The Mansion House (Originally Known as Grove House) Was built-in 1890 as a family home for James Howell. James Howell designed a house that could be divided, possibly to provide self-contained cottages for two of his children after his death or to make it easier to sell. Cardiff Corporation purchased the house in December 1912. The new Mansion House was officially opened on 13 October 1913 by the then Lord Mayor Alderman Morgan Thomas, J.P. Built with two imposing front doors, function rooms lead off from the main hallway with its magnificent staircase, which is lit by a large north-facing window, which, like the hall doors is decorated with hand-chased glass. The interior has retained much of its original features, notably the extensive use of carved and inlaid woodwork, both in the fine staircase, the fireplaces, and the pair of full-length mirrors which face each other in the hallway. On the first floor are The Lord Mayor's former private apartment and four en-suite guest bedrooms, which have hosted distinguished visitors from around the world. Before the European Council meeting, a significant refurbishment of the building took place in 1998 to restore the house to its former glory.