THE company behind loving restorations of historic Pembrokeshire buildings has turned its attention to a 200 year-old windmill tower.

The Retreats Group is transforming the Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids into what it hopes will become one of Wales’ top hotels and restaurants.

Set to open this summer, the contemporary design includes 20 en-suite luxury bedrooms, a bar and Michelin starred restaurant offering the best of locally sourced ingredients, and an inviting lounge named Oriel (Welsh for gallery), where both residents and locals will be welcome.

Originally a windmill built in 1806, Twr y Felin was used for grinding corn, but severe storms meant its sails had to be taken down in 1904. The tower was then extended and later converted into a hotel.

The character of the unique Grade II listed building has been preserved over the years, which is especially evident in the tower bedrooms. The upper tower suite offers three levels of luxury with its spacious bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Above is the lounge, and on the top floor a small observatory, offering panoramic views of the St Davids Peninsula.

Twr y Felin Hotel will join a select group of UK Art Hotels with a collection of more than 100 pieces of art and sculpture. Leading UK urban artists including Phlash, Mr Jago, Xenz and Remi Ruff, Harry Adams and Pure Evil will be represented as well as Welsh artists such as John Uzzell Edwards, Brendan Burns and leading ceramist Adam Buick.

The Retreats Ground was founded by Keith Griffiths who grew up in Pembrokeshire. His aim was to develop historic buildings into spaces to be enjoyed.

Mr Griffiths said: “We are looking forward to growing on the success of Twr y Felin Hotel’s sister venues, Penrhiw Hotel and Roch Castle by opening our first fully operational hotel in Retreats Group Ltd. It has been such a privilege to conserve and develop these importantly historic features of our Pembrokeshire landscape and heritage”.

The project has received support from the Welsh Government. The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said; “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support this development with Tourism Investment Support. The building’s history and character will make for a highly distinctive accommodation with a unique story to tell and the emphasis on quality gives Twr y Felin the potential to become a reputation changing hotel which can create new demand for Pembrokeshire and for Wales.”