Looking for some
interiors
Inspiration, some indulgence, and a break from the urban hustle? All three perhaps?
These short break choices provide irresistibly trendy design credentials along with amazing facilities in abundance. While you may believe you’re registering for a dining experience, a spa session, or an elegant escape, these stylishly decorated hotels will likely leave you filled with plenty of inspiration for your own refurbishment projects upon your return home.
Beaverbrook, Surrey
Approximate distance from London: about an hour
After designing the 21-bedroom ‘village’ and The Garden House restaurant at Beaverbrook — the opulent countryside retreat close to Leatherhead, Surrey — interior designer Nicola Harding has proven her ability to infuse five-star enchantment.
The latter, which was recently added to the extensive property formerly belonging to the renowned politician and newspaper proprietor Lord Beaverbrook, is drawing crowds from London who appreciate such establishments. Unlike the main house’s majestic architecture, these new quarters feature smaller, more whimsical spaces characterized by arched ceilings and canopy beds, all adorned with a charming Victorian countryside theme using vibrant gingham and striped textiles.
At Mrs. Beeton’s, you can enjoy a contemporary twist on classic London cafe fare, complemented by the nearby forest setting ideal for rustic country activities. If you prefer an option nearer to your residence, consider the lavishly appointed Beaverbrook Townhouse on Sloane Street, Chelsea, which made its debut in 2021 under Nicola’s design.
Visit
beaverbrook.co.uk
The Alfriston, Sussex
The distance from London is approximately 90 minutes.
Launched just a month ago in the South Downs is The Alfriston, featuring stunning decor thanks to the local interior designer Georgie Wykeham.
Drawing inspiration from the rural setting and its deep historical roots—where the Bloomsbury Group, an influential group of intellectuals and artists including figures such as Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster, once resided—the interior design is welcoming and vibrant. The property boasts 38 guest rooms equipped with elements like copper bathtubs, repurposed antique pieces, high-quality textiles, stylish wallpaper, and padded bedframes.
In the lower level, you’ll find the 1554 Brasserie, which features a menu highlighting local providers for meals throughout the day from morning until night; the sun-drenched Orangery, perfect for traditional English afternoon tea; and the Signet Spa, complete with an outdoor heated pool and a steam room.
Visit
thealfriston.com/stay
The Four Seasons, Hampshire
The distance from London is 40 minutes.
The renowned designer Martini Brudnizki, known for crafting the interiors of popular spots like Annabel’s and Bacchanalia in London that everyone wants to post about on Instagram, has brought his golden touch to several public areas at The Four Seasons in Hampshire, including the Royal Suite.
Starting from the reception area and drawing room all the way to the restaurant and lounge, his design draws inspiration from the extensive 500 acres of lush meadows encircling the historic 18th-century estate. Modern elements infuse style and coziness into this timeless setting.
In another area, RPW Design from London took charge of the bedrooms. They once more referenced the nearby countryside through the use of earthy tones and materials, which they paired smartly with modern conveniences such as headboards equipped with USB ports and televisions that can be concealed within the wallpaper when not in use, thus maintaining the overall aesthetic appeal.
Visit
fourseasons.com/hampshire/
The Rose, Kent
The distance from London is approximately 90 minutes.
Designed by Nicola Harding — who also crafted the interiors at Beaverbrook — is The Rose, located in the typically English coastal town of Deal.
For this creation, Nicola drew inspiration from the detail that the great-grandson of the brewery’s previous proprietor acquired the freehold along with his spouse. Their link to the site’s history motivated her to capture the playful allure of the structure during its prime, which dates back two centuries.
The created areas for the hotel, pub, and restaurant are impressive, featuring eight charming bedrooms adorned with fun details—such as record players equipped with vinyl collections and vintage bathroom ware in pastel hues, where original fixtures have been carefully refurbished along with new additions. These rooms also showcase surprising color combinations, luxurious textures, intricate floral designs, and mid-century furnishings.
Visit
therosedeal.com
The Rectory Hotel, Wiltshire
The distance from London is approximately two hours.
Looking for a taste of the Cotswolds without the hefty price tag (and separate buildings like the Beckhams)? The Rectory inCrudwell,Wiltshire, offers a boutique hotel and dining experience focused on understated elegance.
The ample dimensions of a Georgian structure offer an unexpectedly roomy setting for an interior design project by decorator Natasha Hidvegi, who integrates original flagstone floors, historic wooden beams, and Inglenook fireplaces instead of overlooking them.
The F&B-hued walls, luxurious velvet couches that invite one to sink in, prominent table lamps, and thoughtfully selected decorations—too tempting not to covet—are plentiful throughout the bar, pub, and dining area. Meanwhile, the 15 guest rooms feature standalone bathtubs, striking wallpaper designs, padded bed frames, and natural fiber carpets.
The Biggest Room – its official name – comes with a beautiful four-poster.
Visit
therectoryhotel.com/
The George, Isle of Wight
The distance from London is two and a half hours.
Martin Waller, the creative mind responsible for the high-end furniture label Andrew Martin, has infused The George Hotel in YarmOUTH on the Isle of Wight with his distinctive style as part of its recent reopening and renovation.
No matter if it’s via wallpaper, paint, furniture, or cushions, each area within this cozy retreat has received an update for the summer months to enhance the stunning vistas of the gleaming shoreline.
The 17th-century townhouse boasts an eccentric Italian-styled beachfront garden and houses a lightweight, airy eatery along with a beach bar decorated with driftwood.
Above, you’ll find a collection of uniquely designed rooms that vary from daring to understated, featuring walls adorned with Andrew Martin’s iconic patterns like Hedgerow and Psycho Sprig. The finest among them offer their ownprivate terrace.
Even better, you can purchase the Mythical Land wallpaper that surrounds the four-poster bed in the Prestige Room.
Visit
thegeorge.co.uk
THE NICI, Bournemouth
The distance from London is two hours.
Drawing on design inspiration from South Beach, The Nici on Bournemouth’s West Cliff has had a whopping £25m spent on the first phase of its mega refurbishment.
The property boasts a spacious 30-meter outdoor heated pool reminiscent of Delano, an acclaimed luxury spa, as well as a second dining option at Old Harry Rocks next to the South Beach Restaurant, Bar & Terrace. It also features 88 modern and stylish rooms, such as Garden Hot Tub Suites surrounded by visually appealing eucalyptus trees scattered throughout the premises.
The interiors come courtesy of the Nicolas James Group, a Southampton-based studio, where Anthony Rudolph is brand director.
He aimed to create an overseas escape vibe in the design, featuring vivid colors, palm patterns, and plenty of pristine, shiny whites.
Visit
thenici.com
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