London & South East

Four Pillars Hotels: Oxford Thames extension

 Offering four star luxury, Four Pillars Hotels is a small hotel group with six venues across Oxford, the Cotswolds, Thames Valley and Bristol.

Since October last year the group’s Oxford Thames Hotel at Sandford-on-Thames has been undergoing a multimillion pound extension, which will see the addition of 22 bedrooms and a covered courtyard.

The £2million extension of Oxford Thames Hotel is now nearing completion but was in planning for approximately two years due to its location on green belt land, the fact that some buildings were Grade II Listed and its proximity to local residents. However both the local parish and council were extremely supportive to Four Pillars Hotels and all conservation requirements were fulfilled.

John Hallam Associates were the Architectural Practice who designed the extension and speaking to Premier Construction, Principal John Hallam said:

“The bedroom extension will have 22 rooms – all double occupancy within a two storey block and is linked to the existing hotel via a glazed corridor.”

The bedrooms in the original house benefit from original period features, such as oak beams and ornate windows. Many have views of the river or walled garden. The other rooms have been refurbished in an elegant, contemporary style and have pleasant views of the surrounding grounds. The new block has been designed to compliment the original buildings, incorporating many traditional construction details such as the pegged joints to the oak window surrounds.

John added:

“The Conservatory is spectacular and links very well to the four differing heights around what was the old courtyard. During the development we have had to conform to strict conservation requirements in terms of colour of brick, tiles and stone. One of the buildings was in fact an old listed barn dating back to the 17th century.”

Speaking about the external works, John said:

“The turf is being replaced and extended, in addition to the creation of patio areas outside the five bedrooms on the ground floor that face the river.”

Mike Honour Windows/ Lattice Period Windows were actively involved in the new building which overlooks the beautiful gardens and river. Each room on the ground floor includes traditional oak framed French doors with steel framed units within, and all open out on to a decked area for guests to enjoy their surroundings. Oak framed steel windows finish off the look of this beautiful hotel.

The hotel is due to be fully operationally by the end of May. The main contractor on the development was Beard Construction. Established for over a century, Beard is an award-winning construction company with a reputation for excellence in construction throughout the South of England.

For more information about Four Pillars Hotels and Oxford Thames Hotel please visit: www.four-pillars.co.uk.

About the author

Roma Publications