Cooke & Arkwright

Business faith

07/01/2010

A highly unusual opportunity has arisen for an enterprising or creative team to set up or relocate their business to a restored church in the ancient parish of Tythegston near Porthcawl.  The church was deconsecrated about 20 years ago and a painstaking and sympathetic restoration project has taken almost four years to complete.

Considerable care has been taken to retain as many of the original features and the character of the church as possible: gothic arched, stone mullioned windows along the southern length of the building introduce an abundance of natural light, and stained glass windows add flashes of jewel-like colour at the furthermost wall, while the carved stone pulpit and original stone font occupy discreet positions adding authenticity and charm.  At the same time, there is a juxtaposition between old and new, as this is also a contemporary space with a solid oak staircase carved by a local joiner providing a meeting room at mezzanine level, and the large, open plan ground floor area made comfortable with underfloor heating, unisex and disabled toilets, and kitchen facilities.

Tythegston Estate has been occupied continuously by the Knight family since it was first inherited by Robert Knight in 1732.  The property had previously belonged to his wife’s ancestors, the Turbervilles and the Loughers, dating back as far as the twelfth century.  Today the estate incorporates Tythegston Court, home to Charles and Lalley Knight, a working sheep and arable farm of approximately 1,100 acres, and a number of cottages that make up the hamlet and close knit community of Tythegston.  Tenants include the farm manager, a private nursery, a potter and a writer.  In the past few years some of the farm outbuildings have been converted to include four country style properties and a barn conversion, all of which are privately owned.

“This is a rare opportunity for a growing and successful business to occupy a beautifully restored and unique building,” said Mrs Knight.  “It has all the advantages of a modern office with the added benefit of being perfectly located close to all major road and rail routes for quick access to Cardiff, Swansea and London.  This will be a truly unique selling point for any business and could be a major boost to a firms marketability during these difficult financial times.”

The name Tythegston is derived from Tudwg’s town, with the church originally being dedicated to St Tudwg, one of the disciples of Cenydd who flourished in the middle of the sixth century.  The Old Church still occupies a prominent position at the entrance to the parish, overlooking what is now the busy main road to Porthcawl.  It enjoys spectacular views over the countryside, which is a protected conservation area, and would make ideal accommodation for an architect, a graphic design company or a local business seeking to locate to a distinctly unique and impressive setting. 

Kate Simpson, a senior surveyor at Cooke & Arkwright, who is marketing the property said, “There is on site car parking and it is easily accessible being less than one mile from the A48 and three miles from the M4 motorway.  At 1,000 sq ft, the size of the building means that this is excellent accommodation for someone who has perhaps outgrown a home office and who now wishes to locate within a building that is easily recognisable and memorable to its visitors.  The Old Church provides a niche office space with a difference and is certain to be something to be talked about.”

For more information contact or telephone 02920 346 372.

Pictured: Lalley Knight, owner of Tythegston Estate, left, and Kate Simpson of Cooke & Arkwright

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