back story
As the story goes, a serendipitous wrong turn in the Narberth Hills in 2007 led Neil and Zoe Kedward to chance upon a derelict centuries-old mansion and quickly fall in love with it. Narberth Grove opened in June 2008 with just four bedrooms and a simple vision: to provide comfortable accommodation for mountain bikers on this former farmland. Over the years the property has evolved into a higher-end offering that now includes stand-alone suites with glass box verandas, but the heartfelt hospitality the husband-and-wife team injected at the start remains a strong draw. The professional and friendly team comes from some of the best restaurants and hotels around, and it shows. This standard of service is a rarity in remote hideaways and a reminder that having thoughtful owner-operator hosts is as much about heart and soul as scenic environments.
Look and feel
The original stone building dates back to the 15th century, but Kedwards has transformed it with many loving improvements: the property now consists of 25 bedrooms, suites and separate solar-powered cottages. Martin Hulbert’s creative interiors can be considered a lesson in creating the perfect boutique eco-hotel. Every interior wall has a story to tell, with hand-woven upholstery, textured wool cushions, original artwork and dramatic black-and-white photography evoking the tones, regions and topography of Pembrokeshire’s postcard-perfect countryside and coastline. Many of the Persian rugs were sourced from antique shops in Wales and large second-hand sofas had been refurbished from scrap to luxury hotel standard. If only all hotel dressers could work such upcycling magic. Tactile and delightful at every turn here in the misty Preseli Hills, it’s no surprise that the Grove of Narberth won the Small Luxury Hotels Hotel of the Year Award and is part of the Thoughtful Collection.
Green credentials
Naturally and intuitively sustainable, the owners have won accolades from Green Tourism UK by restoring the buildings in an environmentally responsible manner. The natural environment is equally impressive. The 26-acre estate is a patchwork of wild meadows and grasses, a manicured garden, woodland and bat-friendly roof areas. The hotel also has its own borehole, making it responsible and self-sufficient with water, and 50p from all filtered water bottles goes to the nursery. If a retreat into renewables is your reference point for green, here the biomass boiler is fed by local woodchips with solar panels that show Wales can provide enough sunlight to heat water in the cottages. There are also EV chargers in the parking lot. Bramble, the super sexy master suite on the ground floor, is fully accessible as it is wheelchair friendly and visually impaired.
Eco-USP
Sustainable feeding and watering of guests is a prominent issue; staff can confidently explain the origins of the menu, with most ingredients coming from the walled herb-filled kitchen garden and polytunnel tended by four full-time gardeners. Chef Douglas Balish showcases the nourishing terroir alchemized with local and seasonal ingredients through world-class eating and drinking, culminating in a Michelin-worthy tasting menu at the Fernery – but there are as many high-end flavors as the course parade, and the mood is best-in-class With its hospitality it always feels friendly rather than formal. Each delicate bite is presented with a theatrical explanation of what you are eating, serving as an encyclopedia of the rich bounty of Wales and Britain.
out and about
You’re in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, reminding us why Wales is famous for walking, walking and mountain biking. We hired e-bikes from Tenby Bike Hire, and although this rugged terrain is a training ground for Iron Man competitors, the rapid turbocharger of electric-assist pedaling makes the hills seem easier. It’s just a 10-minute drive from the Pembrokeshire National Coast Path to the coast, where you can enjoy watery views; It is an airy track where you can go to the seaside by e-bike and return in a few hours. Coast Saundersfoot, next to Coppet Hall Beach, is the Grove’s sister seafood restaurant and part of the Seren portfolio. If you want to check out a listed landmark, Pembroke Castle and Picton Castle are worth looking around.
It stays at: Narberth Grove Prices start from £390 for a classic room; also available on a private use basis.