Established in 1994, Hollybush Properties Limited is a privately owned property investment and development company. We chat with Development Director Chris Case about his expanding business, and its exciting new project in Lisvane, Cardiff.
GREAT ESTATE
(Left to right) Chris Case of Hollybush Properties Residential, Rhodri Morgan of Morgans Residential and Edward Rankin of Chris John and Partners.
Hi Chris, how has the latest side to your business come about? Over the years we’ve acquired a large portfolio of commercial and residential properties around the Cardiff area which we’ve developed and retained for long term investment. In the last eighteen months we have expanded our activities with the creation of our sister company Hollybush Properties (Residential) Limited. This arm of the business is focused on producing new builds or refurbishing existing sites for high end residential properties with a view to sell. And how did you get involved with your current project on the Ty Gwyn Estate in Lisvane? This project was brought to us by a fellow local developer, who is refurbishing the existing Coach House and Lodge at the site, and knew we were in the market for land in desirable locations.
“ We’re establishing ourselves in the high end, luxury property market.”
We had assessed a number of different options within the Cardiff area, but none had the scope and prestige that comes with the Ty Gwyn Estate. We knew straight away that there was an opportunity here to create something very special. What made you choose this site? The Ty Gwyn Estate is one of the most famous in Cardiff. The main house with its five acres of land was built and developed in 1906 by James E Turner, the founder of E Turner and Sons, who built Cardiff City Hall, and was later owned by Julian Hodge, one of Wales’ most famous financial figures. We’re establishing ourselves in the high end, luxury property market; building homes of an extremely high standard, with a bespoke design and in prestigious locations. This new development will encompass all of that and more. The property is being built within the original estate’s grade two listed walled garden; its enclosing wall forming part of the ground floor structure, which makes for a fantastic design feature. 14
It’s a fantastic location - what can you tell us about the property itself? This house is one of three, including the refurbished Coach House and Lodge, which together will make up an exclusive, private gated community on one of Cardiff ’s most sought after roads. The five bedroom new build house will be over 3,400 square feet, and opens out to a beautiful private 0.2 acre enclosed orchard garden to the rear. The external style of the property is generally in keeping with that of the existing Coach House, retaining the history and grandeur of the site. In contrast we have gone for a very contemporary, open plan feel for the internal design and layout, boasting stylish and modern features including glazed screens and balconies linking the house with the rear garden. That sounds fabulous. What architects have you chosen for this project and why? The property has been designed by distinguished Cardiff architects, Davies Sutton, who specialise in listed buildings.