Mansion House, Cardiff subsequently being used by Cardiff Council for events, functions, civil ceremonies and weddings. It was also the base for the council's protocol team. Mansion House, Cardiff The Mansion House (), located on Richmond Road, is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Architects Habershon & Fawckner designed the Mansion House and it was built in 1896 for James Howell, owner of Howells department store. It was then known then as 'The Grove'. James Howell was a Cardiff businessman who opened his first shop in 1865. In 1890 he made arrangements to build a property on land leased from
Phitsanulok Mansion because the mansion is located in such an important strategic area, the Thai government decided to buy the mansion and use it as a state guest house instead. Later it was decided that it should become an official residence. Only two prime ministers, Prem Tinsulanonda and Chuan Leekpai, have taken residence there and both of them resided only for a few days before moving out to other premises. The house is reportedly haunted. Phitsanulok Mansion Phitsanulok Mansion () or formerly known Banthomsinth House ( lit: "House of the Sleeping Narayana") is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Thailand,