A-nrd have completed the major refurbishment and design of Birch Selsdon, the new ‘sister’ hotel to the award-winning Birch Cheshunt. The interior design studio’s first hotel project, the historic 19th century manor which is now home to the 181-guest room hotel is set within the 200-acre Selsdon Park, just 30 minutes from Central London.
Following an extensive refurbishment of the Victorian manor which began by stripping away numerous and unsympathetic modifications and additions which the building had seen, the studio uncovered many hidden gems including rarely seen mosaic parquet flooring, hidden round bay niches and old decorative stone façades.

Following their restorative approach, A-nrd began to craft an interior for the expansive manor with a home-away-from-home feel by rationalising the layout to create a better customer journey for guests. A-nrd have designed communal areas including the lobby, Orangery, all-day bar, the all-day dining room called Vervain, the Snug, the co-working area, meeting rooms and all 181 bedrooms and suites.

In the lobby, original stonework walls and a decorative bas-relief ceiling featuring colourful floral detailing are illuminated by vintage Murano glass petal-shaped pendant lights sourced by A-nrd studio. On each side of the original grand stone fireplace hang bespoke artworks by London-based artist Olly Fathers.

Reception desks designed by A-nrd studio feature a timber shakes finish which has been crafted by award-winning furniture designer, maker and environmentalist Sebastian Cox and made from timber cut from the estate’s land to facilitate Birch Selsdon’s re-wilding initiative which Cox leads.

Original paned glass windows and doors take guests through to the light-filled Orangery with captivating views across the estate’s land. Mirroring the natural colours of the landscape, sage green limewash walls add a softness and a contemporary texture to the space. A bespoke curved sofa upholstered in a bold Klein blue bouclé provides seating and allows the room to be zoned with curated semi-lounge seating arranged around the edge of the room featuring a mix of upholstered contemporary shapes and vintage pieces reupholstered in soft leather.

From the Orangery, guests journey to the Meadow Bar, an all-day bar which has a casual and communal feel. Here the mood changes with the introduction of warm apricot-limewashed walls. Upcycled, the bar itself features new architrave to add detailing whilst the back bar has been decorated with glossy chequered tiles

Vervain, the main dining area of Birch Selsdon is a large, grand room with sweeping original windows. Limewashed walls in a soft stone colour ground the original bas relief and glass paned ceiling which has been painted in the same vibrant apricot as the all-day bar to create a cohesive link. Oversized globe lanterns made from rice paper with bamboo framing hang across the space.

Cleverly dividing the expansive area, A-nrd studio have designed two curved booths with rough sawn timber backs crafted from wood sourced from the estate. Lining the walls at the back of the room booth seating has been designed with back rests that sit against each other creating a symmetry across the wall area. The bespoke booths are made from oak and feature rattan and corduroy velvet seats. Long-arm wall lights with opaline shades provide individual illumination at each table and showcase more contemporary artwork.
A sharing table in scorched wood designed by A-nrd and again crafted by Sebastian Cox celebrates conviviality and materiality.
 

A richly toned, comfortable space featuring a concealed bar, the Snug features original wall panelling in a dark finish which provides an element of grandeur to the laid-back ambience of the space. A bold indigo blue used across walls and the bas-relief ceiling from which large, oversized globe lights hang, adds a contemporary and stylish edge.

Refurbished vintage lounge chairs sit alongside more modern designs all in shades of green and maroons. 

A dramatic original stained-glass window depicting an ancient tree with sweeping branches and orange flowers inspired the creation of an abstract 9-meter-long neon light sculpture. Hanging from the decorative bas-relief ceiling and surrounded by the colourful stained-glass and dark timber panelling, the piece designed by A-nrd creates a great juxtaposition of styles.

Central to the design of the guest rooms was the feeling of a relaxed, residential aesthetic that taps into the non-conventional nature of the Birch group. Soft tones and a textural palette create immediately comfortable
surroundings. With a paired back, unfussy approach to styling, the detailing of furniture was key. Designed by Anrd bespoke wardrobes are sculptural forms with shelving and storage made from green veneer with oak detailing and raw steel accents.

A curtain in recycled linen by the Yarn Collective adds a softness to the design with a round marquetry detail made of veneer offcuts by London-based artist Chelsea Vivash adds decoration. Mirroring this palette, headboards also utilise sage veneer and natural oak. Integrated bespoke wall lights featuring hand-blown recycled glass have been designed in collaboration with London-based Michael Ruh Studio. With an organic texture that produces water-like reflections when illuminated, the effect is accentuated by the amber and olive-green speckles in the glass. Most guest rooms feature side tables designed by A-nrd and made by Sebastian Cox with wood from the estate, oversized armchairs upholstered in recycled bouclé by the Yarn Collective in moss green and mustard tones, wicker floor lamps and greenery.