Relaxing in The Reeds

Following the huge success of the award-winning spa at South Lodge, Sparcstudio were appointed by Danny Pecorelli to work with the Exclusive Collection team and Architects Felce and Guy to make their vision become a reality.

Perfectly placed on the edge of the lake, the eight eco- lodges are double height sanctuaries with their own cantilevered private decks, with the six lakeside lodges overlapping the water. Lodge guests can enjoy wild swimming in the lake or a visit to the spa,  which is conveniently close, accessed via a woodland trail. Each lodge is named after lakeside flora and fauna, (Meadowsweet, Dragonfly etc.) and incorporate biophilic design principles to immerse guests in the restorative power of the surrounding landscape, whilst following sustainable construction processes, materials and finishes.

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

“We chose to work with Sparcstudio on this project because we absolutely loved the end result of The Spa at South Lodge and wanted the look and feel of ‘The Reeds’ to flow through from the spa,” commented Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director at Exclusive Collection. “We are also about the little details of the customer journey and Sparcstudio are great at turning what we want into reality through those little details. We are most proud of the ‘sustainable luxury’ element. We wanted to deliver a truly luxurious experience but using sustainable materials at every point in the project. Sparcstudio came up with some creative suggestions from rugs made from reused fishing nets to fabric made from corn.”

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

Each lodge is designed as an enveloping space with natural light, to encourage a deep connection with nature. The Lodges feature spaces for relaxation and contemplation, and each has its own steam shower, outdoor whirlpool bath and the two spa lodges have an infrared sauna. On entering guests are afforded a tantalizing glance through a slot window across the large private deck to the lake, fields and vineyard beyond.

‘’The Reeds Lodges provide a private, luxury guest experience and a direct connection with nature,” said Beverley Bayes, Founder/Director Sparcstudio. “They have been designed as a soothing sanctuary, combining sophisticated elegance with barefoot luxury”.

The lounge is a double height airy space with full height glazing. A large curved bespoke designed sofa forms the centrepiece and is flanked by a timber framed armchair and a timber log table which are placed in front of face a three sided ‘virtual’ fireplace. Each lodge has a bespoke designed well-equipped kitchenette formed from grey and walnut washed timber, with inset natural cane panelling and countertops formed from Foressa, made from up-cycled wood, plaster and concrete waste. A hamper delivery cupboard has also been designed for discrete delivery of goodies from the restaurant.

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

The ground floor bedrooms are cozy havens decorated in warm greens with concealed lighting to the headboard. The rooms are enclosed with fully glazed screens with double doors that fold back to reveal the view and electrically operated curtains for privacy. Hand carved, bespoke bedside tables are formed from solid ‘gouged’ timber bases with stone tops illuminated by overhead linen pendants lights. An organic bespoke curved staircase, formed from grey washed timber with matching timber balustrades leads up to the first-floor mezzanine bedrooms.

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

Two of the lodges have been set back from the lakeside edge and built as dedicated ‘Spa Lodges’ to engage all of the five senses and offer a ‘place of paradise’ for couples. With more space to relax and unwind, each Spa Lodge has a bespoke designed infrared halotherapy saunas and on the external sun deck, a freestanding copper double ended whirlpool bath. Both features are intended to promote wellbeing, detoxification, sore muscle and joint pain relief.

The Spa Lodge bedroom is located on the mezzanine level for the best view. These bedrooms have full height glazing along one side offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. The electrically operated blinds and sheers fully open at the touch of a button to reveal the amazing views. The large beds are the centrepiece of the room with dramatic feature headboard forming a backdrop and generous accent cushions and bespoke throws. The headboard feature is formed from illuminated faceted grey washed timber panels which follow the curve of the ceiling to add softness and drama to the rooms.

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

Sparcstudio have designed the bathrooms to have a soothing ‘spa like’ ambience with soft concealed lighting illuminating the subtle grey and amber textures of the tiled wall and floor surfaces. A striking travertine up-lit tile with ribbed profile forms a backdrop to the centrepiece of the bathroom – the sculptural double ended grey stone bath. From here guests can relax and soak whilst reading a book or watching a movie on the Aqua-vision screen.

The generous shower has ‘state of the art’ hansgrohe multiple showering experiences including a shoulder shower and large overhead shower. All are finished in brushed bronze which adds a touch of richness against the fresh green marble end walls. The two-person vanity area includes a bespoke designed double basin and bespoke illuminated mirrors. A separate private WC is cleverly concealed behind a pocket door at one end of the bathroom.

Image credit: Exclusive Collection

The Reeds incorporate architectural lighting, detail lighting and bespoke linen feature pendant fittings and hoop reading lights, which were made by Northern lights for Sparcstudio. “Lighting design forms an important and integral element of all our projects and enables us to finely balance light and shade and create atmospheric and theatrical spaces that have real heart and soul,” said Tom Howell, Founder/Director Sparcstudio.

The finishes are selected to be soothing, muted and tonal. The use of pure white was avoided and the design incorporates two colour palettes created for the lodge types:  A fresh ‘springtime’ palette with light aqua tones paired with complimentary greens and yellows and modern plant motifs featured in embroidery detailing. Fabric tones reflect the deep mossy green featured in the bedrooms.  A warm ‘Autumnal’ palette of russet-oranges, muted terracotta and red tones, plenty of natural textures with nature inspired signature stitching running across the softer furnishings in the room.

Main image credit: Exclusive Collection