The bright blue Welsh reservoir people flock to you can now buy for the price of a car

A Welsh beauty spot which captured the hearts of thousands during the pandemic has been put up for action at a bargain price of GBP30k. Nestled in the mountains above Margam, Port Talbot [1], the man made reservoir has long been a popular walking spot for locals but recently has drawn attention fromfurther afield. Brombil Reservoir went viral on TikTok during lockdown – with over one million views on one video – due to its picturesque setting, striking blue water, and woodland location.

Now, the 200 year-old reservoir site, totalling over 3 acres is set to go on sale at auction for GBP30k. The reservoir was put up for sale initially in July 2023 with a guide price of GBP75,000 – the price of an average home in the area. However, the sale can’t have gone to plan as the land is now back on the market and heading to auction on March 12, 2024.

While many believed the reservoir was owned by the council, it is in fact privately owned.

According to FATMAP, The reservoir was created in the early 20th century to supply water to the local steel industry, and it now serves as a popular destination hikers, cyclists and for people to fish.

Brombil reservoir near Margam features strikingly blue water surrounded by hills and forest (Image: WalesOnline/Gayle Marsh)

The reservoir is approximately 3.318 acres, with the pond being approximately 1.105 acres. The property can only be accessed via a public pathway as it is set within Margam mountain, which adjoins Margam Park.

To get to the reservoir, coming westbound on the M4 [4] you can take exit 38 and then take the second exit at the roundabout. Head straight over the next two roundabouts towards Margam Village. Once you reach the Twelve nights pub on your left, turn right on to Ty Fry Road.

You will then take a second right and follow the road underneath the motorway bridge. Follow the road for 400m before you come across a footpath – you will then need to park your car before walking along the path to the reservoir.

(Image: WalesOnline/Gayle Marsh)

Advertising the land, Barnard Marcus, Hammersmith Auctions [5] emphasised that the site may lend itself to other opportunities such as leisure and tourism subject to planning permissions and consents. The land hasn’t had this approved and so it would be up to buyers to make enquiries.

While many more people have been discovering the pictureque spot, it has caused problems in recent years, with 17 people being fined in one go in May 2021. The request to the council came after residents who live near the reservoir complained that an influx of visitors was causing severe parking problems in the area and even access problems which could potentially have serious consequences as emergency services vehicles were at times unable to get to their destination. There were also widespread issues with littering and dog mess around the site.

Find out more information about the auction here.[6]

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References

^ Port Talbot (www.walesonline.co.uk)
^ Electric car’s brakes fail on motorway leaving driver ‘frozen with terror’ (www.walesonline.co.uk)
^ The four stunning Welsh villages named among the most beautiful in the UK (www.walesonline.co.uk)
^ the M4 (www.walesonline.co.uk)
^ Barnard Marcus, Hammersmith Auctions (www.rightmove.co.uk)
^ here. (www.rightmove.co.uk)
^ visit InYourArea (www.inyourarea.co.uk)