News: Powell Williams advises on a £1.5m historic hotel update for Dukeminster Ltd

Powell Williams has completed the final phase of a £1.5 million refurbishment of the Crabwall Manor Hotel in Mollington, Chester.

The interior of the hotel has been upgraded throughout, creating a luxurious, boutique feel of the highest standard, appropriate for this stunning Grade II-listed building.

Sensitive refurbishment programme for Grade II-listed gem

The 48 en-suite bedrooms have been transformed with a stylish colour pallet, sumptuous furnishings and accessories, and sleek, contemporary bathrooms. The muted hues and contemporary styling continues through the public areas and into the spa complex, which has seen its corridors and reception similarly updated, bringing the decor of the original and extended parts of the building together.

The final phase of work saw the hotel’s four wedding and conference suites upgraded to the same standard. A reorientation of the flow of visitors around the internal space is also planned, making the most of the beautiful main entrance for guests and wedding parties. This is supported by a careful repair and maintenance programme for the exterior.

Appointed as project manager in October 2012 by the building’s owner Dukeminster, due to the team’s expertise as historic building consultants, Powell Williams coordinated the interior designer Magna Designs and building contractor Interfit Interiors. The team has worked closely with the hotel’s management to minimise disruption to guests and ensure the business remains open during the works.

Andy Williams, our Chester-based partner, led the project, said:
“The refurbishment of this beautiful hotel was done with the upmost sensitivity to the historic building, and the comfort and enjoyment of the hotel’s customers and staff. Having the building occupied during the work created challenges but we worked closely with the management to minimise the impact on the day-to-day operation of the business and deliver the programme on schedule.

“The boutique hotel market has raised the bar in recent years and older properties are having to respond. The oldest part of Crabwall Manor is simply stunning and later extensions have created additional space. This programme unified the interior and created a luxury feel which is expected of a high-end country hotel and wedding venue. The redesign has been done to the highest standards, revitalising the personality of the building and creating a contemporary feel within a rich historic envelope.

“There are many historic buildings which would benefit from a similar enhancement programme. Whether being used commercially as a hotel or heritage venue, or private house, we have the experience, expertise and contacts to sympathetically bring these buildings up-to-date in a thoughtful and sensitive manner.”

Louis Mourao, hotel manager said:
“The refurbishment of the hotel is proving extremely popular with our customers, many of whom are regular visitors to the Manor. There has been excellent feedback on the bedrooms, which are beautifully designed and elegantly finished, and we’re looking forward to the completion of the function suites next month when we will be welcoming prospective brides and grooms and events managers to come and have a look around.

“We are pleased that Powell Williams and the design and construction team have been so careful to minimise the disruption to the hotel during the refurbishment. Between them they have created a beautiful scheme which will be enjoyed by Crabwall Manor customers for many years to come.”