The most expensive and unusual properties to rent in Wales right now

While the property market for buyers is hot in some areas of the UK, to the point of overheating in many counties of Wales, the rental market is also experiencing a boom according to figures released by HomeLet in their latest Rental Index figures.

The Rental Index utilises data from over a million references processed each year on behalf of the UK’s letting agents, and according to HomeLet represents the largest, most insightful and up-to-date view on the UK’s private rented sector.

The latest figures show the average rent in the UK is now at a record high. Take London out of the data and the average UK rent price is 8.7% higher than last year, up to £878 per calendar month (pcm).

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Although south west England saw the highest rental price increase over the 12 month period being analysed, Wales is placed as second in the UK with an estimated 11.8% rise in the average rental figure over the year July 2020 to July 2021.

This figure equates to a rise in the average cost of renting a property in Wales from £638 pcm to £713 pcm.

But if you increase the budget to double this figure and above, you get more than the average home to rent in Wales; you get unique properties you could call home that offer temptations such as hot tubs, a pool, a sauna, sea views and superb locations.

Taking houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) and shared house accommodation out of the running, there is a range of unique properties to rent in Wales if you want space, character, a fabulous location, or all three, and you have a budget of over £1,800 per calendar month.

But don’t worry if your budget can’t stretch that far, there are slices and wings of the most charming homes on offer for rent too – at a less eye-watering level.

And if you’re not looking to currently rent a home, have a rummage around the pick of Wales below and let us know in the comments section at the end of the article which of these amazing properties you would fancy living in?

Vale of Glamorgan: £3,000 pcm

This converted barn is a perfect pad for anyone wanting to enjoy the countryside and heritage coast of this popular county, but who needs to be commutable to Cardiff.

On the outskirts of the popular village of Michaelston-Le-Pit, the property is part of the Cwrt-Yr-Ala Barns complex which are a range of holiday cottages offering a luxury life both inside and out.

The benefit of living on the estate is the access not only to the woodland and gardens around the main manor called Pink House, plus walks along the Cadoxton river banks, but the site also has a swimming pool to share during the summer and a hot tub to call your own in the barn’s private garden.

There’s a tennis court on site too, as well as secure gated parking and CCTV.

Called Meadow Springs, this charming two bed, two bath home is described by the letting agent as an exceptional and truly unique luxurious high-end property that offers elegant living and entertaining space.

There’s all the integrated appliances in the contemporary kitchen you will need, underfloor heating and luxury fittings and fixtures on the inside and an outdoor kitchen, hot tub and views to mesmerise you on the outside.

Currently run as a holiday let, Meadow Springs will be available for long term rent from November 22 and comes with all the furnishings and bills included, so all you need to do is find your swimming cozzy in time for the summer months.

Call Keylet, Cardiff on 029 2038 8399 to find out more.

Penarth: £3,000 pcm

Churches can be challenging buildings to convert; it’s a balancing act between mixing old and new, space versus character – and not every developer is totally successful with the outcome.

That could not be said for this stunning home hiding within the converted Alcedonia Church in Penarth. This renovation project and development on Albert Road, carried out by X-Stream Developments, won The Penarth Society Civic Award in 2013.

Now a two-storey penthouse home within this unique development is for rent, and it includes the five-storey church tower.

A tour around the home called Magnus is a journey through contemporary interior design happily married with features from its historic past. And the icing on this yummy property cake is the incredible 360 degree panoramic views from the top of the bell tower.

The ground floor tour begins with two of the three bedrooms, one with an ensuite and the other with a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower room shared with the hallway beyond. This lowest level of the home also has a handy utility room.

Up to the first floor and into a breath-taking open-plan living space. This incredible area has been designed around the restored original church features such as the trusses, stained glass windows, and vaulted ceiling, ensuring that they take centre stage within the space.

The tower is surely the unique renting point of this property, and its five layers include a sauna, study, bedroom, gym and eventually the roof terrace that tempts you to the top with the promise of incredible panoramic views across Penarth, Cardiff and the Bristol Channel to Somerset in the distance.

The penthouse in the church is for rent with estate agent Watts & Morgan, call their Penarth branch on 029 2071 2266 to find out more.

Cardiff: £3,000 pcm

Anyone wandering around the historic buildings in the Mount Stuart Square area of Cardiff Bay could surely not fail to be impressed by the grandeur and yet intricate detailing of the majestic Mount Stuart House.

The Grade II listed building offers a classical style but with noticeable Dutch influences, reminiscent of the distinctive, famous gable designs of the properties that flank the canals of Amsterdam.

The red brick and bath stone facade, differing window shapes and sizes, carved window plinths and pediments, pilasters and finials make this beautiful building one of the most distinctive and recognisable in the area.

The commercial building was put on the market in 2018 with estate agents MGY and was bought by local property development company Capital Properties Ltd in the October of that year for £630,000. Then the renovation and transformation from commercial property to six posh residential units began.

Now you can rent a slice of this historic period property and the luxury, contemporary interiors and furnishings come with it.

The apartment has three bedrooms, two bedrooms, a utility room, a large open-plan living area and two allocated parking spaces.

Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, strolls by the water, social evenings out at restaurants, and performances at the Wales Millennium Centre are right on the doorstep.

It is available as a long term let from December 1, 2021, contact Keylet, Cardiff on 029 2038 8399 to find out more.

Brecon: £2,650 pcm

If peace and tranquillity and the stunning scenery of a national park sounds like the ideal escape to the country rental opportunity, then this converted barn might get you excited.

Nestled within a remote valley north of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the view from the hot tub alone is reason to consider this rural retreat, if it’s within your budget.

The renovation project has created a property that includes the character essence of the building’s former use with modern additions that are both pretty and practical.

There are the expected exposed beams, exposed stone walls and log burner, mixed with a broken-plan, sociable modern living space that connects yet creates dedicated function zones.

The barn offers a large, fully equipped kitchen, solar panels and air source heat pump too for anyone focusing on the practical.

The master bedroom can boast a super-king sized bed as well as a balcony to fully appreciate the glorious rural vistas from an elevated vantage point.

Outside, as well as that very inviting hot tub, there are three and a half acres of surrounding land to explore and a bonus self-contained, detached one-bed annexe in the garden too.

The long term rent comes with all the furniture, council tax paid, and private water source and drainage according to the letting agent.

The beautiful barn is for rent with estate agent McCartneys LLP, Hay-On-Wye, give them a call on 01497 820778 to find out more.

Near Barry: £2,200 pcm

West of Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan village of East Aberthaw, this new build house is one of a pair and is currently available to rent.

The Scandi-style abode has four bedrooms and a substantial open-plan living area that will surely become the hub of the home.

The sleek, contemporary interiors inside are high-end, according to the estate agent letting the property, and include a 360 degree turning log burner, so no-one misses out on toasty toes on a cold winter’s evening.

The hall and staircase benefit from a statement roof window, cascading light down directly from above and the master bedroom has French doors out onto a generous rooftop terrace.

The bathroom is arguably the stand-out room, with wet room style shower, double sink unit and a contemporary, free-standing bath placed at the picture window, offering sweeping views across the rooftops and countryside directly from the bubbles.

The house is also located near the coast, as well as surrounded by countryside, with Barry, Penarth and Cardiff close-by too, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy all that these socialising hot spots can offer.

Called The Sidings, the modern abode is for rent for £2.2k pcm and is available unfurnished from September 1 via estate agent Watts & Morgan, call their Cowbridge branch on 01446 773500 to find out more.

Mumbles: £1,800 pcm

A few miles down the coast from Swansea and around the corner from the gorgeous Gower peninsula, Mumbles has always been a popular place for house hunters and renters.

In November 2020, the coastal community was named as Britain’s top coastal price hotspot for the increase in average property price – beating popular seaside locations such as Cornwall, East Sussex, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and even the prestigious Sandbanks in Dorset.

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In a top 10 list compiled by property portal Rightmove, Mumbles’ average property asking price has risen by 47% since 2015, which is a bigger five-year increase than any other coastal area in Great Britain.

Mumbles is close to the amenities Swansea can offer but far enough away to have its own identity and local, unique facilities including its own seafront promenade, pier, lifeboat station and nature reserve.

And just around the coastal headland is the start of Gower Peninsula’s beautiful and award-winning beaches.

The path and promenade that stretches along the coast from Swansea to Mumbles is always popular for a stroll right next to the sea, but this three-storey house for rent can offer you a front row seat directly from the lounge every day.

The views from the upper two storeys are even better and a well-placed chair at one of the windows offers the opportunity for endless hours of people watching on the promenade opposite.

The ground floor of this modern townhouse is an open-plan lounge, kitchen diner and cloakroom tucked under the stairs, the first floor offers two double bedrooms and a bathroom and the top floor is dedicated to the master suite, with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

The Mumbles seafront pad is available unfurnished from September 20 with estate agent Belvoir, call their Swansea branch on 01792 461929 to find out more.

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Swansea: £1,400 pcm

Waking up to panoramic sea views is not exactly a hardship, and from this fourth floor flat in the Maritime Quarter of Swansea Bay the sea is a constant companion to say hi in the morning and wish you a goodnight too.

This two-bed apartment obviously benefits from its beachside location but the design of the home maximises its prime seaside spot, with a wrap-around balcony accessed off the lounge via an unusual set of glass doors that follow the bend of the curved design.

So for sunny days, the balcony is your best beachside friend, but on rainy days you don’t miss out at the sea views either, as they flood in through the bank of glass doors and land firmly on the curved sofa.

This sofa is a great choice of furniture as it not only visually mimics the curve of the doors opposite but also gives every seated occupant a fabulous sea view.

The flat with the fantastic view is available as a long term let from September 6, call Peter Alan, Maritime Quarter branch on 01792 463764 for further details.

Anglesey: £650 pcm

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as Lord or Lady of the manor this property offers you the chance, as long as you don’t mind sharing it and you only want it for six months from the start of October 2021.

Arrive at Cornelyn Manor in a stunning rural setting in Llangoed near Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey and you arrive at a perfect pocket of period property history.

Built in 1861, the substantial stone and slate building was home to the celebrated Anglesey amateur botanists and painters Edith and Gwendolen Massey according to website Cornelyn Manor.

The furnished apartment for rent is a one bed, one bath beauty that gives you the chance to live at this location, sleeping every night in an impressive four-poster bed as any Lord or Lady should.

The property benefits from free Wi-Fi, free use of a private gym, washing machines and tumble dryers, gas central heating and ample parking as well as a chance to explore the seven acres of surrounding landscaped gardens and land.

From a garden chair, the views of Snowdonia on the horizon are so breath-taking you may be transfixed in your seat until night falls and the mountain peaks recede into the darkness.

Usually a holiday let, the flat is a perfect short term pad to use as a posh base to explore the wonders of Anglesey.

Contact online agent openrent.co.uk on to find out more.

Near Aberystwyth: £500 pcm

If you’ve ever wanted to live in a pretty country house, but your letting or buying budget does not stretch to the whole property, then bagging yourself a slice of a stunning rural home might be the answer.

This one bed apartment within this listed country house offers a rural retreat without breaking most people’s banks.

The inviting and comfortable abode for rent occupies the west wing of the property and can enjoy the tranquillity of the gorgeous cottage-style gardens without having to strain your back weeding it.

Located in the peaceful village of Llanafan near Aberystwyth, the flat on the upper floor has hypnotic views of the surrounding Ceredigion countryside.

And if you ever want to leave this lovely home to go exploring or shopping, there is an allocated parking place for your car to live here too.

This escape to the country flat is available from October 8, contact ALP Property Management on 01970 626533 to find out more.

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