Griffiths Roch Foundation
In 2009, the Griffiths Roch Foundation was established to purchase and restore three important but derelict listed buildings on the St Davids peninsula as luxury retreat hotels.
Retreats Group Ltd
Retreats Group Ltd operates Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory. It also owns and manages its laundry, which is based at Brawdy Business Park.
Twr y Felin, a former windmill built in 1806 and now Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Pembrokeshire. Its sister properties are 12th-century Roch Castle and 19th-century priory Penrhiw.
The trio of hotel, guest accommodation and exclusive stay properties have all been rescued and restored by Keith Griffiths, a Welsh-born international architect and patron of contemporary art. His love for the land of his childhood, St Davids, inspired him to lovingly develop these three historic buildings into luxury bases, from which guests can explore the breath-taking landscape of West Wales.
Each property subtly contrasts original historic features with contemporary interior design, and include excellent modern facilities; and are all located close to the 186 miles of Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Roch Castle and Penrhiw Priory have 6 and 8 ensuite bedrooms, respectively, and are perfect for bed and breakfast or exclusive use stays. Twr y Felin has 39 ensuite bedrooms, a meeting room, and a treatment room. It is also home to Oriel Lounge, Cornel Bar, and three Rosette Blas Restaurants, which offer menus influenced by the season and locality.
Keith Griffiths
Chairman of Aedas and Director of Retreats Group
“My restoration work aims to provide luxury hotels in St Davids and North West Pembrokeshire. I decided to restore endangered and historically significant buildings as these would have an interesting ambience and history, provide fascinating spaces and therefore be attractive to potential guests. I prefer interesting and characterful buildings provided the returns can be met and the building can be practically converted into a hotel. The condition of the building determines the construction cost and rate of return so I study the feasibility of every potential project. Many buildings are very beautiful but sadly require too much investment to provide a reasonable rate of return.
“Twr y Felin Hotel is an 18th Century windmill tower with a powerful sense of local history. It was converted to a hotel in 1905. I chose to buy Twr y Felin because it was the first hotel in St Davids and kick started the tourist economy. It began as a temperance hotel in the early 20th century and it was the only high end hotel in St Davids. It is close to the city centre and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park visitor centre and National Museum Wales Gallery opposite. Now it is expanded and converted to a luxury full service hotel it appeals to discerning tourists who are exploring St Davids and The National Park landscape and who value convenience and high standards of space, fit out and service.
“It’s hugely satisfying to see the restoration of an important historical, cultural building in St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. We are proud to be involved with the conservation of the area, developing a great asset for the local community and providing a luxury base from which visitors can explore culture, history and landscape of this special part of Wales.
Facilities Department Background
The Facilities and Capital Projects Department at Retreats Group Limited (RGL) comprises the managerial and operational teams responsible for undertaking the building and grounds capital projects for the Griffiths Roch Foundation (GRF) on its three properties: Twr y Felin Hotel, Penrhiw Priory, and Roch Castle.
It also delivers the requirements of the operator (RGL) which include projects, refurbishments, servicing, and proactive and reactive maintenance of the buildings and grounds, their mechanical, electrical & plumbing installations, their IT and telecoms installations, and their fit-outs and interiors of the three leased properties – Twr y Felin, Penrhiw Priory and Roch Castle – as well as RGL’s dedicated Laundry and Stores at Brawdy Business Park.
The Department comprises a Director of Facilities and Capital Projects, a Facilities Manager, a Caretaker, and a Grounds Team. The team also employs a number of external contractors and consultants who are engaged in day-to-day operations and individual projects.
The Department is also responsible for the Health and Safety management and compliance of the GRF and RGL, their insurance, fleet management, waste management and meeting sustainability targets.
