Penally Abbey Hotel have announced that the premises will be unable to open throughout the summer following the fire that broke out at the building on Saturday morning.

Fire crews from Tenby, Pembroke Dock, Narberth and Milford Haven were quick on the scene shortly before 10 am on May 30, with the fire being located on the first floor of the three-storey building, spreading to the roof space of the hotel.

No one was hurt and the cause of the fire is being investigated by the Fire Service.

Husband and wife team Lucas and Melanie Boissevain who have run the 18th century property since 2014 with their family, announced through a heart-felt post on Facebook yesterday that as a a significant amount of damage has been caused to the building, it was with a very ‘heavy heart’ that the boutique hotel and restaurant will be unable to open at all this summer.

“No-one was hurt or involved, and everyone is safe for which we are incredibly grateful and this is the most important thing of all,” they remarked.

“However, a significant amount of damage has been caused to the building. The local fire brigade arrived swiftly and were able to contain the fire to one wing.

“The firefighters acted with total professionalism, utter bravery, kindness and empathy both to us and to this beautiful and historic building and we owe them our heartfelt gratitude.

“As a result of this, we are so sad that the hotel is now unable to open at all this summer.”

The couple said that it has been a ‘privilege’ to spend the last five years restoring the Grade 2 listed Strawberry Hill gothic house

“It will need the utmost care and precision in the months to come in order to restore it to the level that it deserves,” they continued.

“In the coming days and weeks, we shall find the best way forward both together as a family, and with our team, and know that the hotel will return more beautiful and stronger than before - of that you can be sure.

“After closing the hotel from the end of March due to Covid-19, we were so looking forward to being able to gradually resume some form of normality.

“Please do know that we are so disappointed to not be welcoming you but that we hope that you will come and stay, eat and relax with us again in the hopefully not too distant future. We are feeling so grateful to live in such a supportive community,” they added.

All guests with bookings in the next few months will be contacted individually, with the couple thanking everyone for their patience.

Following the incident, county councillor for the Penally ward, Clr. Jon Preston, said: “I know how much work Lucas and Melanie have put into Penally Abbey and the plans they were making for its future.

“We as a community are proud of the Abbey and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we look forward to seeing the Abbey restored and open for business as soon as is practicably possible,” he said.

“I know that there will be much work to do, but I’m sure with the couple’s continued ambition and creativity, this terrible event will eventually become another chapter in the rich history of Penally Abbey,” he added.