Even if you've lived in a town or city in Wales for most of your life there are still some tiny lanes, secret streets and hidden roads that you don't know about; and they are a total surprise when you accidentally do discover them. For the residents of Cardiff, surely most are unaware of The Retreat, a cute cul-de-sac of just five homes tucked away within the popular suburb of Penylan, offering a quiet corner of sanctuary away from the busy suburban streets. The aptly-named tiny road is hidden from view and only found if you are really concentrating on looking for little side roads springing off Penylan hill. The pretty period homes were built in the 1920s by Cardiff based company E. Turner and sons. According to website Glamorgan Archives, the family-run enterprise can be linked to many of the capital's notable landmark buildings including city hall, the law courts, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, the general post office, and the Cardiff Exchange. Don't miss the latest Welsh homes on the market by So this red brick and bath stone beauty is a rare slice of Cardiff history that can boast design and construction providence that is impressive, and only has three neighbours that mimic its grandeur. But look back to more recent times and the little road was also at the centre of a bigger picture of the development of Cardiff that isn't so favourable for this unique collection of homes. The numbers of the sprinkling of abodes that call The Retreat home are a bit confusing as there is no number 1 or 2, which were part of the six homes built by Turners. It might shock some people to find out that they were sacrificed in the 1960s to allow for the expansion of the A48(M) and the building of a bridge over it that you actually have to use to get to these Georgian-style houses. So the four beautiful homes that remain are precious properties indeed. Approaching the two buildings they both look like mini country mansions with grand front doorways and bath stone detailing across their fancy facades. But these small stately homes that have somehow ended up in a city suburb are actually four semi-detached houses, and now the chance has come to join this fab four with number five now on the market. After admiring the multi-paned, Georgian-style, visually pleasing sash windows, arrive at the columned and arched entrance and behind the front door a fabulous four-bed home is waiting to greet you. And the pleasing strong lines and angles continue inside, with square and rectangular rooms bathed in light from the substantial windows offering all that a busy family needs from a home. The lounge diner at the front of the property is a beautiful room with the simply designed fireplace and blonde-toned parquet flooring adding elegant and timeless features that compliment the picture rails, deep skirtings, cornicing and, of course, those distinctive windows. The rear sitting room elevates the period design level thanks to the art deco style fireplace complemented by pretty tiles and a roaring log burner. The kitchen has a door to a lobby and utility room and access to the garden, as well as a pantry - a feature that will make so many homeowners very jealous. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom, all offering tasteful décor and timeless design, so all a new owner has to do is turn up, turn the front door key and unpack - if they can actually find this hidden gem, of course. The house on The Retreat is for sale for £620,000 with estate agents Henton, call their Cardiff office on 029 2075 0360 to find out more.