Byline: By Pauline Brettell Western Mail
You are more likely to see a sign pointing you in the direction of The Big Pit, than one showing you the way to Blaenavon. The village of Blaenavon, World Heritage site and Book Town, lies alongside The Big Pit.
It is easily bypassed en route to other more bustling destinations, but is worth the detour. And, if you are thinking about getting into the property market, it is definitely worth a little more than a detour, as you will find a village that is in the process of shaking off its dusty mining town image.
It's a village that's on the turn, and if you are looking for a good investment, that's a good thing. The process of regeneration is well under way, but also far from over which makes property still relatively affordable, certainly when compared to neighbouring towns like Abergavenny, only 10 minutes down the hill. It also offers an 'escape to the country' while being in striking distance of several major centres.
Having been declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 has meant several things for the village. Obviously a lot of energy and money has been put into the refurbishment of the historical points of interest like the Big Pit and the Ironworks, but this has also started to spill over into the town itself on a number of different levels. The marketing effort that has been put into it as a whole has impacted on the village as a destination in its own right, especially as Booktowns International has also founded it as a Book Town. Both have been significant catalysts for the process of regeneration that has already taken place and is still ongoing.
The impact of this process is starting to be visible in the streets of Blaenavon, and there is still a lot more energy, and, more importantly, money to come.
Looking at all that is going on in the village, along with the fact that there is still room for improvement, is what makes Blaenavon a village with potential. It is a potential that appeals to a range of people in the property market, but first time buyers in particular, as you can still get something worth living in for comfortably under a pounds 100,000. Not only that, but despite feeling like you are in the heart of the country when you are there surrounded by the hills and the heather, you are in a very commutable location whether from Cardiff, Newport, Pontypool or even closer, Abergavenny.
The type of property available ranges from major renovation projects, to ready to go, fully restored homes. Don't let the understated exteriors of the terraces fool you, a lot is being done behind those closed doors in Blaenavon.
Drive around, get some names of estate agents and have a look at their websites, and you might be surprised at what you will find.
Before you even get into the village, it soon becomes apparent what the countryside has to offer. The unspoilt and even wild appeal of the hillside is a good place for walking and hiking, while affording some wonderful views over the surrounding valleys. A quick drive on and up Broad Street, the commercial centre of the village, reveals nothing more, at first glance, than a considerable amount of scaffolding and a few sleepy shops. But take the time to park your car and meander around, pop into the shops, and chat to some of the owners, and you will soon get a better feeling for the energy and enthusiasm that is being put into the regeneration of this village.
As a Book Town, Blaenavon has now got about 10 bookshops, all with different areas of expertise and interest. There really is something on the shelves for everyone, from children's books to politics and poetry. Even one of the pubs, the Queen Victoria, has several shelves of books for sale, which puts a whole new light on book shopping!
And if books aren't your thing, there is a butcher and deli that most villages, not too mention a few trendy suburbanites, would kill for, straw boater and all. Coffee shops, Internet access, bookshops and butchers pretty much covers all that you need on your doorstep. Carry on down the road and you will pass a shop showcasing some delicate handmade Amber jewellery. Another few steps and you will stumble across the old shop faiade of Robinson's Chemist.
Step inside and you won't find a disprin in sight, instead it is crammed full of fabulous collectables and memorabilia that you will suddenly just have to have. While we where chatting, and admiring some Vintage dresses, shop owner and Blaenavon enthusiast Jane popped across the road. Five minutes later two frothy cappuccinos where delivered . . . now that's the kind of village life I can deal with!
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