The luxurious lodge boasts AA 5 Purple Stars, a Michelin Key and a number of awards, making it top-of-the-line countryside motels for an unforgettable break
There is not something extra becoming for a winter getaway than a hidden nation retreat. All of us take pleasure in escaping the hustle and bustle of our each day lives, and the place higher than a luxurious countryside getaway.
WalesOnline Property Editor, Joanne Ridout, handled her and her household to an unforgettable 36-hour keep in one of many nation’s highest motels. She referred to as the keep “pleasant” and was wowed by all of the lavish options she got here throughout. In her personal phrases, Joanne has detailed why her journey was so particular and the way she fell in love the second she noticed the lodge…
The doorway corridor was grand but welcoming (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
As we handed by the magnificent wrought iron gates and gently made our manner right into a hid valley nestled throughout the rolling Pembrokeshire panorama, it felt as if we have been being whisked away to a clandestine and magical haven of tranquillity, far faraway from the clamour and pressures of each day existence.
All through the next 36 hours, this sensation of retreat, serenity, and full immersion in a unprecedented setting endured following an unforgettable keep at one in every of Wales’ most interesting countryside motels for myself and my household.
As our car meandered down the peaceable drive, a glimpse of the historic construction appeared by the foliage, immediately creating a visible greeting that sparked a surge of anticipation – I used to be sure our single-night go to to Grove of Narberth would show distinctive.
But this institution hadn’t all the time impressed such elevated expectations for a memorable go to; at one stage throughout its historical past, it teetered dangerously near embarking upon a course in the direction of abandonment – a world aside from the luxurious rural sanctuary it has remodeled into, stories Wales On-line.
A concise chronicle of the residence encompasses three distinctive intervals – the primary dwelling was doubtless constructed within the 1680s by Daniel Poyer, who got here into possession of the property. Subsequently, round 1874, Arts and Crafts architect John Pollard Seddon undertook complete renovations of the Jacobean residence, incorporating components equivalent to a powerful entrance corridor, recent staircase, studying room, ornamental fireplaces, and elaborate woodwork.
However extra just lately a interval of abandonment between proprietors meant the as soon as magnificent property deteriorated right into a dilapidated property. Happily, present homeowners Neil and Zoe Kedward made the identical journey down the drive and noticed the constructing glimpse at them by the vegetation, they too turned enchanted and the construction was set on a path to restoration restoration and transformation into the breathtaking constructing it’s right this moment.
Since then the lodge has secured an exceptional variety of accolades together with Impartial Resort of the 12 months in 2024, a Michelin Key and AA 5 Purple Stars and 4 Rosettes for its restaurant, and high positions in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Alternative Awards together with the UK’s primary Small Resort in 2023 and quantity three Boutique Resort in 2025 and quantity three within the Prime 50 Boutique Motels UK in 2025 – and that is only a handful of them.
Joanne loved the meal on the Fernery restaurant (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
We left the automotive and strolled as much as the imposing, carved wood entrance door while appreciating the backyard terrace adorned with strings of out of doors lights overlooking the lake. I believed the terrace can be a exceptional spot to savour a day tea or night drink within the sunshine or beneath a starlit sky.
However after we visited it was a gray and depressing wet and blustery December day, however the circumstances couldn’t diminish our pleasure at our upcoming keep at this attractive property. Upon arrival, we have been welcomed by a hanging sq. entrance corridor that includes a central desk association – being only a week earlier than Christmas, this point of interest was splendidly festive.
I subsequently spoke with a workers member refreshing the exhibit who revealed that almost each component in all the gorgeous Christmas nature-themed preparations all through the property have been crafted utilizing greenery and supplies sourced from the property’s personal backyard and grounds.
The wooden panelled cosy was my favorite house within the communal areas (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
The institution proved a pleasant venue for embracing the Christmas environment. To our proper lay a spacious lounge boasting a central Christmas tree and a powerful fire, but it was the lounge to our left, that includes authentic timber wall panelling and a fully beautiful interval fire, that turned my most well-liked spot to pause and subsequently unwind.
It felt intimate and welcoming, a sitting room that had undoubtedly all through the many years hosted and charmed guests from the property’s days as a non-public residence by to its current incarnation as an impressive countryside lodge.
Skirting previous the historic staircase, we found the reception space located in a again room and, per quite a few options of the lodge, it introduced a hospitable atmosphere – no imposing, formal reception counter and harsh lighting however moderately a snug reception chamber with standard furnishings and showcase cupboards that merely occurred to accommodate two laptops and two cheerful workers members stationed behind them.
We harboured slight issues earlier than our arrival that the lodge may be ‘too posh’ for us, provided that we usually keep in a Premier Inn when travelling to look at soccer or attend a live performance, however from the moment we stepped by the door we felt the home welcomed us fully with its distinctive environment and the staff could not have been extra accommodating.
Native produce and components ensured a tasty and recent breakfast meal – it is a conventional English breakfast (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
A lodge’s personnel can both improve or detract from a peaceable go to to a exceptional vacation spot in my opinion and at Grove of Narberth I can not commend them sufficiently, heat and knowledgeable people who radiated the love and enthusiasm for the property that originates from the proprietors on the pinnacle of the workforce hierarchy and evidently flows downward.
They spoke in light tones and appeared to drift by the premises invisibly, contributing to the temper of tranquillity and serenity – till you required help, after which they’d materialise immediately.
Throughout our total go to the personnel appeared to own a pure skill to sense while you would possibly fancy one other cup of tea and while you merely wished to stay undisturbed, beside the fireside, absorbing the sound of logs crackling and wind howling past the closed shutters.
Being practically as obsessed with tea as about property, I naturally all the time accepted the provide of tea and when it arrived there was additionally an assortment of scrumptious treats to go alongside it. We ascended the charmingly squeaky staircase to be escorted to our lodging.
We occupied the Henry Signature Suite and completely nothing may have really readied us for the way inviting but opulent it proved to be, that includes an array of textured materials, timber panelling, hanging furnishings and creative items, alongside a scheme of cosy lotions and impartial tones.
You may take pleasure in tea by the hearth (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
The refreshment bar was essentially the most in depth I would encountered, that includes numerous teas plus throughout the hid fridge beneath lay a bottle of wine, Welsh beer, fizzy drinks and apple juice, milk and a few nibbles as properly.
The décor all through the three-room suite represented a refined and triumphant mix of heritage connections by standout conventional items and the magnificently restored Arts and Crafts fire, but inside a up to date setting.
No flowery wallpaper or quaint nation manor styling, however moderately a chic assortment of rooms that, in my opinion, achieved the right equilibrium for a premium keep in a historic countryside residence. That is epitomised, I consider, by the absurdly comfy king-size mattress – a four-poster design however with a extra streamlined, understated and modern aesthetic.
The doorway swung open and the sitting space was the preliminary house to find, boasting a snug couch that subsequently remodeled right into a mattress, two armchairs and even our private Christmas tree positioned within the nook. There was, naturally, a tv offering a wonderful choice of channels together with Sky Sports activities, although we hadn’t travelled right here to interact in actions we may pursue at dwelling – this getaway was about disconnecting, not connecting.
The lavatory was luxurious together with double sink unit and this attractive tub (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
The partitions featured delicate panelling that fashioned an ideal setting for the association of ceramics which supplied focal factors of visible attraction while not detracting from the general aesthetic and environment of the suite.
But this was a collection designed to please all of the senses; past merely the twin side vistas throughout the magnificent manicured gardens to the undulating countryside that embraces the property, past merely the calming and opulent décor – our sense of scent was indulged as properly.
Moving into the lavatory proved a visible delight that boasted a panoramic, roll-top tub painted in an earthy hue, a twin basin unit, and separate enclosed bathe tucked away on the rear of the room, however it was the perfume that remained essentially the most unforgettable component of the house.
A choice of Goodwash Firm rest room facilities awaited use and the bathtub salts notably represented a luxurious enhancement to the gathering – treasured little remained within the dish by the point we departed the next morning!
And certainly, I did give up to the aroma and indulged in some hand cream because the vary is obtainable for buy at reception.
The wardrobe throughout the suite, which additionally contained an arrogance desk and hairdryer, enticed us into slipping on the plush dressing robes and slide-on slippers that awaited inside – at this second we really felt we have been staying in an opulent countryside lodge. The workers knowledgeable us that every of the en-suite rooms and suites inside the primary lodge differs in interval character and décor while additionally they possess a visible concord in the direction of an general signature ‘look’.
4-poster mattress finished in a contemporary and easy manner but nonetheless makes an affect (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
Some returning visitors want to remain in the identical room and a few, as Goldilocks absolutely would, take pleasure in attempting a brand new room each time they go to.
There’s extra to Grove of Narberth than the primary home although, as the location additionally boasts superbly transformed outbuildings that present non-public locations to remain throughout the grounds together with the Longhouse, Poyer’s Cottage, and Herb Cottages.
After unwinding in our room for some time, testing out the bathtub and the bathe which have been each soothing and invigorating, we ready for dinner – a a lot anticipated go to to expertise the seven-course high-quality eating menu created by award-winning chef Douglas Balish in The Fernery restaurant.
I dithered a couple of bit, not understanding what to put on. It was Christmas time and I had earlier seen some women going into the lodge’s different restaurant wanting a bit glitzy so some sparkle was chosen however really it appeared from observing the opposite diners after we arrived on the Fernery that sensible informal was completely high-quality.
We have been welcomed on the bar with drinks earlier than being escorted to our desk. Fernery maybe epitomises the lodge – inviting with enduring and refined understated décor that includes a novel aptitude.
The venue boasted a impartial canvas that highlighted wall artwork and, naturally, a continuing exhibition of ferns, whether or not depicted on the partitions or forming a part of the breathtaking centrepiece association.
There are a lot of communal areas (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
The atmosphere was soothing and unpretentious, the ambient music was calming and unobtrusive, and it supplied a nice setting for dialog and laughter, notably with the tables spaced sufficiently aside to create the sense of your individual non-public eating enclave.
The personnel, and there have been quite a few, remained attentive and well-informed, enthusiastically explaining what extraordinary presentation of connoisseur delicacies was about to materialise earlier than us at every course of the meal.
From lobster tail to venison, oyster to wasabi, each dish of premium tasting fare burst with flavour and texture; a feast for the eyes that remodeled right into a culinary revelation – I would by no means handle to return to a Massive Mac once more!
Upon the desk sat a card displaying a map of Wales indicating the place most components originated, emphasising the philosophy of utilising regional and recent produce wherever possible, with some even cultivated on-site within the lodge’s backyard. The lodge can equally entice a go to for visitors and non-guests at Artisan Rooms Brasseries which affords seasonal fare, set lunches, Sunday roasts and afternoon teas in an inviting environment, with alfresco terrace eating obtainable throughout the hotter months.
There are additionally hamper packages obtainable to order as your pleasant culinary companion while discovering the 26 acres of grounds, plus an in depth beverage choice within the lounge bar that options an excellent array of Welsh sourced drinks. For the newest restaurant information and opinions, signal as much as our food and drinks publication right here.
Following a restful evening’s slumber that made us despise the morning alarm when it sounded, the delicious breakfast awaiting us greater than compensated for having to depart the suite.
The lavatory has two sinks and a hearth (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
The inviting breakfast room gazed out over the rear backyard terrace with views into the Artisan Rooms Brasseries and the completely scrumptious ‘Bore Da Good morning breakfast appeared appetising with a wonderful number of meals utilizing, naturally, domestically sourced produce and components.
To start there was an assortment of pastries, fruits and yoghurts, cereals and porridge, and even a flute of champagne. For the primary breakfast feast we chosen the standard breakfast that featured bacon, sausage, mushroom, egg, do-it-yourself beans, tomato and black pudding, however various decisions included crumpet with an array of savoury toppings, smoked haddock omelette and eggs benedict.
The property exudes heritage, the secluded setting is magnificent, the delicacies is very delectable, however it’s the staff that transforms a go to to Grove of Narberth into the premier countryside lodge expertise in my opinion.
Relying on while you ebook and the time of yr a one-night keep within the Henry Suite prices between £233 to £442 per evening, with different suites and rooms obtainable at a decrease fee, try the lodge’s web site right here. The seven course high-quality eating menu we skilled prices £145 per particular person, however menus for all meals choices could be discovered on the lodge’s fernery restaurant web site right here.
The breakfast room at Grove of Narberth lodge (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
After one closing cup of tea beside the hearth within the cosy nook, it was regrettably time to pack our belongings and go away, returning to the bustling and hectic city atmosphere.
Nonetheless, we departed feeling revitalised and brimming with seasonal pleasure, and we might definitely want to come again once more. I’d relish discovering the property and grounds all through completely different seasons – springtime blooms, summer time heat, autumnal hues – and create extra treasured moments at Grove of Narberth, a very exceptional vacation spot.
You enter the lodge by its sweeping drive (Picture: Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline)
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