Peaceful Hideaway
Connect with nature at Penrhiw Priory, a serene retreat surrounded by the landscape of St Davids
Penrhiw Priory is a tranquil retreat designed for the mind, body, and soul, set in the Cathedral Valley of historic St Davids. Our property offers a range of luxury accommodations, including Visit Wales five-star self-catering or bed & breakfast option. Each room is thoughtfully appointed to provide relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire, explore nearby attractions, or simply unwind in peaceful surroundings, making Penrhiw Priory the ideal destination for both short breaks and extended stays.
Artworks inspired by the beauty of nature are featured throughout Penrhiw Priory, creating a seamless connection between the interiors and the gardens, meadow, and surrounding woods, as well as the wider Pembrokeshire landscape. Brendan Stuart Burns’s large abstract studies of the visual world draw you inward, inviting contemplation, while Adam Buick’s Moon Jars, crafted from materials found in the local soil, encourage you to step outside and experience the landscape through the perspective of an artist.
Meadow Suite
Wildflower Meadow
Lounge
Valley Bedroom with Freestanding Bath
Dining Room
Formal Victorian Gardens
The Story of Penrhiw Priory
Penrhiw Priory was originally built in 1884 by the Church in Wales as a vicarage on the site of a large longhouse farm building. Designed by John Middleton & Son of Cheltenham, it is a fine example of high Victorian architecture in Tudorbethan style. Constructed from squared Caerbwdi rubble stone with limestone ashlar dressings, steep slate roofs, terracotta ridge tiles, bargeboards, and tall stone stacks, the building reflects the craftsmanship of the period. The interiors feature pitch pine woodwork, deep skirting boards, large panelled doors, window reveals, a stunning staircase, and two exquisite fireplaces with decorative tiles by William De Morgan, the renowned Arts and Crafts ceramics maker.
Throughout the 20th century, Penrhiw saw a variety of uses. The local doctor resided there, followed by Colonel and Mrs Weir, who ran it as a guest house, hosting notable visitors including Anthony Eden, later Prime Minister of the UK. In the 1960s, the property became a priory for the Community of St John the Evangelist, expanding to 20 bedrooms, three reception rooms, and a chapel.
After the nuns left in 1985, the Church in Wales sold the property in 1988 to Steve and Lis Cousens, who ran it as a group retreat accommodating up to 30 guests. Tim Sime continued the retreat for four years before Adam Hill and Rachael Knott acquired it in 2004. In 2009, the Griffiths Roch Foundation took ownership, commissioning Carreg Construction for a full restoration under the guidance of Acanthus Holden Architects.
“Penrhiw is just the most peaceful and tranquil place to stay. The rooms are wonderfully designed and decorated with fantastic furniture, artwork and most importantly a very comfortable bed.”
Tripadvisor - May 2025
Penrhiw Priory reopened in 2012 as a luxury eight-bedroom bed and breakfast and exclusive-use self-catering venue. Many spaces retain their historic significance: the Garden Bedroom was originally the vicar’s room, while the stables, once housing horses and a carriage, are now the Meadow Suite on the ground floor and Court on the first floor. Today, Penrhiw Priory beautifully blends heritage, architecture, and luxury, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Pembrokeshire.
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Escape to Penrhiw Priory for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Pembrokeshire.
