‘Seldom has a house been more fascinating’: The Inspector is being wooed by a ‘beautiful, somewhat quirky’ B&B surrounded by ancient Welsh woodland
- The Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, which has undergone a “massive restoration”, offers 25 guest rooms
- The Inspector lives in one of the Herb Cottages near the main house, which has its own little garden
- He thinks the property is dressed with “style and reverence” and breakfast in the courtyard is a “delight”.
- Remember, the inspector pays his way… and tells it like it is
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The wrought iron electric gates open slowly. But it’s only right that they do – because what awaits them wants to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Rarely has an arrival been so uplifting; Rarely has a house been more fascinating.
Set in a hollow behind a small pond, The Grove is surrounded by mature woodland and beautiful hydrangeas, but from the front terrace you can see the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire.
The inspector visits The Grove of Narberth (above), which lies in a hollow behind a small pond and is surrounded by ancient woodland and towering hydrangeas in Pembrokeshire
Neil and Zoe Kedward bought The Grove as a family home in 2007 just before the crash. After a “massive restoration” it now offers 25 rooms including the Meadow Loft room (above)
The inspector describes the property as a “nice, slightly quirky house”. Upstairs is the bathroom in the Beca room
Neil and Zoe Kedward bought it as a family home in 2007 just before the crash. It stood empty for eight years and was in a state of disrepair.
Many people would have sold and moved on, but the Kedwards embarked on a massive restoration program to offer a few rooms as B&Bs. There are now 25.
They are not hoteliers – and it shows. No ugly signage; no framed AA Rosette Awards; no brochures or ongoing marketing bumf.
Pictured is the Beca room. The owners of The Grove aren’t hoteliers, says the inspector, but he praises their style – “no ugly signs; no framed AA Rosette Awards; no brochures or constant marketing bang’
The lounge area. “Seldom has a house been more fascinating,” says the inspector
An example of one of the dishes served at Restaurant Fernery, which uses local, seasonal produce
A beautiful, somewhat quirky house that can be traced back in part to the 14th century.
The tall, narrow windows on the west facade are exquisite; the wood paneling is excellent. Designer Martin Hulbert has done an excellent job dressing the house with style and reverence.
We live in one of the Herb Cottages about 100 meters from the main house.
Ours has its own little garden, living room and some of the walls have old fashioned gardening tools. It is the most luxurious garden shed I have ever seen.
On a busy Saturday night, The Grove begs to have someone stationed behind the bar all evening, but like so many places, trained staff are hard to come by.
It takes too long to get drinks and although our table is reserved for 8.30pm we are not seated until 9.15pm.
Designer Martin Hulbert infused the home with “style and reverence.” Pictured is the property’s Restaurant Fernery
After breakfast in the courtyard, the inspector strolls around the B&B grounds
Anywhere else I would be in a strop asking to see the manager but not here especially as the apologies are so sincere and effusive.
Breakfast in the courtyard is also a delight, after which we wander the grounds, including a huge walled garden dedicated to cut flowers.
When you base yourself here, you will be in close proximity to Barafundle Bay, the famous beach that can only be reached on foot. Or stay here and never leave the place.
TRAVEL FACTS
Narberth’s Grove, Molleston, Narbert, SA67 8BX. Doubles from £245 B&B. For more information call 01834 860915 or visit grovenarberth.co.uk.
Valuation: 
