Mansion House

General information

The Mansion House in Richmond Road has played an important role in the civic life of the Welsh capital from early in the 20th Century. Originally known as ‘Grove House', it was built in the mid 1890's as a family home for James Howell, founder of the famous department store in the City centre that still bears his name.

Built with two imposing front doors, function rooms lead off from the main hallway with its magnificent staircase which is lit by a large north-facing window, which, like the hall doors is decorated with hand chased glass. The interior has retained much of its original features, notably the extensive use of carved and inlaid woodwork, both in the fine staircase, the fireplaces and the pair of full-length mirrors which face each other in the hallway.