the Cardiff Cwtch

Who else loves snooping around show homes?  When I was a kid my parents used to drag me and my brother around Cardiff on a Saturday to sniff out new developments.  At the time I didn’t get it; I spent most of my childhood convinced that we were about to up sticks and move at any second.  Now, I get it though.  In those days before Pinterest came along, that was how you got a little “home inspo”.  Well… that and the many, many back editions of House Beautiful stacked under the coffee table (Mum, you need to recognise that you have a problem…).

Anyway, these days I LOVE snooping around show homes, and whaddya know?  A couple of years ago Sunny and I actually ended up buying a new build ourselves when we moved back to Wales.  It’s funny because we’d always ruled them out as being bland and boxy, but there are some out there that break the mould and punch above the rest with something a little special.

Last week I was invited along to have a look at The Panache, Crest Nicholson’s newest addition to their colourful and quirky Penarth Heights development.  I’ve been watching the development grow ever since they knocked down the old Billybanks (a ramshackle, concrete council estate that boasted the best views in Wales), so I was excited to go along and have a good old snoop. 🙂

Built over three floors – from the garden, garage, open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room on the ground floor, to the huge roof terrace at the very top – The Panache has a kind of art deco feel to it, with its white, curved walls, metallics and picture windows that all look out onto Cardiff and the Bay.  A very different look and feel to other new builds.  With the views and the decor, it reminded me a little bit of Tracey Island (although, I don’t think Thunderbird 2 would fit on the driveway!).

The Master Suite on the first floor had all his and hers fittings, including a dressing area with a wardrobe each (happy couples all have separate things – I’d love to have a separate sink and wardrobe to Sunny).  Also, this cute little glasses rest – which I’m definitely going to have to track down for myself since I’m always forgetting where I put mine! 🙂

The best part though was the view, which really is the best in Cardiff.  From the roof terrace you can see the whole city, the Bay, and the Bristol Channel. And on a very clear day you can usually give Castle Coch a little wave and see up to Valleys beyond it.  Thankfully, last Thursday summer decided to put in a rare appearance so we could really enjoy the roof terrace, the views and the drinks – which had all been created with The Panache and its views in mind.

It’s definitely worth popping over to Penarth Heights for a look – especially if you’re into interiors or thinking about moving.  Couple it in with a walk over the barrage to Cardiff Bay if you’re feeling fit! 😉

Have a great week everyone!