Roch Castle restored as luxury retreat

Roch Castle. © Copyright Robin Lucas (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Fancy staying in an English Civil War siege castle?

This one - a couple of miles from Wales's famous Newgale beach - might fit the bill ...

Roch Castle was built in the 13th century, and in 1630 was the birthplace of Lucy Walter, mistress of Charles II and mother of the illegitimate Duke of Monmouth.

During the English Civil War it changed hands a number of times. Supplied with a garrison by the King, it was taken by Parliament troops in 1644 after a brief siege. Later the same year it was taken back by forces under Sir Charles Gerard, but by 1645 was back in Parliament's hands, remaining so until the Restoration.

It was while living in the Hague during the late 1640s that Lucy Walter became mistress of the fugitive Charles Stuart.

The castle remained in a state of ruin until the early 1900s, when its then owner embarked upon significant restoration work. The Retreats Group Trust bought it in 2008 to restore and refurbish it as a luxury venue:

"The spectacular reception rooms and six ensuite bedrooms offer panoramic views over the sea, mountains and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is located within extensive private landscaped grounds. The castle is refurbished to five star standards and fitted with 300 thread count bed linens, leather floor coverings, oiled woods and purpose designed furniture."

It's now open and available for weddings, holidays and other events.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/03/03/civil-war-roch-castle-wins-new-lease-of-life-as-a-6m-retreat-91466-30449365/
http://www.retreatsgroup.com/roch-castle.aspx