Regeneration specialist Acorn Property Group has given a donation to the Porthcawl Museum as part of an ongoing relationship while it redevelops the Victorian Grade II listed former convalescence hotel known locally as ‘The Rest’.

As work got underway to convert the building, which had been derelict for three years, Acorn recovered original dedication plaques and other artefacts which it has donated to the museum.

Opened in 1862 by Dr James Lewis, The Rest was initially for miners and local workers but more recently it was used as a holiday hotel for the elderly before shutting its doors in 2013.

Renamed The Links, this regeneration project will see the building given a new lease of life with thirty-five studios, 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments and an additional new building accommodating a further 34 apartments.

Previously hidden features have been uncovered during the initial development work including original doors, wooden staircase and archways.

Set to complete in 2019 the newly converted apartments are all bespoke with a variety of unique features and many offering private sea-facing balconies and roof terraces. The first sales release of these properties is due later this year. The new build element of the scheme is anticipated to complete in 2021.

“It is great being able to support the Porthcawl Museum and unearth more of the history and original features of this landmark building,” said James Groombridge, Regional Managing Director for Acorn’s Cardiff office.