About us..

Discover Castello de Haye: luxury artisanal soaps, essential oils, room mists & balms, handcrafted with natural ingredients for everyday elegance.

This Chronicle traces the threads of history that weave through our business, connecting the purity of Swan’s Well to a timeless tradition of healing and care. From ancient reverence for water to the craft of soapmaking, each era reflects a piece of our mission at Castello de Haye—to honour nature’s gifts and transform them into something meaningful. Starting with our present work and reaching back through time, this story reveals how the past inspires every bar of soap we create.

21st century AD In 2010, I began collecting spring water from Swan’s Well—its purity a gift, making it the perfect foundation for traditional, natural soap. From this simple act, our botanical skincare journey at Castello de Haye began. We harness the power of nature, crafting skincare in harmony with the seasons and the landscapes surrounding us. Each product is made with intention—to nourish, heal, and transform well-being. As I draw water from this ancient spring, I feel a connection to its storied past—perhaps even to Ceinwen, a holy hermitess whose legacy blesses this very well. Could it be that her spirit gently guides us still?

17th century AD. Centuries before, the art of soapmaking began to take root in England. King James I granted special privileges to soap makers, recognizing their craft’s value. Around the same time, Louis Pasteur’s discoveries linked cleanliness to health, laying the groundwork for modern skincare. Andrew Pears later refined this tradition, creating scented bars that would influence generations—and inspire our own natural formulations.

11th century AD. Long before soap became a craft, the land near Swan’s Well held its own history. By the 12th century, a Motte & Bailey—an earthwork fortress topped with timber palisades—rose beside the spring. Known locally as The Tump, it was recorded in 1126 as ‘Castello de Haia’, the name that now graces our brand, connecting us to this ancient site.

5th century AD. Even earlier, the well bore the mark of Ceinwen, a holy woman and hermitess whose name means fair maiden. Her spiritual presence blessed Swan’s Well, and many oratories and sacred wells across the land still echo her name—a testament to her enduring legacy.

The reverence for water, like that of Swan’s Well, stretches back to antiquity. As Ezekiel 47:12 proclaims, "Their water flows from the sanctuary, their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing." Since ancient times, water has been celebrated as a gift of nature—pure, sustaining, and imbued with healing power, a belief that continues to guide us today.

Let customers speak for us

from 20 reviews

Amazing soap with a wonderful scent 😊

Carol

08/08/2025

Serene Lavender Castile Soap with Organic Oils, lavandula angustifolia

My go to soap! Fabulous and pure the oats and honey really are gentle in the skin as are all Castello products.
I really cannot manage without it now

Sharon

08/07/2025

Honey Oat Soap Bar, Natural Moisturizing Handmade Soap

Great product. Keeping coming back for more . Been buying from this company for years.

Steve

08/07/2025

Nettle Soap Bar, 200g - Wild Nettle & Verbena Aromatherapy, Natural Handmade for Sensitive Skin

Fabulous fresh mint aroma and lasts for ages as

Fabulous fresh mint aroma and lasts for ages as you only need a small amount! suffering from sore hand using other chemical based soap in the past the soap from Castello De Haye is a life saver I just couldn’t be without it!!!

Sharon

07/29/2025

Refreshing Mint Castile Soap with Organic Oils

Must have

Beautiful soaps for a gift . Just love them

Anonymous

07/22/2025

Portus Cale, Gold & Blue Soap set, 3 x 150g

Quality

A beautiful classic oil that smells lovely. I always prefer Castellos oils as they smell as they should, not like some cheaper mixes on the market.

N.T.

06/14/2025

Lavender Essential Oil, 10ml - Sleep & Calm Pure Aromatherapy Oil

Ambra Nera Scented Crystals

Arrived within 24 hours amazing at this time of year, excellent product. Many Thanks

Anonymous

04/14/2025

Castello de Haye

Castile Soaps

Looking forward to receiving them. Your products are all fantastic I have most of them and hopefully a few new ones! keep up the good work 😊 Looking forward to the new website

S. HIcks

04/06/2025

Delicate Rose Geranium Castile Soap with Organic Oils

5 stars

great

Chris green

03/23/2025

Honey Oat Soap Bar, Natural Moisturizing Handmade Soap

Wow !

Wow! Just used the pure patchouli soap and it's divine. Been looking for an authentic patchouli smell from a soap and it is perfect. Highly recommend.

C. G.

02/24/2025

Pure Patchouli Soap Bar with Aromatherapy Oil, 200g natural soap

Perfect

My daughter and I love this product and my daughter wouldn’t be without it

Briony Taylor

02/19/2025

Gardener's Balm, Nourishing Hand Balm, 90g

Fico d'India Perfume

I’m really grateful to you and James for the way you have both dealt with this, because it’s not every company who is so nice to deal with. I’m so glad I did actually buy the correct format of the perfume from you before Christmas!

Jenny Shorrocks

01/23/2025