconditional basis.
