Fairlea was built in 1881 by Mr William Whyte, a local builder and the inventor of 'Hygeia Rock' - a material containing special sound- and damp-proofing qualities (British Patent No 4065) that is thought to have been used in the construction of the London Underground. William Whyte built Fairlea as his own home, using the Hygeia Rock as cavity infill in the construction.

The house is built in a late Victorian 'mock half-timbered' style, of an ornamental timber framing to the north, south, and west elevations infilled externally with yellow brick. Mullioned windows, some with transoms, are also used in these elevations, some set with stained glass. On the west elevation is a timber conservatory, while an ornate, three-bay, two-storey verandah adjoins the north side of the west elevation, wrapping around to the west side of the north elevation.

Internally, there is a full-height stair hall, containing a cantlivered staircase. The Drawing Room has elaborately moulded ceiling beams and overmantel, while there are a series of Minton-tile fireplace surrounds are mentioned in the listing (though recent photos suggest at least some of these have been removed).

RCAHMW, May 2023

Ref: Cadw Listing Description

Site Record

Fairlea, 24 Belmont Road, Abergavenny