After a renovation and conversion the unique city building is ready to show its new chapter(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Distinctive building covered in plastic sheets is finally unveiled and it looks amazing

11 Jan 2026, 03:00 by Joanne Ridout · Wales Online

The covers are finally off on a renovation and conversion project that has been intriguing hundreds of people as they trundle past in their cars, bikes, or on the bus on the way into or out of Cardiff.

Under the plastic sheeting and scaffolding one of Cardiff's most distinctive buildings has been transformed from an empty probate office into three unique dwellings in the heart of the historic suburb of Llandaff.

Constructed between 1860 and 1863 the aesthetically engaging building served as the National Probate Registry for Wales with the Gothic-revival design the vision of architect John Pritchard with the construction carried out by Thomas Williams of Canton. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

Remarkably the exterior remains largely unchanged, built with thin layers of squared grey Pennant sandstone, roughly dressed, interspersed with bands of Bridgend stone, Gothic-inspired window designs, and bath limestone ashlar dressings add a finishing touch, all under a roof of Welsh slate.

As noted by Coflein it's unusual to find such an elaborately designed commercial building outside a city centre from this period reflecting its significant role, which included functioning as the national probate office for the entirety of Wales.

Unsurprisingly, in 1975, the building received a Grade II* listing from Cadw, a less frequently awarded higher level of recognition. This was due to it being "a finely designed and little altered office building by John Prichard, the pre-eminent Victorian architect of south Wales. This building is possibly his finest secular design and the best interior features may survive the conversion to offices".

During the 1990s the building underwent some changes to update its office interior but now the bland inside has been replaced by beautiful interior design within three separate dwellings that celebrate the character and charm of the historic architecture combined with luxury additions that make them comfortable modern homes.

Each home has a classic Shaker-style kitchen but in a contemporary moody dark blue shade with integrated appliances and each unit can boast bathrooms and en suites so luxurious it will be very hard for a new owner to leave the refreshing shower or relaxing hot bath.

Dwelling number one boasts a spacious lounge with a whole wall of windows at the front, a sociable and sizable kitchen diner at the rear, and a cloakroom and separate utility room on the ground floor plus a courtyard garden and parking space.

The first floor is home to two double bedrooms and a bathroom worthy of a five-star boutique hotel while the top floor in the converted attic is wholly dedicated to the principal suite comprising bedroom, dressing room, and en suite shower room. This unit is for sale for £625,000.

Dwelling number two has the building's original main entrance as its own personal entrance boasting the porch, cute gate, Victorian-style lighting, and period front door, behind which is an open-plan kitchen lounge diner and cloakroom as well as access to a courtyard garden and parking space.

The two upper floors mimic dwelling one with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor and a principal suite on the top floor. This unit is on the market for £550,000.

It's not a surprise to find out that dwelling three is already under offer. The buyer will soon be boasting a unique maisonette that is set over two floors and includes a kitchen diner with double-barrelled ceiling, pillars, arches and a window with original shutter, a double-height living room with quirky mezzanine level, a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, and an en suite principal bedroom on the first floor.

For more information about the Old Probate Office, Llandaff, Cardiff, call Peter Reilly on 07703 580 005. Photos are by Owen Mathias.

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The covers are off and the Grade II* listed building that was once the probate office looks stunning.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff)

Dwelling three

Home number three is a maisonette that is set over two floors. This property showcases some spectacular interior spaces showcasing some of the building's unique original architecture including the double-barrelled ceiling.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)

Dwelling three

The living room is a double-height space with the tall and distinctive sash windows letting light cascade into the space.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)

Dwelling three

The living room is overlooked by a mezzanine level that is handy extra space and surely the perfect spot for a study area and library?(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)

Dwelling three

A bedroom and bathroom are situated on the ground floor while the first floor hosts an en suite master bedroom. This dwelling also includes a small outdoor space and one parking spot. Even though the building has only just been finished this unit is already under offer.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)

Dwelling two

Dwelling two can boast the original entrance and front door to the former probate office that includes a charming front gate.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)

Dwelling two

It's the original architectural details and the period features that have been kept and celebrated that make this building and its conversion a special offering.(Image: Peter Reilly, Cardiff / Owen Mathias photography)