Just completed and newly built on the site of the Old School House and Youth Hostel at Legburthwaite near Keswick, is the stunning 40-bed hotel Lodge in the Vale. Located only five minutes away from Keswick, the hotel is the latest addition to the Lake District Inns & Cottages portfolio of high quality accommodation. Andy Thornton won the contract to provide the reception desk, bar servery counter, furniture and flooring for the Lodge in the Vale, having successfully completed four previous projects for long-time client Derek Sweeney.
With a flexible brief, Andy Thornton Senior Designer Stephen Shaw took inspiration from the beautiful surrounding landscape and incorporated natural and locally sourced materials throughout the project. The bespoke oak curved desk in the hotel’s reception was hand-crafted by Andy Thornton’s skilled joinery department, and features intricate finger joint detail in the top. And in an eye-catching focal point, Lumicor panels in the desk front feature real fern leaves between two layers of resin, internally illuminated to stunning effect.
The use of natural and locally sourced materials continues with the use of end grain oak flooring and end grain larch in the bar counter, showcasing the natural beauty of wood grain. Unique slate flooring from the local Kirkstone quarry provides a pleasing contrast to the timber floor.
Andy Thornton also supplied furniture from their extensive contract furniture range throughout the reception and bar/lounge area, using an eclectic mix and match of chairs, as well as bar stools and sofas in wood and leather. The company’s Madrid wall lights were also used extensively.
The resulting interior has a natural, light and airy contemporary feel. To add that finishing touch, dramatic Lake District landscapes from local fine art photographer Jon Allison adorn the reception and bar area walls, mirroring the breathtaking views from the Lodge itself.
