Heythrop Park enters a new era in hotel design

Following an extensive year-long transformation with DesignSLM at the helm Heythrop Park has opened its doors. The design brief involved developing both a strategic and creative position, evolving and expanding Warner Leisure’s F&B offer as well as repositioning and redesigning the property with a pre-dominant focus on three key principles – relaxation, exploration and entertainment – enhancing the overall guest experience.

Image credit: Heythrop Park / Stevie Campbell

The refurbishment has bridged the gap between the 18th century charming manor house and the contemporary extension, creating an engaging aesthetic that runs through the whole estate including The Orangery, six lounges, three restaurants, two bars, a ballroom and a state-of-the-art theatre – all of which were under the design remit of the creative agency. With the property originally built for the 1st Duke of Shrewsbury in 1706-1711, the transformation has been inspired by the previous owners and inhabitants of the estate, including taking influence from exciting adventures such as the Duke’s Grand Tour. Each space boasts its own unique design identity, encouraging a journey of discovery and exploration for guests.

“Projects like this don’t come around very often, and to be a part of one on such a vast scale has been an incredibly exciting for both myself and the DesignLSM team,” said Holly Hallam, Managing Direction at DesignLSM. “We’ve taken great care in respecting Heythrop Park’s historical roots, whilst bringing it forward into a new era of enjoyment and adventure for guests, for many years to come.”

Retaining the beautiful architecture whilst bringing the estate into the future for today’s modern traveller was a key design directive. Careful consideration was, therefore, given to ensure the building’s stories were conveyed through intricate design features. The Churchill, Bladon and Blenheim rooms – a tasteful trio of lounges set within the listed house – have been influenced by the Duke’s modes of travel across Europe and the new cultures he would have experienced. Taking a more quintessential approach to the spaces, the seating is inspired by the detailing of those found in traditional train carriages with warm and opulent velvets and contrasting piping, whilst an original oil painting depicting movement, bespoke prints and dressing items convey the obscure and exotic, all subtly joining together to tell a story.

Image credit: Heythrop Park / Stevie Campbell

Located within the extension, The Market Kitchen, the largest of the three restaurants, takes its design cues from the traditional kitchen garden. Inspired by a working pantry, a calming colour palette is balanced with citrus-patterned upholstered chairs and floral wallpaper adding bursts of colour to the room. Dressing details layer the space – particularly the main server framed by hanging utensils and copper cook ware – all creating a bright and refreshing restaurant for guests to enjoy their dining experience within. Meanwhile, the Brassey Bar conveys the history of another former owner of the estate, Thomas Brassey who created most of the world’s railways within the 19th Century. His love of engineering is illustrated through industrial forms, patterns and materials such as dramatic beamed structures, metal detailing, intricately patterned tiling and bespoke artwork and dressing.

Image credit: Heythrop Park / Stevie Campbell

Taking a contrasting approach to the classic aesthetic of the wider hotel, the Warwick Wing Theatre adds a striking contemporary touch of glamour and decadence to the hotel’s evening offering, with live music and cinematic performances on stage for the guest’s entertainment. The atmospheric space is brought to life with dazzling arched lights that emit a warm glow throughout the room, whilst the theatrical ‘Show Time’ neon feature lights ignite a sense of excitement of what is yet to come.

Image credit: Heythrop Park / Stevie Campbell

The neighbouring Late Bar and Lounge plays with opulent fabrics, delicate patterns, dazzling lights and rich tones creating a perfect backdrop for a more dynamic evening ambience, providing guests with a luxurious space to relax and unwind for the night.

Navigating a project of such importance and grandeur, DesignLSM have shown creativity and vision, with Heythrop Park sitting as a testament to the beauty of design.

Main image credit: Heythrop Park / Stevie Campbell