Dormy House Hotel, near Broadway in the Cotswolds, is currently undergoing a transformation by interior design house, Todhunter Earle Interiors. The 17th century farmhouse – part of the family-owned Farncombe Estate – is being turned into a luxury hotel ready for its reopening in September.
The extensive renovations will retain much of the property’s original charm – oak panelled beams, flagstone flooring, exposed Cotswold stone, roaring fires, earthy tones and traditional local materials – while creating a glamorous aesthetic.
Todhunter Earle has worked closely with architect, Tony D’Alton, to introduce a mix of classical touches with contemporary designs, combining antiques with modern geometric patterns, a mix of fabrics – including velvets, suede, felts – with rustic materials and earthy tones, a hint of retro and a touch of Scandinavian influence. Highlights include one-off pieces and bespoke fabric designs by Emily Todhunter, which have been made exclusively for the hotel.
Emily Todhunter, who is heading up the refurbishment, comments: “I fell in love with Dormy House the first time I went there. I don’t know if it was the way it is nestled into the hill overseeing that extraordinary landscape, or because the staff and family were so friendly – perhaps it was the building itself, its warm Cotswold stone and roaring fires.
“The process has been a happy collaboration between all who recognise the potential of this wonderful place and feel a responsibility to bring it into the next chapter of its life, preserving its history but with a new lightness to give it a new lease of life.”
Dormy House will also feature landscaped gardens by designer and BBC broadcaster, Chris Beardshaw; dining experiences created by head chef, Paul Napper, and food and beverage consultant, John Wood; and will add House Spa in early 2014 by Sparcstudio and Howard Spa consulting.