Old Village Road, Barry, CF62

Positioned on a quiet road in the historic heart of Barry’s Old Village, this exceptional four-bedroom residence is believed to be one of the oldest homes in the area. Rich in character and beautifully enhanced by its current owner, the property seamlessly blends original period features with tasteful modern updates, creating a warm and versatile family home just five minutes from the park and seafront. With generous living accommodation, multiple reception rooms, extensive driveway parking and substantial garden studios with annexe potential (subject to planning), this is a rare opportunity to secure a truly special home within easy reach of local amenities.

Step Inside

A welcoming porch leads into the first of three reception rooms, where exposed beams, a charming fireplace and original staircase feature immediately set the tone for the home’s character and heritage.

From here, the layout flows into a central hallway with stairs rising to the first floor and opening through to a generous open-plan family space. This light-filled reception area features a striking log burner and patio doors to the front aspect, creating a cosy yet sociable living environment. The space continues seamlessly into the dining kitchen, fitted with integrated appliances and double sliding patio doors opening directly onto the rear garden — perfect for entertaining and everyday family life.

Leading off the kitchen is a practical utility/laundry room with garden access and a separate WC. Beyond this lies an additional hallway connecting to a small room currently used as a home office and a further reception room — a wonderfully characterful space with exposed floors and beams, another feature log burner, an original bread oven and a second original staircase feature, reinforcing the home’s historic charm.

Upstairs, there are four well-proportioned bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate shower room. One bedroom benefits from access to a roof terrace (any extension to create a full terrace would be subject to obtaining the relevant consents), along with an en suite shower room. The principal bedroom is enhanced by bespoke, handmade wardrobes, offering both style and practicality.

Step Outside

The rear garden has been thoughtfully arranged for both relaxation and entertaining. A patio area leads up to an elevated BBQ space with pergola — the ideal setting for summer evenings with family and friends. There is a lawned section, mature planting, fruit bushes and herbs, creating a private and established outdoor environment.

A particular highlight is the presence of two substantial studio spaces, one complete with its own WC. These versatile buildings offer excellent potential for a home office, gym, music studio, teenage retreat or, subject to planning permission, conversion into a self-contained annexe. Two additional sheds provide further valuable storage.

To the front, a large driveway provides ample off-road parking and includes a useful storage shed.

Sellers Insight

“We love how modest the property looks from the outside but how well-proportioned it is – it’s a real Tardis, with every space brilliantly utilised, making it perfect for family life,” say the owners of this home, where old cottage meets contemporary extension. “It’s such a special place to be, especially once you’re cocooned inside.”

Dating to the mid-1600s, this is one of Barry’s oldest properties. “We bought it already extended, with a lovely glass and corrugated iron addition complementing the thick cottage walls but have made changes to suit our taste. Inspired by our travels to Morocco and Africa we’ve introduced natural materials, including reclaimed wooden flooring and hessian carpets upstairs. We’ve added beautiful tiles in the kitchen and created retreat-like bathrooms.” All four bedrooms are generously sized, and one opens onto a flat roof – “a perfect spot for sunbathing and enjoying sea views.”

The garden is where they’ve made the most dramatic changes, creating a lush, private outdoor living space with exotic planting, vibrant colours, and fragrant plants. “The house wraps around the garden, giving it a courtyard-like feel. It’s practical too, with a covered area that makes it enjoyable year-round.” The planting is deliberately dense and jungle-like, including a pyramid-style herb garden. “We’ve added banana plants, fruit-bearing shrubs, and fragrant flowers in sunset and sunrise shades – pinks, purples, oranges, blues, peaches, yellows. It feels otherworldly, a real sanctuary away from the busyness of life.” Adding to the outdoor appeal are two large garden rooms, used as a teen den and a music room, alongside a storage shed and workshop. The driveway provides private parking for four cars.

Located in Barry’s peaceful West End, close to the train station, harbour, Romilly Park, Cold Knap Lake and Gardens, and Porthkerry Country Park, the home combines outdoor lifestyle with modern convenience. “The location is fantastic, and all the nearby green spaces make it easy to get out with the children and dogs – the parks are brilliant for gatherings and parties,” say the owners. “Living here gives us the best of both worlds – beach and woodlands one way, shops and restaurants the other.”

“We love the spirit of the house; it feels alive and balanced, with everything in its right place. We knew as soon as we walked in that it was right, from the fluency of design and use of space to the clever mix of old and new. It’s an easy home to fall in love with.”