Est. 1656
About St Botolphs
The Estate
A story stretching back centuries
St Botolphs House is a property with a story stretching back centuries. Today, it has been carefully brought back to life — offering comfortable accommodation while preserving the historic character that makes this place so special.
From its possible origins as a place of worship to its life as a family home and its later industrial connections, the building reflects the many layers of Pembrokeshire's past. We hope you enjoy your stay as part of its continuing story.
The History
The story of St Botolphs
A chapel and an ancient site
The earliest known reference to a building on this site dates to 1656, when it was mentioned in the will of William Howell of Hubberston Park. The origins of St Botolphs are believed to lie in an even earlier religious past — the site is thought to have been home to St Budoc's Chapel.
Echoes of this history remain today, with part of an original monastic wall incorporated into the structure of the present house — a rare and tangible link to the site's earliest days.
Notable Pembrokeshire families
In the years that followed, the property evolved into a private residence and passed through several notable local families — among them the Elliots and the well-known Pembrokeshire landowners, the Le Hunts.
In the 19th century, the Stokes family took ownership and made significant changes, including the addition of the top floor in the 1830s, giving the house much of the form it retains today.
The Lee Roberts years and the at-risk register
Following the Second World War, the property passed into the hands of a cousin of the Stokes family, Mrs Lee Roberts. In later years, St Botolphs was recognised for its vulnerability and was included on a heritage "at risk" register compiled by Save Britain's Heritage.
Like much of the surrounding area, St Botolphs's story is closely tied to the changing fortunes of Milford Haven itself. In around 1971, the nearby oil refinery acquired the property. Although the house remained habitable for a time, it gradually fell into decline and became derelict during the 1990s.
Brought back to life
Today, St Botolphs has been brought back to life — carefully adapted to offer comfortable accommodation while preserving its historic character. The walled gardens have been restored, the estate grounds are open once more, and the cottages within them have been sympathetically fitted out for modern stays.
We hope you enjoy your stay as part of the continuing story of St Botolphs.
Guest Reviews
What our guests say
"Absolutely magical. The walled garden is stunning and the hot tub under the stars was the highlight of our whole trip. We'll be back."
Courtyard Cottage No. 1
"The Shepherd's Hut was everything we hoped for — cosy, quiet, and beautifully put together. The estate grounds felt like our own private world."
The Shepherd's Hut
"We used The Cants as a base to explore the coast path every day. It's perfectly located and the woodland setting is just beautiful. Highly recommend."
The Cants