AN architecturally important Gwent valleys house dating back to the early part of the last century has been sold at auction.

The Grade II listed house at 46 Garden Suburbs, Pontywaun, near Cross Keys, was built as part of the Garden City Movement dating from c1918.

The property which was listed with a guide price of £68,000 sold after some keen interest for £85,000.

The house forms part of a scheme built by the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company specifically for managers and officials at its key Abercarn, Cwmcarn and the Prince of Wales collieries.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, who sold the property, said: “There was keen interest in the property ahead of the auction and in the room on the night. It is an important building both in terms of its architecture and its Grade II listing but also in its significance as part of the social history of the Gwent coalfields.”

Mr Roper described the three bedroom house which retains some Arts and Crafts style original features and benefits from views across the Gwent hills and valleys as being far from a museum piece but a very attractive and functional property for the 21st century.

Experts believe properties at Garden Suburbs, Pontywaun, were designed by celebrated architect Edward Rosser and have links with Ebbw Vale and The Dingle garden village schemes.

The next Paul Fosh Auction’s sale will be held at the Park Inn Hotel, Circle Way East, Llanedyrn, Cardiff, on Thursday, February 11, 2016, starting at 5pm.