AN INSPECTOR CALLS

He pays his way... and tells it like it is

THE wrought iron electric gates open slowly. But it’s only right that they do — because what awaits needs to be savoured at a leisurely pace.

Seldom has an arrival been quite so uplifting; seldom has a house been more captivating.

The Grove sits in a dip behind a little pond and surrounded by ancient woodland and stupendous hydrangeas, yet from the terrace at the front you can see Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills.

Neil and Zoe Kedward bought it as a family home in 2007 just before the crash. It had stood empty for eight years and was in a ruinous state.

Many people would have sold up and moved on, but the Kedwards embarked on a massive restoration programme, with a view to offering a couple of rooms as B&Bs. There are now 25.

They are not hoteliers — and it shows. No ugly signage; no framed AA Rosette awards; no leaflets or ongoing marketing bumf. Just a beautiful, somewhat quirky house, parts of which can be traced back to the 14th century.

The tall, narrow windows on the west elevation are exquisite; the wood panelling superb. The designer Martin Hulbert has done an excellent job, dressing the house with style and reverence.

We’re staying in one of the Herb

Cottages about 100 yards from the main house. Ours has its own little garden, sitting room and several of the walls have old-fashioned garden implements hanging on them. It’s the most luxurious potting shed I’ve ever seen.

On a busy Saturday night, The Grove is crying out to have someone stationed behind the bar all evening but, like so many other places, trained staff are hard to come by.

It takes too long to get drinks and although our table is booked for 8.30pm, we don’t sit down until 9.15pm.

Anywhere else, I’d be in a strop and asking to see the manager, but not here, especially since the apologies are so sincere and fulsome.

Breakfast in the courtyard is a joy, too, after which we wander round the grounds, including a huge walled garden dedicated to cut flowers.

Base yourself here and you’re within easy striking distance of Barafundle Bay, the famous beach reached only on foot. Or stay here and never leave the place. The Grove of Narberth Molleston

Narberth

SA67 8BX

Tel: 01834 860915, grovenarberth.co.uk Doubles from £245 B&B

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