One of Newport’s last remaining prefabricated houses has been put up for auction.
The property on Ridgeway Close is one of the many establishments erected around 1944 as a short-term solution to the shortage of homes caused by Second World War bomb attacks, and this type of housing quickly became a distinguishing feature for many Welsh cities and towns.
The property owner had decided that the time was right to sell the house, which is expected to be demolished to make room for a couple of three-bedroom houses. He has also said that the building was probably built to last for 10 years, but it has stood for 60, so it has passed its intended shelf life.
The prefab is located in a prime location with both pedestrian and vehicular access and contains many of its original features. Even though this particular house is facing demolition, the region will not lose this type of building forever, as St Fagans Museum in Cardiff has an exhibit of a similar aluminium bungalow, built in 1948.
South Wales auctioneers had placed a £100,000 guide price on the property, with information given to the highest bidder in a brochure printed by specialist Print shops. The auction took place on Wednesday, September 17, although it was unsold, it remains available for £110,000.Get a Free Quote for Print
