You could be the new owner of a historic Rhondda valley pub once a favoured haunt of Hollywood royalty

An historic south Wales valleys pub once loved by Hollywood royalty is going to auction. Pencelli Hotel in Treorchy, reputed to have been a favoured haunt of Hollywood megastars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, called last orders a couple of years ago.

But now the Rhondda valley pub, which can trace its history back to the eighteenth century, is looking for a new lease of life under fresh ownership. The former hostelry, on Pencai Terrace, next to the town's Pengelli Bowls Club and Ystradfechan Park, is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions. It is listed with a guide price of £173,000-plus.

Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: "The Pencelli Hotel oozes history from every square inch of its bricks and mortar. It has had a celebrated past over many years and is now well placed to repeat its multi-award-winning journey at the centre of its unique community well into the future under new ownership."

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She added: "The ground floor of the property offers a welcoming, traditional atmosphere with a bar area, lounge, pool room area, commercial kitchen and toilets. To the rear of the property is a beer garden with additional seating and coach house. Subject to the relevant consents the coach house may be suitable for further development.

"The first floor of the property, traditionally used as function rooms, has most recently been used as living space. The area has a large living room, three large function rooms, a kitchen and bathroom with separate WC. Subject to the relevant consents the function rooms may be suitable for use as bedrooms.

"The second floor has three large bedrooms inclusive of large cupboards which may be suitable for conversion into ensuites. There is a basement made up of three large rooms inclusive of a cold room/ barrel store.

"This property is ready to be re-opened as a public house and offers potential for an AirBNB, or residential accommodation on the upper floors. Alternative uses may include, but are not limited to, a restaurant, gym, hotel or development opportunity." For the latest Rhondda news, sign up to our newsletter here

The vendor of the former hotel described it as being "nestled at the head of the town of Treorchy", which was voted best town in the Great British high street awards 2020. "The property is a substantial building, benefiting from scenic views of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys that surround the property," they said. "With the location and proximity of the town and local amenities this makes The Pencelli Hotel both perfect for future business and ideal for numerous commercial opportunities.

"Directly across the road from the Pencelli Hotel is the Ystradfechan recreation area that was given to the community by the Ocean Coal company just after the First World War as a showpiece park. It features a model playground, complete with children’s paddling pool, tennis courts, vast lush playing fields and a bowling green.

"Next to the Pencelli Hotel there is a lush bowling green, 'Pengelli bowls green'. This is well kept with bench seating and pavilion. A stone's throw away is the Treorchy public library, The Park and Dare theatre and also the town's award-winning shopping centre. There is a bus stop situated across the road from the property and a train station less than a two minutes' walk away offering easy access to the capital and surrounding areas." Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android

They went on to explain how the venue was re-opened in 2016 and became "arguably the most successful public house in the Rhondda valleys", boasting multi-prestigious Camra awards until the public house closed due to the landlord's ill health in 2022. "The Pencelli was renowned for its real ales, real ciders and live music that attracted customers from near and far including politicians, sportspeople and TV celebrities," they said.

"It is said that Hollywood mega stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were frequently seen in the back snug of the Pencelli. At the end of the Second World War the decision to reform the world-renowned Treorchy Male Voice Choir was made in the bar of the Pencelli Hotel."

The Pencelli Hotel, along with some 80 plus other properties, will be sold online at the next Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts from 12pm, on Tuesday, May 14, and ends at 5pm, on Thursday, May 16.