Postcard showing Mansion House, Cardiff in 1907
Mansion House, Cardiff, orginally named 'Grove House', was built c.1896 for James Howell (1835-1909), founder of Howell's department stores. It was designed with a paired entrance in case circumstances should have required it being divided into 2 properties. The house remained uninhabited after Howell's death until it was sold to Cardiff City Council in 1913 for the official residence of the Lord Mayor.
Ref: cardiff3