Premier Hospitality

Worplesdon Place

Worplesdon Place
Written by Roma Publications

Worplesdon Place

Worplesdon Place

Worplesdon Place pub and rooms, located in the attractive village of Worplesdon, displays a building that has been an iconic landmark just outside of Guilford since the 19th century. The pub and rooms have been refurbished to something spectacular with a feel of rural chic, and good old fashioned hospitality.

Featuring 29 boutique en-suite bedrooms, Worplesdon Place is ideal for a lavish and leisurely stay, boasting a sunny terrace and picturesque expansive gardens that lead to a stunning lake. The function room serves as a great space for weddings, conferences or parties, accompanied by appropriate furniture for all events.

Rebecca Groves, Interior Designer and Associate Director at Design Management Partnership, commented:

“The refurbishment began onsite in January 2016 and we were onsite for eight weeks, meaning that it was complete in early March. We refurbished the bedrooms, public areas and function room, however retaining a lot of original features in order to maintain the character of the old Georgian manor house.

“We created a new snug area to the right hand side of the building as you enter, with a quirky full height wine cage which acts as a main feature of the space.

“All 29 bedrooms received a revamp; the majority with timber panelled headboards and feature digital artwork above. The hotel rooms have been freshly carpeted and fitted with stylish new furniture and artwork. Some bedrooms situated in the older parts of the building retain their original character with high ceilings, coving and ceiling roses.

“A selection of the bedrooms has also undergone en-suite bathroom refurbishment – they are now modern and tiled throughout, and come equipped with new toilets and full height glass screens to showers.”

Worplesdon Place

Flaunting a boutique feel, bedrooms feature captivating digital printed wallpaper displaying a mixture of a horse theme (linking with the local racing grounds) and a Highland cow black and white theme. Reflecting a sense of individuality, each bedroom is unique and pops of colour are accentuated against a more sludgy palette of colours, with cushions and other adornments.

Design Management Partnership retained the existing timber flooring within the bar area, as well as the bar servery itself. New carpets and flag stone flooring were fitted to add a rustic and cosy finish. The team also retained a lot of existing wall panelling and coving, as there are many detailed high ceilings within the building.

“It is a very large site, originally a mid 19th century manor house built by Sir William Bovril – having more recently received an extension to allow for additional accommodation when formerly a Premier Inn site. There are contemporary elements, however generally there is a period feel to the property.”

Serving food throughout the day, the restaurant offers a wide range of menus to satisfy any appetite – including stone-baked pizzas, flame grilled rotisserie, and a seasonal specials menu to choose from. With 150 covers, the restaurant is adjacent to the bar and opens out onto an external decking area, which leads down to the beautiful lake.

Interestingly, a woodland themed log-style children’s play area is being introduced to the space amongst the trees and lawns.

Prior to entering Worplesdon Place, guests are greeted with an illuminated driveway with feature lighting that creates a dramatic entrance, in addition to brand new signage. Adding to the sense of presence, post and chains surround the entrance to the driveway.

“I think our biggest challenge has been the scale of the building because of the enormity of the site – and having had to complete it in such a short amount of time. Originally it was supposed to be a ten week project and we completed within eight weeks, so we handed it all over in one phase.

“It was also challenging trying to retain the character of the building whilst creating new areas, for example showing off the high ceilings whilst wanting to create cosy spaces was difficult – but we got the balance and made it happen.

“We have installed a new log burner in the bar area, to create a cosy space and reflect the cosiness and warmth of the venue, whilst adding an eye-catching feature that guests can enjoy.

“It has been a great project to work on! As we have gone into the project as a design and build with the main contractor, Brywnell, we have worked quite closely onsite, whereas normally it would be more office-based for us. It is such a huge site which means it has given us a lot of opportunity to produce great work, and it is a lovely area with the lake and attractive views so it has been a really nice project to work on.

“We have had really positive feedback from the client as well as the locals, which is fantastic. Also the staff members are really pleased with the final result, having a new pub for them to work in and enjoy means a lot to them, so everyone seems to be happy with it.”

For more information and bookings please visit: www.worplesdonplace.co.uk.

Worplesdon Place

A Blank Canvas Design

A Blank Canvas Design specialise in interior styling for pubs, restaurants and hotel groups. The studio comprises of graphic designers, interior stylists, illustrators and master craftsmen, forming a team capable of designing, manufacturing and sourcing everything required for a specific project in-house, from artwork and decor through to bespoke wallpapers, lighting and brand development. They pride themselves in providing the finishing touches to achieve that elusive look and feel, and to create a memorable atmosphere.

A Blank Canvas Design has been operating for almost 6 years, however, the company’s directors have more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality furnishing, providing A Blank Canvas Design with the expertise to advise and coordinate projects from initial design concepts through to finished installation.

Andy Beckett, Director of A Blank Canvas Design, said:

“Today, we’re one of the leading suppliers in the UK. Based in the South, you’ll see our design schemes in numerous pubs, restaurants, and hotels in the South East, South West, London, and up and down the rest of the country too. We work with many of the major UK pub & leisure groups but also smaller quirkier enterprises.”

Most recently, A Blank Canvas Design has been involved in Worplesdon Place. Working on this project, A Blank Canvas Design styled the pub’s interior with an upmarket country decor scheme. The interior furnishings included the design and install of artwork relating to the history of the building, framed vintage posters to add a splash of colour, ornate silver mirrors, rustic blackboards, fireside accessories, grand tapestries and authentic WC items.

The guest rooms were styled with bespoke atmospheric photographic wallpapers above the beds, framed French vintage posters, eclectic cushions and throws, up-cycled rustic wine crate welcome trays for tea and coffee, a collection of beautiful bathroom accessories and luxury ornate silver over-basin mirrors, hand-painted room name signage.

Andy said:

“We have an established relationship with Red Comb Pubs and Design Management Partnership so it was important for them and for us to support each other on the latest venture. This site offered huge scope for us to really utilise our offering and advise on suitable concepts and styles to achieve a truly unique, visually impactful interior.”

Andy added:

“We understand it is the final details that really bring a scheme to life and how important it is to get them right. We focus mainly on hospitality, so we also understand the unique challenges and opportunities the industry presents. Our design team have the expertise to advise and coordinate projects from initial design concepts through to finished installation. Our in-house workshops, modern production facilities, and access to international publishers and manufacturers mean that we can provide almost any type of bespoke interior item to suit the client brief and budget requirements.”

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Roma Publications