You can live inside this dome in one of Wales' most iconic buildings
It's a geometry dream with circles, rectangles, arches and even an octagon under the domed roof to discover in this truly unique home
Distinctive and historic buildings well-known and loved by the local community can sometimes fall on hard times, become empty and start slipping into dangerous territory. But for the Grade II-listed stunning former Newport art and design college its worrying decline was stopped, reversed and resulted in the conversion of new homes inside the old building.
The history of the college is as unique as the building itself. In 1899, a plot of land is bought by the local college from Lord Tredegar for £4,500 to build and establish a new technical institute for art, technology and commerce students, that later expanded to science and mathematics and was designed by Charles F Ward.
The building was officially opened in 1910 as The Newport Technical Institute. One of the institute's most noteworthy alumni was Stanley Lewis, who studied at the college from 1923 to 1926 and went on to be an award-winning artist, scholar and teacher who counted King Edward VIII as a fan and was awarded an MBE for his services to the art world. To get all the latest homes, renovation, interior and property TV programme news straight to your inbox twice a week sign up here.
In the publication No More Words To Conquer by the University of Wales, Newport, Lewis describes the art college as having two floors devoted to architecture and crafts and the second floor was the base for art, design and sculpture, designed with huge, angled windows to allow as much light in as possible.
The building was in use up to 1996 as the Newport School of Art and Design. However, the art school then relocated to the university's Caerleon campus and the building slid into semi-dereliction and attacked by arsonists. In 1997 the property was granted Grade II listed status by Cadw as 'a notable example of 20th century architecture in modern classic style', confirming its importance amongst the most important buildings in Wales.
After many years of being empty in 2003 plans were revealed to convert the building into homes and work began in 2007, but the project hit financial hard times so the building was taken on by receivers and completed in 2012.
Stepping into the communal entrance, hallway and central staircase reveals that this area has not changed much since the days of Stanley Lewis, boasting it's original Terrazzo stone flooring, parquet flooring, beautiful green, hand-crafted wall tiles and handsome staircase, all been renovated and restored - surely Lewis would be very impressed?
The apartment is on the market with M2 estate agents for £220,000 call them on 01633 289622 to find out more and don't miss the best dream homes, renovations and interior design in Wales – join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter and the Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group.
The copper panelled dome structure that was an assembly room at the top of the former Newport School of Art and Design is now a home that comes with a very impressive roof terrace.
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The private terrace is perfect for parties and also for some peaceful moments, high above the city and with 360 degree views to enthral you.
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The panoramic views over Newport are incredible and to enjoy them from one of the city's most iconic and distinctive buildings is a bonus that ensures this home can rightly be called unique.
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