Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath, was originally constructed by Bath architect John Eveleigh as a private residence in the early 1790s. The Grade II* Listed building has been tailored for a number of uses over the years, but a recent £10m refurbishment has seen it restored to its former beauty in the form of luxury hotel accommodation.
It was in July 2012 that interior design company, Angela Amesbury Design, was comissioned to lead this refurbishment project, with senior partner, Angela, personally overseeing its development over the ensuing 10 month period.
Having worked with the hotel’s proprietor, and founder of Hand Picked Hotels, Julia Hands, on many of the company’s other country house heritage properties, Angela was well versed in the desired aesthetic for this, the latest addition to Hand Picked Hotels’ expanding portfolio.
In addition to the 81 guest bedrooms located in Bailbrook Court – a modern building adjacent to the original Mansion House – 13 guest rooms within the main property have been individually designed and decorated to the very highest of standards.
Indeed, Stafford-based Architects ADD carefully negotiated the grade listed status of the property, transforming what was formerly a series of meeting rooms into this span of elegant accommodation and lounge areas.
Alongside a unique selection of artwork and furniture, Angela selected an array of fabrics from the portfolio of British, family-owned textiles company, Kai, to complete her distinct design vision.
“I like to create a classic look to the interiors which will not date, and I always endeavour to use the latest ranges of fabrics and finishes,” Angela explains.
“Currently there are lots of ranges with strong colours and patterns and modern versions of damasks, which are ideal for these historic buildings and give the interiors an up-to-date look without contradicting the architectural elements.”
The hotel’s public areas also make careful use of the hotel’s original architecture and scenic surroundings, while nevertheless injecting a contemporary edge with the furnishings and fittings.
The hotel’s magnificent lobby is a real high point, its pill-box style ceiling and the hand-made stone mosaic artwork behind the reception desk creating an impactful and inviting welcome for guests.
In order to best profit from the hotel’s unique vantage point, overlooking the valley and the city of Bath, the hotel’s lounges and the archways of its restaurant have been opened up as much as possible, while assorted seating areas within the restaurant allow uninterrupted views of the grounds and parkland.
Set in the original basement of Bailbrook Mansion House, the Cloisters Restaurant offers up further design highlights. Its decorative ceiling – arranged in a a series of round domes supported by pillars – is formed from painstakingly-restored Bath stone.
Meanwhile, the artful arrangement of the restaurant’s torchiere style lighting – which was sourced from Birmingham-based lighting designer and manufacturer, Chad Lighting – enhances the wonderful tones and arches of the ceiling.
