Manor House hotel and spa given the green light
— 13 Nov 2019
Proposed elevations showing the front (south) and back (north) of the Manor
Proposed ground floor plan with the new reception pavilion visible in the courtyard
The neglected Manor prior to renovation works which will regenerate this historic building
Jonathan Rhind Architects are delighted that planning consent has been granted for work to the Manor House and the planned basement spa, in the picturesque village of Woolsery.
The proposals for the Manor house are all part of the wider strategy to help regenerate Woolsery village and attract tourists into the area, providing jobs for locals in the rural community as well as drawing in trade and investment for other local businesses. The opening of the Farmers Arms pub, and fish and chip shop, last year were the first stage of this process.
The Manor House building itself is a key historic asset within the heart of Woolsery, and is currently in very poor condition, with the historic fabric at risk of further decay. The proposal to turn the Manor into a hotel, enables the building to be repaired, conserved and renovated; to provide a sustainable use for the building and secure its long-term future.
Jonny Poland, the Conservation Architect leading the project, said, ‘it is vital that the new buildings which are required to run the Manor as a commercially viable hotel are appropriate for the historical setting as well as subservient to the important historic building.’ The Grade II listed Manor dates from as far back as the 15th Century, although it is the south-facing Georgian façade which stands prominently at the heart of the village.
The new reception pavilion will sit within the courtyard unseen behind the main Manor building and will provide a new approach for guests arriving from the car park. It will be a contemporary timber and glass structure with an elegant copper roof. The transparent and light reception area will be separated from the adjacent historic structures to define the courtyard and separate old from new.
A new orangery style restaurant will replace the modern poor-quality swimming pool extension and will be set back from the Manor to re-establish the hierarchy of the principle south façade.
The exciting new basement spa will help draw guests to the area whilst being discreet and will provide a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, small gym and treatment rooms.
These considered and sympathetic renovations will regenerate this important listed building securing its future at the heart of the village.
We will be posting more updates as this project progresses so do check back for more information.
