The Brief
Upper Lodge sits within the curtilage of Kentchurch Court. It was originally one of the outbuildings for Kentchurch Court, but had been converted to a dwellinghouse as long ago as the 18th century.
During a strategic review of the land and built assets of Kentchurch Estate, we identified Upper Lodge as being suitable for high-value holiday accommodation. As such, it could help our client, the latest custodian of the 1,000-year-old Kentchurch Estate, to realise his strategy of maximising the tourism potential of the estate.
Our client commissioned us to undertake the design and execution of the sensitive upgrades needed to maximise the revenue potential of the building.
The Design Strategy
Our strategy sought to create an intimate hideaway and to re-establish the house’s connection with its outdoor spaces.
We refocused the internal spaces to create a bigger living room with views over the garden.
Upstairs, we reimagined the three bedrooms and equipped them each with an ensuite bathroom, which was viewed as critical to the success of the scheme.
The Design and Building Fabric Sensibilities
In terms of the look and feel of the property, we were guided by the principles of exceptional, rural and valuable. Our approach has created a timeless ‘New English’ look that befits a property on a thousand-year-old family estate.
Lime plaster has helped to retain the home’s ancient feel, and we used paint from local company Edward Bulmer Natural Paint throughout.
We drew on several design elements found in Kentchurch Court, the estate’s ancestral home, to honour the estate’s history. This includes chequerboard tiled flooring in the kitchen that is reminiscent of the floor in the hallway of Kentchurch Court. All three ensuite bathrooms, as well as the kitchen, feature distinctive tiling, because this is an important element of the design in Kentchurch Court.
The kitchen was designed and handcrafted by local Herefordshire company Minerva. It features sleek, understated walnut cabinetry.
The interiors were designed by Room by Coralie Rogers. They make sensitive use of furniture from the estate in order to give the property a welcoming feel that highlights the estate’s heritage as a family seat.
To upgrade the thermal efficiency of the building and create a cosy and sustainable hideaway, we used wood fibre to insulate the building where appropriate.
Externally, we worked with Robert Myers Associates to develop a garden scheme in keeping with the age and history of the building.
The Outcome
The work completed at Upper Lodge means the property is proving to be a popular destination and is already exceeding revenue expectations.
“Everything about our stay at Upper Lodge was exceptional. The accommodation is wonderful with all requirements for our stay catered for. The quality of the property is the best we have stayed in.”
Upper Lodge guest review
Upper Lodge is a sister property to Lower Lodge Gatehouse, which sits at the entrance to the Kentchurch Estate. There is a pleasing symmetry that both properties have been transformed into holiday accommodation that is helping the estate to maximise its tourism potential.
Together with Kentchurch Court, the properties are building a new identity for the estate, helping its latest custodian to preserve and enhance its place in the local and national landscape.
You can find out more about the Kentchurch Estate and staying at Upper Lodge on the Kentchurch Estate website.
