“Something exceptional happens here: you instantly relax and feel at home, thanks to owner Steve Warren's easy-going style and unflappable manner, underpinned by his wife Eileen's excellent menus in the elegant peacock- green dining room. Choose a contemporary room across the lane, a cottage in the old stables, or a traditional room in the charming Strawberry Hill Gothic house itself. A delight.”

Written by  Fiona Duncan

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They say

“Penally Abbey, is one of Pembrokeshire's loveliest gothic style country houses. It is situated in an elevated position, adjacent to the 12th century Norman church, in the pretty floral village of Penally, on the western promontory of Wales. Abbey House is the original house, pretty rather than grand.

The lounge is light and airy and beautifully proportioned, with high ceilings and large ogee head doors and windows, through which one can see Tenby Golf Course and across the bay to the Gower Peninsular. With its grand piano, chaise longue, leather Chesterfields and Adam Fireplace, it could be an Edwardian country seat. There are family photographs, aspidistras, and even an Edward bear, to complete the tableau. One has the distinct impression of being a welcomed guest at a house party, rather than a guest in a hotel. The ensuite bedrooms, all different shapes and sizes, are individually furnished with antiques and period pieces, some have four-poster beds and sea or garden views. There is a small bar and a conservatory which leads to the terrace garden. Here, you can enjoy a drink on a summers evening and watch the golden glow of the sun setting over the bay. The untamed woodlands and lawned gardens surrounding the Abbey host a myriad of exotic flowers and boast a Flemish chimney, St Deiniol's ruined chapel and St Deiniol's Holy Well. A small bidet size indoor swimming pool is just off the courtyard, not for the athletic, but a fun pool, and perfect for teaching children how to swim. Most of the year, however, it is ideal for romantics who have the luxury of complete solitude. Dining in Penally Abbey's restaurant is a romantic candle-lit affair. The room has many beautiful features: high coved ceilings; large ogee head windows; hand carved fireplaces; crystal chandleliers; round, polished, mahogany tables and views across the gardens toward the sea. We take pride in the freshness and quality of our ingredients and hold the simple philosophy that understated but delicious food, a beautiful environment, and friendly, unassuming staff, turn dining into an experience to remember.”