The much-anticipated reopening of Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa following an extensive £5.6 million refurbishment, offers guests the chance to rediscover the property’s historic charm, and stories that have been brought back to life through jaw dropping design with hospitality interior designers DesignLSM.
An ongoing ambitious design project, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a stunning reflection of a beautiful period property being elevated by incorporating modern touches for creative and contemporary flair. Nestled in 11 acres of countryside, the Elizabethan manor house features an ambient library newly adorned with a ceiling of floating books providing a light filled area for relaxation and inspiration. Said to be where William Shakespeare wrote his famous comedy ‘As You Like It’, literary lovers will be enchanted by the charming décor and inspiring ambience. Outside, the exquisite, listed topiary garden planted over 125 years ago, has been recreated and shaped to form giant chess pieces, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The tranquil setting provides another unique opportunity for guests to spend time unearthing the true spirit of Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa.
The redesign has greatly drawn upon its Shakespearean and literary links to produce a property that reflects its stories, past and present, helping guests to become immersed in the beautiful landscapes and creating a place that can inspire new stories and memories. Holly Hallam, Managing Director of DesignLSM comments; “DesignLSM has been delighted to work with Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa in strategically repositioning the hotel and curating a new design across the property. Creating a place that speaks to the bucolic surroundings, reveals its rich history and celebrates the grandeur of the Elizabethan house – resulting in a wonderfully relaxing retreat for its guests.”
Many of the bedrooms have been expertly upgraded with sumptuous new furnishings, whilst the Stuart Restaurant has been bought to life with colourful and playful artwork. Both areas execute a charming fusion of modern meets traditional, that brings a welcoming ambience to the hotel. The contemporary twist on art by Pratiksha Tayal, showcases large splashes of vibrant colour adorning the traditional paintings in the restaurant. Other special touches include feather quills framed in guests’ bedrooms as a further nod to Billesley’s Shakespearean roots, with plush velvet and leather furniture for a sense of grandeur. Elegant and refined design also extends to the newly refurbished Decleor spa, where guests can wind down in the pool, steam room and sauna after energetic days. The redesign of these areas has created a unique identity for the hotel, revealing a hidden story around every corner.
DesignLSM and suppliers Studio 2C implemented artwork and dressing that was inspired by the literary history and natural materials, and botanical prints were brought in to complement the stunning countryside setting. The property’s personality shines through further in the Grand Hall, the heart of the hotel, playing with scale and tension between the period character of the building and modernity, with the introduction of the main bar. Set in modern materials against the original dark wood panelling.
The teams worked closely by analysing current and future guest profiles and understanding their key desires to build a new interior, infusing Billesley Manor with a new lease of life that speaks to the area whilst being completely one of a kind in its offering.
