IN a ground-breaking move aimed at addressing the housing crisis and preserving historical heritage, the Welsh Government has unveiled plans to convert the country’s plethora of ancient castles into affordable living spaces for residents. Dubbed “Castles for the Commoners,” the initiative promises to blend medieval charm with modern living, offering a unique solution to the nation’s housing shortage.
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, in a statement released earlier today, said, “With over 600 castles, Wales is the castle capital of the world. It’s high time these historical structures did more than just attract tourists. They should be homes, fortresses against the housing crisis besieging our land.”
Under the scheme, castles such as Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech will see their interiors transformed into eco-friendly apartments. Each unit will boast authentic medieval features, including arrow slit windows for natural light, moat-side views, and original stone walls. However, to meet modern standards, amenities such as high-speed internet, underfloor heating (powered by dragon-fire technology), and catapult parking for easy commute to city centers will be added.
The government assures that rent will be set at rates affordable to those earning the national average wage or less, with a special discount for descendants of Welsh royalty. “Imagine living in a castle where your ancestors may have once roamed,” the Minister mused. “It’s about making history part of our everyday lives.”
Construction is set to begin on April 1st, with the first tenants expected to move in by April 1st next year. Interested parties are encouraged to apply via the newly launched website, www.castlesforcommoners.cymru, which has reportedly crashed several times already due to high traffic volumes.
Critics have called the plan overly ambitious, with some naysayers dubbing it a mere “castle in the sky.” Yet, the overwhelming public response has been positive, with thousands already on the waiting list to claim their own piece of Welsh history.
