HPA Finalists in the Northern Design Awards 2020
HPA are pleased to have been selected as a finalist for a prestigious Northern Design Award 2020 in the Hotel Interior Design category for our design of Quite Simply French in Lancaster. Working closely with the clients and a number of other design professionals, the transformation of QSF was truly a team effort and the result is a stunning, luxurious B&B which compliments the exquisite, award-winning restaurant.
The Design Process
HPA were given the brief to convert existing flats above the award winning restaurant Quite Simply French into luxury boutique bedrooms. The Grade II listed building is located on the historic St. Georges Quay in Lancaster within The Quay Conservation Area.
A great deal of care was taken to preserve the spirit of the property and renovate the upper floors in a manner that respects the historic fabric of the building. There were a number of constraints that required careful design and detailing in order to maximise the potential of the space, particularly in regard to utilising all available space and ceiling height. Some of the existing timber roof structure was degrading and was reinforced with steel connections, and existing timber trusses and natural stone walls that had previously been concealed above ceilings and behind wall linings were exposed as part of the renovation to become a feature.
The internal existing flats were completely stripped out. Original openings were reinstated on the Front and Rear Elevation and the Second Floor window was replaced to match First Floor windows. New rooflights were added and a glazed screen and balcony were removed from the rear. Stonework was, as far as feasible, exposed to become a feature and tell the history of the building.
The End Result
The outcome is four luxury en-suite bedrooms, one of which is a fabulous suite over two levels, nestled into the eaves that are full of the character of the old building. It has the sense of a boutique bolthole with lots of character and has created a home from home feel that you don’t get at a more formal hotel. The owner has an incredible eye for interiors, commissioning a number of local artists for bespoke pieces such as the headboards and using Lincrusta for wall coverings.
QSF have over 1000 5* reviews on TripAdvisor, with guests commenting on the stunning rooms and delicious food. The hotel specifically has had 67 reviews since it opened, with 66 of those being 5* ratings. It has also been awarded the prestigious Travellers Choice 2020 award from TripAdvisor along with 5*ratings from both the AA and Visit England in the Restaurant with Rooms category.
Overall the project was a tremendous success and our client was extremely pleased with the finished result. They are now able to welcome their guests for unique, luxurious overnight stays (at the moment, due to Lockdown, they are offering vouchers for future overnight stays), which compliments their award winning restaurant and enhances the local area.
