3 minute read
DESIGN THE WOODSIDE
THE WOODSIDE DOUNE
BY SUSAN YOUNG
Advertisement
TThe Woodside in Doune has just re-opened after a substantial investment by new owners Stuart and Joanne Riddle. The Woodside, which is located in the heart of the Forth Valley., has been transformed into a modern, contemporary 140 cover venue with eleven bedrooms.
The ground floor has been reconfigured to create a welcoming socialising area with different areas that blend seamlessly into each other. Says owner Stuart Riddle, “I think people will naturally navigate themselves around the building to where they feel most comfortable – and that might depend on whether they are out for a cocktail or have been dog walking.”
There are three key areas – but there is no ‘reception’. To the left of the building there is a slightly more premium offering a dining area with high ceilings, wood panelling and striking pendant lighting. and fixed seating under the windows. This area is carpeted.
The bar area, is where people will check in, and the bar itself is a striking piece of carpentary and a wooden floor runs
throughout.. The bespoke bar which is made of solid oak, was created by Sandy Law and son Robert, who did all the joinery work in the building. This bar is almost a replica to the bar at one of the couple’s other venues The Riverside. Immediately in front of the bar there is a comfortable area complete with wood burner, with a slate hearth, comfortable wingbacked chairs and an oak floor. Past the bar, and down a step, and you find yourself in a modern, contemporary dining space with a terrace which goes all around and has windows that open out onto it. Throughout the venue there are interesting and amusing quotes and the one which which caught my attention was, “There is more philsophy in a bottle of wine than in any book in the world.” Upstairs there are eleven bedrooms – 10 have been redecorated and re-styled and one was totally stripped back to the brick and beams. All of the rooms are named after trees such as ‘Pine’, and ‘Maple’ and local artist Laura Gill has created paintings for each room, and has also provided artwork for the public areas of the Woodside too. Says Joanne, “Laura does all the artwork for our venues. We really like her work.” The point of difference in the bedrooms is that all the wallpaper either features ducks or pheasants - a nod to the country nature of the venue – with soft furnishing to match. They are of a good size and are very welcoming and quiet despite being on a busy road. There is no doubt the new-look Woodside is a class act and a real asset to Doune.
THE GAILES HOTEL & SPA
SimpsInns flagship venue the Gailes Hotel & Spa in Ayrshire has had an extensive £250,000 makeover which has seen its ‘Lagavulin Suite’ and Rooftop Conservatory transformed into a very stylish and contemporary wedding venue.
The Lagavulin Suite now has the flexibility to host smaller, intimate weddings, as well as more extravagant gatherings for up to 250 guests, including civil and religious ceremonies.
The luxurious makeover was managed by interior designers, 3 Design Scotland, and includes new soft furnishings, glamorous lighting and designer touches, as well as a new purpose-built outdoor Wedding Pavilion located in the hotel’s private gardens, elegant rooftop conservatory and garden terrace with sweeping views over the countryside and beyond to the Isle of Arran.
Malcolm Simpson, Director of SimpsInns, said, “We’re extremely proud to be enhancing our reputation as one of Ayrshire’s most popular and established wedding venues.
“Following an extensive £250,000 makeover, The Lagavulin Suite at The Gailes Hotel & Spa has now been completely transformed, offering wedding couples and their guests a unique and glamorous space to celebrate their big day.
The Gailes has 42 luxury bedrooms, Coast Restaurant & Bar, GG’s Coffee Shop & Sports Lounge, 9-hole golf course, Toptracer driving range along with the new Si! Spa.
