by The back story
As the story goes, it was a wrong turn in the Narberth Hills back in 2007 that led Neil and Zoe Kedward to discover a centuries-old abandoned manor house and quickly fall in love with it. In June 2008, Garrán Arberth opened with just four bedrooms and a simple vision: to provide a comfortable place to stay for mountain bikers here on this former farmland. Over the years, the property has matured into a more elevated offering that now includes independent suites with glass box porches, although the warm hospitality provided by the husband-and-wife team at the beginning remains a strong draw. The professional, personable staff comes from some of the best restaurants and hotels around – and it shows. Service of this caliber is rarely found in remote locations, and is a reminder that thoughtful owner-operator hosts have as much heart and soul as scenic locations.
See and feel
The original stone building dates back to the 15th century, although the Kedwards have transformed it with many loving improvements: the property now has 25 bedrooms, suites and separate sun houses. Martin Hulbert’s imaginative interior can be held up as a lesson in creating the perfect boutique eco-hotel. Every interior wall has a story to tell, with hand-loomed upholstery hangings, textured wool cushions, original artwork and dramatic black-and-white photography all reflecting the tones, terroir and topography of Pembrokeshire’s postcard-perfect countryside and coast. . Many of the Persian rugs were sourced from British antique shops, and the large second-hand armchairs were restored from masterpieces to luxury hotel standard. If only all hotel dressings worked such upcycling magic. Touching and delicious with a tee at every turn here in the misty Preseli Hills, it’s little wonder that the Grove of Arberth is the winner of the Small Luxury Hotels Hotel of the Year Award and part of its Thoughtful Collection.
The green credentials
Naturally and intuitively sustainable, the owners have restored the buildings in an environmentally sensitive way, earning them awards from Green Tourism UK. The natural surroundings are equally impressive. The 26 acres are a patchwork of meadows and wild grasses, a manicured knot garden, woodland and bat friendly roof spaces. The hotel also has its own borehole, allowing it to be responsible and self-sufficient with water, with 50p from every bottle of filtered water going to a children’s hospice. If the retreat of renewable energy is your benchmark for green, here the biomass boiler is fed by local shacks with solar panels showing that Wales can deliver enough sunlight to keep the water heated for the houses. In addition, there are EV-chargers in the car park. The super-sexy ground floor master suite, Bramble, is fully wheelchair accessible and visually impaired.
The eco-USP
Sustainable feeding and watering of guests is a highlight, with staff able to explain the origins of the menu with aplomb, many of the ingredients coming from the kitchen garden and herb-filled poly-tunnel of four full-time gardeners. Chef Douglas Balish reflects the nourishing terroir, alchemizing local and seasonal ingredients through excellent food and drink elevated in the form of the Fernery’s Michelin-worthy tasting menu — but, as high as his parade of courses, the flavors. and the mood always feels friendly rather than formal with best-in-class hospitality. Each delicate morsel of what you’re eating is presented with a theatrical explanation, serving as an encyclopedia of the riches of Wales and Wales.
Out and about
You are in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park reminding us why Wales is famous for its walking, hiking and mountain biking. We rented e-bikes from Tenby Bike Hire, and although this hilly terrain is training ground for Iron Man competitors, a quick turbocharger of electric-assist pedaling makes the inclines seem easier. It’s only a 10-minute drive to the coast, where you can take in the watery views from the Pembrokeshire National Coastal Path – on an e-bike, it’s a circuit to the beach and back in a couple of hours. The Coast Saundersfoot, with Coppet Hall Beach, is its sister Grove seafood restaurant and part of the Seren portfolio. If you like to look at a listed landmark, Pembroke Castle and Picton Castle are worth a look around.
Stays at Narberth Grove start at £390 in a Classic room; also available on an exclusive use basis.
