Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Roch Castle in Wales turned into luxury retreat

A 13th century castle, damaged in a Civil War siege, has been transformed into a luxury retreat after more than £6m of investment.

Architect Keith Griffiths, is behind the project, returning to his Pembrokeshire roots after buying Roch Castle and Penrhiw Priory.

Over three years, he has restored the historic monuments, investing £6m and £3m respectively.

He said he was keen to safeguard the county’s heritage by turning the historic buildings into retreats, giving them a sustainable future.

“My aim was to match the contemporary luxury in hospitality provided by the international Armani and Bulgari hotels within an historic building,” he said. “But it was essential not to detract from each of the properties’ own special and unique existing structure and style.

“It is for this reason that these icons of West Wales heritage were developed as corporate, individual, retreats and not as hotels – the required changes to the fabric of the buildings to meet current legislation would have damaged their beauty and substance,” Mr Griffiths added

Click here to read the full article from Wales Online

Developer behind restored and reopened Roch Castle confirms Haverfordwest interest

The multi-million pound restoration of Roch Castle was officially revealed to the public yesterday by St Davids born architect and developer Keith Griffiths.

It was also announced that it is Mr Griffiths and his Griffiths Roch Foundation hoping to transform Haverfordwest's former prison and governor's house at the town castle into a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and gallery.

Council members, including chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, were among the dignitaries to take a closer look at Roch Castle and the five-star luxury it offers for those with big budgets.

The Retreat Group specialise in high-end luxury coporate escapes for relaxation or business and Roch Castle in just one of Mr Griffiths' Pembrokeshire projects.

The castle's sister property Penrhiw Priory, St Davids, also offers exclusive accommodation costing from £4,000 a week.

Click here to read this article from the Western Telegraph

Click here to visit the Retreats Group website for photos of the restored castle