Ten minutes’ walk from St Davids Cathedral along country lanes, where 12 acres of private woods, landscaped gardens, and wildflower meadow create a tranquil setting, Penrhiw Priory is a Bed and Breakfast or Self-catering Venue which occupies a Grade II listed Victorian vicarage built in 1884. Originally constructed by the Church in Wales to stem migration to non-conformist chapels, the Tudorbethan building later served as home, guesthouse, and priory for nuns from the 1960s until their departure in 1985. Architect Keith Griffiths, raised in St Davids, acquired the property through his Griffiths-Roch Foundation in 2009, commissioning Acanthus Holden Architects for restoration. The building reopened as an eight-bedroom accommodation in 2012, joining sister properties Roch Castle and Twr y Felin under the Retreats Group.

The restoration preserves original features, dark wood panelling, period fireplaces, high ceilings and grand-scale rooms, whilst contemporary interiors deliver modern comfort. Suede wallpaper, generous sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and curated artwork inspired by nature create a warm atmosphere throughout. Seven ensuite bedrooms plus one ground-floor suite occupy both the main house and converted coach house, each named after its view. The Meadow suite, located in the original coach house, features a double-height living room opening onto a private terrace that leads into a biodiversity meadow. The Garden room features a contemporary four-poster bed and bay-window seating overlooking the luscious gardens. All rooms include the highest-quality furnishings, WiFi, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, luxury towels and slippers, and minimal contemporary styling.

Common areas include a luxurious lounge with a large television, a drawing room, an honesty bar offering free tea and coffee, plus wines and spirits. Full domestic kitchen allows self-catering for exclusive use bookings, with private chefs arrangeable. Continental breakfast is served 8:30-9:30am, with cooked breakfast available at Twr y Felin (five-minute drive, 15-minute walk) for a supplement. Three-rosette Blas Restaurant dining is also available at the sister hotel.

The location delivers exceptional stargazing, its enviable secluded western position creates Dark Sky viewing where the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon on clear nights. Stargazing hampers with astronomy binoculars and thermos flasks are available. Whitesands Bay and Carn Llidi summit sit five minutes’ drive away, with Ramsey Island visible offshore.