A HOME on the site of the former Victorian Municipal Baths on Balmoral Quays has gone on the market for more than a million pounds.

The historic Waverley house is up for sale for the first time since its completion as a converted property.

And Cardiff estate agents Savills has slapped a £1.2 million price tag on the five-bedroom home perched right on Penarth seafront.

Featuring its own indoor spa, the 5,000 sq ft property has retained much of the shell and features of the baths that stood in the town for the best part of a century, including some the brickwork and original windows.

Owner and businessman Paul Smith, who is selling the family home now both his son's have left the coop, called the building 'impossible to describe'.

"The original idea to convert the property was that of the Rabaiotti family. I came to look at the house when they were half way through. I didn't intend to buy it, but I was completely taken aback by its history and wow-factor.

"I had great memories of spending Saturday mornings at the swimming baths with my friends when I was young.

"If I could, I would love to turn the whole building back into the original Victorian Bath's as a museum for the public. I think that would really draw people to Penarth and the building is absolutely superb."

Originally built in 1885 - as part of the Lord Windsor's plans - for a cost of £7,500, the baths were 'very popular in their day' said local historian Alan Thorne.

"There were two pools at the site - one large and one small - and the water used was salt water, pumped up from under the pier," he said.

"It is a beautiful building and very much a historic property."
Outdated by the more modern Penarth Leisure Centre, the baths closed in the 1980s, before becoming a pub restaurant, and gradually falling into disrepair.

The building was then converted into four separate properties, and Mr Smith bought it in 2005 to complete its restoration

Estate agent Peter Reilly, who is handling the sale on behalf of Savills said: "The phrase 'one of a kind' is used too often by estate agents but this property is genuinely unique."

The building is made up of four properties but Mr Reilly said the Waverley was 'the real showpiece'.

"It's the largest of the four properties, spread over three floors and encompassing the entire right wing.

"The site is an intrinsic part of Penarth heritage and we have a good deal of interest from far and wide."

Mr Smith added: "The place is fantastic and the pictures don't do it justice.
"It is a perfect family home."

To get in touch with Savills about the property go to http://www.savills.co.uk/estate-agents/savills-cardiff.aspx