Stunning and unique centuries-old lighthouse that once appeared in Doctor Who now for sale
Some homes are unusual but others are truly unique and there are few people who can say that they live in a lighthouse that is not only historic but a TV star too - now that West Usk lighthouse is on the market, you could potentially be that person.
This historic lighthouse hugs the coast along the Severn estuary near Newport and so can add mesmerising, panoramic water views to its list of astonishing features.
On a clear day you can see across the water to Portishead and Clevedon on the English side of the estuary, with the only interruptions being the wild Welsh weather rushing across the huge sky and the boats and ships that slowly meander along this famous water way.
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This wonderful property is immersed within a unique landscape too, hugging the coastline of the Gwent Levels, an area of multiple sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) comprised mainly of salt marshes, coastal mudflats and sands. The Gwent Levels area was reclaimed from the water by the monks of Tintern Abbey and Goldcliff Priory by building reens during the middle ages and is now a unique area home to many rare species of insects, birds, plants and animals.
The surroundings are special but so is the building, enough to be given a Grade II listing by Cadw in 1990 mainly due to 'special interest for its highly unusual plan form'. The details in the listing provide some interesting insight into the building's past.
The building is thought to have been built in 1821, designed by James Walker, the first he drew up as consultant engineer to Trinity House, a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers and their community with statutory duty as a General Lighthouse Authority.
The lighthouse was built by Ben Batchelor and John Williams of Newport and at that time it was probably just the tower that was on the site. The listing suggests that the present form of the building, in which accommodation is wrapped around the central tower, is probably the result of later modification. A publication of 1871 dates the lighthouse in this expanded form to 1867.
Inside the 17 metre tall tower, at the time of the listing, the space was divided as a series of wedge shaped rooms around the central tower, which is occupied by a spiral stone staircase. The building is thought to have comprised two symmetrical dwellings, originally for the two keepers and their families, with each accessed from a common entrance hall, with their own private staircases at either side, although these have not survived.
The lighthouse had been taken out of use by 1922 and, according to website, lighthouse accommodation, was sold for £670. It was abandoned during the 1930s and became rundown, was refurbished in the 1960s but, by the 1980s, had been left empty again.
In 1987 the current owners took it on and saved this important Welsh structure from becoming derelict - it took two years to bring the building back from the brink and create an amazing home, including reinstating the lantern room in 1997 with funding assistance from CADW and the Welsh Tourist Board
The most recent chapter in the story of this incredible building has seen it being used as a private home plus a B&B and wedding and events building, with the breathtaking view as the constant and yet ever-changing backdrop.
There's another sci-fi element to the history of this site, this time more recent, when the lighthouse featured in the BBC Cymru Wales series of Doctor Who, during series 12, episode five, called Fugitive of the Judoon, which you can currently watch via BBC iPlayer.
The Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, visited the lighthouse and, of course, climbed the tower - who wouldn't want to get to the top to admire the incredible view from this elevated position? The lighthouse, currently a private home, has a very enticing roof terrace below the lantern room that is a wonderful place to relax and take in the 360 degree panoramic view across land and water, either from a lounger, from an alfresco dining table, or from the hot tub.
Underneath the terrace are two floors of rooms that span out from the central spiral staircase that includes a lounge, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.
In the garden, hugging the lighthouse but offering its own private sanctuary, is the detached 'Lightkeeper's Lodge' that contains a superking bed, kitchenette, and ensuite, plus can boast amazing views over the estuary from the private terrace area and hot tub.
The third of an acre of land includes space for a wedding marquee and bar as well as ample parking for guests, and has played host to many special events for customers who are looking for a location that is truly unique and memorable.
Now the current owners are looking forward to retirement and are searching for the right person to pass on the ownership and custodianship of this special Welsh building - someone who will cherish it as much as they have, but say that all weddings and events currently booked will be honoured.
The lighthouse, which also appeared on the BBC's 'My Unique B&B' is on the market with JNS property investment company which states that the sale includes the lighthouse, the lodge, a lifeboat and three static caravans within a third of an acre of land - oh, and a dalek.
According to the company, the lighthouse has versatility to give a new owner a choice of opportunities for the future. The property is for sale for £2,250,000 with the potential to make up to £454,000 in rental income per year according to the company - to find out more email them on felix@jnspropertygroup.co.uk.
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