THE GROVE HOTEL, HERTFORDSHIRE

The former home of the Earls of Clarendon, this Grade II* listed mansion house is now a five-star luxury retreat, owned by Ralph Trustees. Purcell has managed three improvement projects for the hotel, while it has remained fully operational.

The Cedar Suite was completed in 2016 to complement the 18th century West Wing of the Hotel, while providing an additional function space in the form of an elliptical glass pavilion. Works on the Cedar Suite also included the remodelling of the adjacent syndicate bedrooms into break-out meeting rooms around a dedicated foyer with a new support kitchen.

The second project was a Golf Members’ Lounge within the courtyard of the Grade II listed stables. This project successfully increased the hotel’s corporate golf function capacity in response to market demand.

The third, and most recent transformation to the hotel was the remodelling of the principal Grade II* hotel restaurant. Named the Glasshouse, with its associated Kitchen Theatre, this has expanded the capacity of the restaurant and considerably enhanced the experience of diners. The Glasshouse was designed as a bronze metal structure lifted into place in two sections requiring a telescopic mobile crane outside the main entrance for just 36 hours.

RUNNEYMEDE HOTEL, SURREY

This highly successful hotel sits on the banks of the Thames at the edge of Runnymede Meadows where the Magna Carta was signed. Purcell led a radical transformation of the hotel’s external appearance and facilities, including a new entrance forecourt. A crisp glass pavilion overlooks the Thames with terraces beyond to allow for outdoor dining. The hotel’s conference facilities have also been extended and arranged around a lounge to allow for allday dining. Facilities include a coffee bar, drinks bar and business centre to support the state-of-the-art technology, media and function facilities.

Located in the flood plain, the overall proposals needed to address challenging criteria to secure consent. Similarly, the hotel remained open throughout the works requiring proactive sequencing of works maintaining established business and guest expectations.

ATENAEUM HOTEL, LONDON

ATHENAEUM HOTEL, LONDON

Unsympathetic 1970s alterations had left this prominent Art Deco hotel looking tired and dated. Despite its prominent position overlooking Green Park on Piccadilly, it was losing out to competitors. The brief was to transform the hotel into a distinctive destination for London, with upgraded public areas, a remodelled exterior, light, contemporary guest suites and a new presidential suite with panoramic views of Green Park.

The most critical aspect of the project was to provide a dramatic internal and external visual transformation to enhance the hotel’s character and prestige. Extensive reordering was required, creating considerable structural challenges. The hotel’s south-facing aspect onto Piccadilly meant that the team had to address solar gain and noise pollution to improve room quality and guest experience. Working with renowned botanist Patrick Blanc, the team created a dramatic nine-storey living wall for the façade. The aluminium sash windows were replaced with crisp, contemporary Juliet balconies and French doors with solar, thermal and acoustic efficient glazing.

The hotel’s dated interior spaces were enlivened, and the new Presidential Suite now boasts a walk-on balcony with spectacular views across the London skyline.

WILDERNESSE HOUSE, KENT

Purcell regenerated Wildernesse House in Sevenoaks, Kent, through an extensive restoration and renovation. This has involved transforming the Grade II Listed Georgian building into 23 high-end, luxury apartments for PegasusLife – the owner of the site. Spa facilities, communal spaces and wellness areas were created within the stately home, where residents will soon enjoy a level of service reflecting that of a traditional country estate.

The accommodation in the historic house, refurbished extensively by Purcell, comprises 17 one and two-bedroom apartments, two duplexes and four one and two-bedroom ‘legacy’ apartments. The grand main hall has been restored to emphasise the building’s high ceilings, glass dome roof and dramatic central staircase, and to provide a luxurious shared space featuring a lounge and library.

Purcell has also reconfigured Wildernesse House to incorporate a luxurious spa, comprising a swimming pool, therapy rooms – including steam and salt rooms – and a gym kitted out with the latest equipment.

WILDERNESSE HOUSE, KENT

Purcell secured planning permission for the masterplan development of the Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Hotel. The plans will improve guest experience and address operational conflicts, whilst championing sustainable development.

The site, which is within the Great Milton Conservation Area, includes the Grade II*-listed Manor House, which dates to the 15th century, and a Grade II-listed 17th century dovecote. Proposed works in the masterplan focus on improving visitor experience and include refurbishment works to the Manor House, extensions and alterations to existing buildings and new buildings in the grounds.

PRIVATE RESIDENCE POOL HOUSE, HAMPSHIRE

Our brief was to design a bespoke pool house, in collaboration with New York–based architect Rafael de Cárdena of Architecture at Large, for the family of the owners of this country house.

The design needed to be practical and child-friendly whilst also being an attractive showpiece the owners could use for entertaining. A major challenge was to provide a contemporary and eye catching architectural feature within the setting of a mid-nineteenth century country estate.

Purcell was engaged by an American client to refurbish Ballyfin House as a five-star country house hotel. The house was designed by Richard and William Morrison in 1826 and is regarded as their neoclassical masterpiece.

The existing building had a deep plan with few windows. New openings were created to the north and south and rooms were arranged around a central atrium. To provide the necessary accommodation, a new zinc-clad rooftop extension was added to the rear of the front pitch so as not to alter the street elevation.

The external elevation was subject to masonry repairs and new windows were provided to reduce heat loss and sound transmission. Bedrooms were provided on all floors and a new glazed lift was inserted into the atrium. Remaining original features, such as the Pencheck staircase and central atrium, were retained and expressed in the design. Existing brick walls with Glasgow-made bricks were exposed at ground floor and within some rooms.

LIVERY HALL, DRAPERS HALL, LONDON

The Grade II-listed Drapers Hall is located in the City of London. The multi-phased building features key historic elements dating between the 17th century and early 20th century. Purcell delivered an ambitious programme of alterations and improvements as retained architects to make this exceptional private event space compete with the best spaces in London.