'The Newt' in Somerset
The Newt In Somerset
WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design were introduced to The Newt - Country House Hotel and Gardens in Somerset through the eponymous ‘Stonewood Group’. Since its inception, an incredible amount of design and innovation has been achieved at The Newt, it is an enthralling, evolving haven with lots of new and exciting additions to come. An aspect of the project that is really inspiring to us as designers, is that it is a constantly evolving space. Explore WOOLF hotels.
The range of talented practices involved in implementing the vision, is testament to the collaborative and open nature of the whole project. WOOLF’s relationships with our cohort of talented architects, contractors and trades people in Bath and the surrounding areas of Somerset, is an important part of the growth of our Bath studio.
The History of Hadspen House
In 2013 South African Karen Roos bought the estate, which includes the main focal point of the project, a Grade II listed building formerly known as Hadspen House. Explore WOOLF Historic houses.
First built between 1687-1690 by William Player, who described it as a ‘Gentleman’s House,’ it was extensively remodelled in Georgian times. Henry Hobhouse II, a lawyer from Bristol, acquired the estate in 1785, adding a façade of locally quarried, hadspen stone giving the building its unique burnt orange quality. His descendants would live here for the next two centuries, remodelling the house and adding more naturalistic parkland.
The Newt
With the support of an amazing team of architects, garden designers, designers and talented trades people; the estate has been turned into an incredible amalgam of a luxury hotel inside the original historical Georgian house, a stunning spa, gorgeous gardens with a treetop “viper” walkway, garden café, cider press and museum now open to the public. All the while maintaining sustainability and locality at its core.
Stonewood wanted to show us the far-reaching scope of the work that they had undertaken at The Newt. We were impressed at the vision, scope of ideas and breadth of experiences, in this stunning Georgian country estate. The projects they are undertaking there range from a mediaeval bakery, to Roman villa, a postmodern glasshouse museum (which houses an archaeological reveal), plus a very unusual experiential bee-house space by Invisible Studio Architects.
Architecture & Design of the Interiors
Newt owner, Karen Roos, former Editor of Elle Decoration South Africa, is responsible for the hotel’s interiors. There is plenty to admire, especially the simplicity. No curtains at the lovely sash windows, or pointless cushions on the blissful beds, the rough-hewn walls of the natural unadorned spa, the unfussy almost Scandinavian style of the 23 bedrooms and bathrooms. WOOLF were inspired by the juxtaposition of modern and old. Contemporary furniture, lighting and art is really successful and well-balanced.
Upon entering The Newt through its grand gates, you really feel that the project is very much inspired by the expansiveness of a South African estate. Then you are seduced by the elegance of this very special quintessentially British Georgian building which has been beautifully restored, conserved and redesigned by the very talented Simon Morray-Jones Architects.
When asked about the project Mr Morray-Jones stated that “we were first invited to visit the client’s other hotel Babylonstoren, which provided a real insight into their approach to hospitality and design. Whilst the scope, imagination and attention to detail was somewhat daunting, you could not help but be inspired and excited at the prospect of doing something similar with an English country house hotel.
We think everybody involved was fully aware what a unique opportunity this project was and, whilst challenging, learned an enormous amount both creatively and technically from the experience. Country houses such as these were built for entertaining on a grand scale so the house functions much as it always did in terms of a Reception, Drawing Room and Library etc. The most dramatic change is the kitchen which, historically hidden from view, is now a major focal point; guests now walk through the space to access the dining areas beyond. “
“The design of the hotel aims to echo the garden, with a colour palette of greens ranging from sage to emerald, with contrasting bursts of colour. Sweeping views of the countryside are in evidence from windows and terraces. Old sits alongside new, such as original oak panelling in the Botanical Rooms or vintage record player in the Croquet Room, to be enjoyed while reclining in a surprising Moros hanging chair. A range of antiques were collected over many years by Karen, placed alongside bespoke pieces and hyper-modern additions.”
Simon added: “Without question, one of the stand out features is the use of architectural glazing. This was very much driven by the owner who wanted the modern additions to have as minimal impact as possible. This pushed the limits of structural glass but the natural light and views it provides are extremely successful.
Individually designed bedrooms in the main house have retained original Georgian features and proportions with sash windows and clean lines. Several have four-poster beds and free-standing baths. Stable Yard rooms have been converted into sophisticated accommodation while retaining original features from their historic function.
Contemporary touches abound, also larders, stocked with homemade treats, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso coffee machines and flat screen televisions. Twenty-three bedrooms are scattered across the main house and its Stable Yard, Clock House and other outbuildings, each varying in design.”
The extent of the work undertaken at The Newt is astonishing in its execution. At all levels of the project, the attention to detail is extraordinary. It is so unusual to find such a passion for delivering projects from such a wide range of historic vernacular and to be able to do so within a setting that allows for the general public to enjoy and interact with it; while also being able to deliver a stunning and exclusive hotel for guests.
Usually projects of this nature, where there is such a wide scope of historic referencing, are projects that the public look upon, as opposed to interact with, and it was inspiring for our own interior design work here at WOOLF to see how well interaction and accessibility has been incorporated into the very heart of The Newt.
The range of designers and architects involved in implementing the scheme is testament to the collaborative and open nature of the whole project.
The other aspect of the project that is really inspiring to us as designers, is that it is a constantly evolving space. It does not really standing still in time.
The Newt are bringing the past into the future and actually it is quite a postmodern environment - We cannot wait to see where it will go next!
Watch ‘The Newt’ live below.
