Historic Lifeboat Station in Need of New Owner for £95,000
A historic lifeboat station in a stunning coastal location in Anglesey is seeking a new owner through an online virtual auction. The Victorian-era building, situated in the picturesque northeast corner of Anglesey, has a guide price of £95,000. Town and Country Property Auctions describes the property, located at Porth Nigwyl, as ‘an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a landmark marine property’ with a unique history of tragedy and heroism.
Constructed in 1875, the lifeboat station served the east coast of Anglesey faithfully for 34 years before being replaced by a newer facility. The building, measuring approximately 66 square metres, has been used as a boathouse in recent times. While it currently houses boats, fishing gear and nets, it requires refurbishment. Parts of the slipway also need repair, as highlighted by Town and Country Property Auctions in a report by North Wales Live.
Despite the need for restoration, the lifeboat station boasts a rich historical significance. Its coastal position offers breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline, characterized by pebbled stretches and rocky outcrops. Access to the property is only on foot, involving a steep descent, and all viewings must be accompanied due to safety concerns. Additionally, services are not readily available nearby for connection to the building.
The lifeboat station’s history dates back to 1848 when the Anglesey Association for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck stationed a lifeboat in Moelfre. Thomas Lewis, a local sailor involved in a lifeboat rescue in 1875, had resorted to cannibalism while adrift on the ocean just two months earlier. The station saw further developments, including the addition of a slipway in 1893 and the construction of a new boathouse and slipway in 1909, located 180 metres up the coast.
In more recent times, the station’s volunteers have been instrumental in numerous rescue missions, including the tragic Royal Charter shipwreck in 1959. The station’s coxswain, Richard Evans, played a crucial role in these operations, ultimately being awarded two gold medals by the RNLI for his exceptional bravery and service. A bronze statue of Richard Evans stands near the 1875 lifeboat station, commemorating his illustrious career spanning five decades.
The online auction for the historic lifeboat station will commence on March 25, with the opportunity for pre-auction offers. Interested parties can contact Town & Country Property Auctions for more information and to schedule viewings via Egerton Estates Benllech. The potential new owner of this unique property will inherit not just a building but a piece of Anglesey’s maritime history, steeped in tales of courage and resilience.