Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5

Architecturally designed in 1959 in the style of an Italian villa, this remarkable detached residence occupies a magnificent gated plot in Llandaff, offering more than 2,600 sq ft of beautifully presented accommodation arranged almost entirely across one level. Hidden from the road behind mature trees, established planting and impressive double gates, it is a home that feels wonderfully private and peaceful, yet remains remarkably well connected to everything Cardiff has to offer.

The approach immediately creates a sense of arrival. Double wrought-iron gates open onto a long, generous driveway, with the house gradually revealing itself beyond established gardens and mature conifers. There is extensive parking for family and guests, together with a detached double garage, while the architecture gives an early indication that this is something quite different from the traditional homes more commonly found within the area.

It is only when the substantial double entrance doors open, however, that the individuality of The Conifers truly becomes apparent.

The entrance hall is quite extraordinary. Original Italian terrazzo flooring stretches beneath four imposing columns, immediately referencing the villa-style architecture that inspired the original design. From here, the house divides naturally into distinct living and sleeping wings, creating an exceptionally practical layout while maintaining a wonderful sense of flow.

Perhaps most impressive is the view that draws the eye through the house towards the gardens and swimming pool beyond. It was one of the features that first captivated the current owners and remains one of the defining moments of the property.

As the owner recalls, “When we walked through the big double doors of The Conifers, it immediately captured our interest.” Over the years that followed, considerable time and care were invested in restoring and enhancing the house while remaining sympathetic to its original architectural identity.

The principal living accommodation has been designed to embrace both space and light. The generous lounge is an inviting room throughout the seasons, with large windows framing the gardens and doors creating a natural connection with the terrace outside. A feature fire provides a cosy focal point during the colder months, while the open relationship with the dining area makes this an equally successful space for entertaining.

Elsewhere, a separate sitting room offers another wonderfully versatile space, equally suited as an additional reception room or, if required, a generous fourth bedroom. Large windows on two elevations allow natural light to flood in, while bi-folding doors open onto the terrace, with high quality glass balustrade, overlooking the swimming pool. As a reception room, it comes into its own during the summer months, when the doors can be opened wide to blur the distinction between indoors and out, with an electrically operated awning providing welcome shade when required. In winter, the feature fire completely changes the atmosphere, creating a warm and comfortable room in which to retreat. Its proportions, privacy and flexibility also make it an excellent option for guests or those looking for four-bedroom accommodation without compromising the wonderful sense of space elsewhere in the home.

The kitchen has been comprehensively redesigned and finished to an impressive specification, providing a contemporary contrast to the mid-century architecture of the original house. Sleek cabinetry provides extensive storage, while a substantial central island creates a natural gathering point for everything from morning coffee to drinks with friends. High-quality integrated appliances include an induction hob with built-in extraction, and the kitchen is both highly practical and appropriately stylish for a home of this calibre.

A recently installed Worcester combination boiler, and benefitting from the remainder of a twelve-year warranty, is another example of the considerable investment that has been made behind the scenes.

One of the great strengths of the layout is the separation between the entertaining spaces and bedroom accommodation. The bedroom wing is approached from the opposite side of the entrance hall, creating a quieter, more private part of the property.

There are three generous double bedrooms, each benefitting from fitted storage. The principal suite has its own beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom, while the remaining bedrooms are served by an impressive family bathroom. Both bathrooms have been comprehensively updated, with luxurious six-foot baths, walk-in showers and twin wash basins creating a finish that feels more akin to a boutique hotel than a conventional family home.

There is also additional flexible accommodation that lends itself perfectly to a home office, occasional bedroom or hobby room, allowing the house to adapt easily to different lifestyles.

Yet for all that the interiors have to offer, it is during the warmer months that The Conifers reveals another side to its personality.

The gardens have been designed as a genuine extension of the house. From the principal living areas, doors open onto an expansive terrace overlooking the grounds, creating a fabulous setting for outdoor dining, entertaining or simply enjoying the peace and privacy of the surroundings.

At its heart is the substantial swimming pool, measuring approximately 25ft by 49ft at its maximum points. Fully renovated by the current owners, with a replacement pump and pool cover, it transforms the garden into something that feels wonderfully escapist. Mature hedging and established trees provide an exceptional degree of privacy, while lawns, fruit trees, colourful planting and a summer house add further interest throughout the grounds.

It is easy to imagine long summer days spent here: children and grandchildren in the pool, lunch on the terrace and evenings lingering outside as the temperature begins to fall. The current owners fondly describe enjoying “sundowners” overlooking the pool on warm evenings, and it is perhaps this that best captures the lifestyle The Conifers offers.

Importantly, this is not simply a summer home. The scale and layout work equally beautifully throughout the year, with intimate sitting areas, feature fires and substantial reception spaces providing a very different atmosphere as the seasons change.

Despite the wonderful feeling of privacy once within its grounds, one of the great advantages of The Conifers is just how convenient everyday life can be. The railway station is within walking distance, while a bus stop is just a couple of minutes away, making journeys into Cardiff and beyond particularly straightforward. Shops and everyday amenities are also close at hand, with a doctors’ surgery, dentist, library and post office all within a few minutes’ walk - allowing you to enjoy the sense of retreat the house provides without ever feeling removed from the community around it.

For families and those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there is plenty nearby too. A children’s play park is within easy reach, while The Dell is a much-loved local green space offering fields, established scenery and a small lake. It provides a lovely setting for an everyday walk, taking the dog out or simply escaping into nature, all without having to travel far from home.

Llandaff itself remains one of Cardiff’s most desirable and established residential areas, renowned for its historic character, excellent schools, independent businesses and strong sense of community. The village and its wider amenities are readily accessible, while Pontcanna and Cardiff city centre are also within easy reach.

It is that sense of community, however, that the current owner has particularly valued during her time at The Conifers. She speaks warmly of neighbours who look out for and help one another, with a local WhatsApp group keeping everyone connected and occasional evenings organised simply as an opportunity to get together, chat and enjoy each other’s company. It is a small detail, perhaps, but one that says a great deal about what it is like to live here.

There is therefore an appealing contrast to life at The Conifers. Beyond the gates is a friendly and well-connected neighbourhood, with transport, amenities and green spaces close by; within them is a remarkably private home that can feel a world away from the pace of the city. It is this combination that gives the property what its current owner describes as “the very best of both worlds.”

The property has undergone an extensive programme of improvement during the current ownership, including a replacement roof and supporting timbers, rewiring, replacement windows to much of the house, a high-specification kitchen, beautifully refitted bathrooms, bi-fold doors, improvements to the terrace and the comprehensive renovation of the swimming pool.

The result is a home that retains the individuality and architectural character that made it so special when first designed, while offering the comfort expected of modern living.

Detached homes of this scale are comparatively rare in this part of Cardiff; homes with this degree of privacy, architectural individuality, extensive single-storey accommodation and their own swimming pool are rarer still.

The current owner describes The Conifers in three words: “Unique, peaceful, perfect.”

It is difficult to disagree. This is not simply a property to be viewed in terms of bedrooms and square footage. It is a home for someone searching for something genuinely different – a private haven within the city, where architecture, gardens and lifestyle combine to create one of Llandaff's most distinctive residences.

 

EPC rating: E. Tenure: Freehold,