An architectural staple of Pembrokeshire is set to be transformed into a new community site. 

Foley House and cottage, in Haverfordwest, were last used as Magistrates’ Offices and as Pembrokeshire County Council administrative offices, but are currently vacant. 

The properties are now being made community assets by way of a Community Asset Transfer, meaning that ownership of the houses will pass from the County Council to a new non-profit owner, with the Council looking to receive business plans for the use of the buildings. 

Foley House has a long history, having been built by the architect of Buckingham Palace, John Nash, in 1790. 

The Grade II listed house was built for the Foley family, close friends of Admiral Lord Nelson, who stayed at the house in 1802. 

After being owned by wine merchants in the mid-1900s, the property was sold to Pembrokeshire County Council in 1947, with the intention of it becoming the town museum. 

When this failed, however, the building was used as an annexe for Taskers School, and later became offices for the magistrates’ court. 

foley house
The property is currently owned by Pembrokeshire County Council. (ceridwen on Geograph / Foley House / CC BY-SA 2.0)

At some point in the 20th century, the property was “poorly refurbished” according to its Cadw listing, with the removal of chimneys, the loss of the moulded timber base of the pediment and eaves, and the replacement of the front door. 

The Community Asset Transfer comes as a result of Welsh Government White Paper ‘Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People’. 

The council is aiming to receive business plans for the building that will benefit the local community, from charitable or third party not-for-profit organisations.

Pembrokeshire County Council describes the property as “located on an elevated site with panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. 

“The property is in need of a sympathetic comprehensive refurbishment and repair. 

“Foley House was built circa 1790 and designed by the renowned architect John Nash as a Gentleman’s town residence for a local solicitor Mr Richard Foley. 

“Lord Nelson stayed in the property in 1802 as a guest of Admiral Foley. 

“The properties are now vacant and were last used as Magistrates Court offices and by the County Council as administrative offices.” 

Applications for the use of the building should be submitted to the council’s property helpdesk by noon on March 24, 2023.