East Lodge reopens with refreshed, contemporary look

7th June 2010, 2:23pm

The award-winning Peak District hotel and restaurant, East Lodge, has recently undergone a subtle makeover as part of its ongoing improvements programme.

Closed for just five days, the family owned hotel was refreshed with a slightly more contemporary look, whilst retaining the original style and traditional feel.

Iain Hardman, director of the Rowsley hotel, explained what the project involved: "We decided to give the entrance and lobby a fresh new look, but didn't want anything too drastic as guests loved what we had already.

"When we make any changes we have to bear in mind we are working with a fantastic traditional building and do everything in keeping with the style of a country house hotel. In the short time we were closed everyone worked tremendously hard to make the refurbishment come together, and the result was well worth it."

Other changes to the establishment include a new pavilion in the water garden (now licensed for civil weddings); re-surfacing of the driveway; ongoing maintenance and development of East Lodge's gardens and a new conservatory; and a ground floor special access suite. 

Hardman added: "It is important that we continue to re-invest to take us forward and build on the successes of previous years.

A spokesperson for East Lodge takes us through the entire design concept, from start to finish. 

What was your aim when designing this venture?

Our aim was to keep the refurbishment subtle and in keeping with the traditional style of the building. The hotel needed to look refreshed whilst retaining its rustic country house charm and style.

 
How did you achieve this? For example what fabric, furniture etc

We have always used the support of industry experts who help with the logistics required as well as maintaining the required standards for an award winning hotel and restaurant. East Lodge has a reputation for classic luxury and elegance which we have respected through our choice of new fabrics, furniture and flooring. 

What would you describe as the key and unique features? 

The new "Garden pavilion", which can be exclusively booked for weddings or private dining was designed and hand made by our maintenance team, so it is certainly unique and proving to be hugely popular. Set in the stunning gardens with the water features as backdrops, it is easy to see why so many book it for their wedding, intimate dinner or celebration.

Does your team have a particular signature style? 

East Lodge's signature style is to provide an unrivalled level of service which is matched by the quality of everything we do - be it our food and wine, weddings, events, décor or grounds. 

Stage by stage, how did you approach this project? 

The latest refurbishment of East Lodge is just part of our continual capital investment programme. The exterior work was completed first, with the new conservatory, pavilion and the resurfacing of the driveway. Obviously this all had to be planned so as not to interfere with guest stays and any weddings. The internal re-vamp took place in the New Year, with the hotel closing for just a few weeks. 

Where did you get your inspiration from?

East Lodge is a magnificent traditional country house in the Peak District and any work we do is inspired by the heritage of the venue combined with the incredible beauty of the surrounding countryside.

What is the size of the venue? 

Set amidst 10 acres of glorious landscaped water gardens, East Lodge Hotel and Restaurant has 12 individually designed luxurious en suite bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and a convivial Garden Room bar. 

Timetable, how long did it take from start to finish?

The latest refurbishment took a few weeks in total, however we were able to minimise guest disruption and only closed for a few days in the New Year.

If you were to change or improve anything about the design, what would it be?

The hotel, restaurant and grounds are now as envisaged when the Hardman family came to East Lodge over 10 years ago. The project can still be considered a 'work in progress' as the family don't like to rest on their laurels and there will always be further ongoing improvements to make. However, being one of just 48 hotels in UK presented with the Visit England Gold Award, and with numerous other accolades to its name – East Lodge must have done something right!  

Who are the key members of the design company?

East Lodge hotel and restaurant is owned and run by the Hardman family. As a wholly independent venture, everything from structural changes to minor decorative improvements are decided on by the family. Brian Gammon looks after the maintenance, he has designed and built various out-buildings including the pavilion, and has valuable input on the garden and exterior designs, water features etc. His hard work and dedication was recently recognised at the Peak District Excel Awards, where he was nominated and successfully achieve the title of 'Unsung Hero'. 

What are your plans for the future – are you working on any other hotels, restaurants?

East Lodge is an independent hotel and restaurant and to maintain all our accolades and awards we are constantly investing and looking at ways to develop the gardens and facilities further. We are considering some further capital investment developments over the Christmas and New Year period 2010/2011 and the detail of these should be announced soon. The family are 100% focused on East Lodge, currently. 

What do you like the most about the design of the venue? 

East Lodge has managed to create a fresh, unstuffy, and very romantic venue that oozes rustic charm, style and quality. It appeals to visitors of all ages, which is not easily achieved. Over 10 years plus, East Lodge's total dedication to quality seems to have pressed the right buttons with wedding parties, hotel guests and restaurant visitors alike.

What made you use the tones and shades you went for?

We've used classic rustic tones and shades throughout the hotel to complement the style of the building and the atmosphere of the grounds. All fabrics were chosen for warmth and depth of colour, to add to the luxurious feel and charm of the hotel. Where more contemporary materials and colour schemes could be sympathetically integrated – in guest bedrooms, for example, we have aimed to achieve a seamless blend of the traditional with more contemporary styling.   

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• 27 Apr 2010 - East Lodge Hotel and Restaurant teams up with local school