Stitched in 38 acres of English grounds in Buckinghamshire, Horwood House is a characterful grade-II listed Manor house hotel built in 1911 by famous architect Detmar Blow. The property has a rich history stretching across many centuries and was built on the grounds of a former farmhouse – Old Horwood. However, the building is best known as being the birthplace of the famous gardener, Percy Thrower. The house, lily pond and Pytheas Gardens provide a striking backdrop and were a source of design inspiration for the new interior scheme within the manor’s refurbishment.

Ica Studio was appointed by ZIZ Properties to transform the public areas and guestrooms of the historic property. The transformation journey was spread across two years, allowing the hotel to stay partially operational. The studio reimagined the original bricks and mortar into a new collection of guest-centred spaces while ensuring the building’s original distinctive features are not only retained but celebrated.

The design process required a delicate balance of blending the historic interiors with the more modern extension areas. The careful intervention ensured the listed areas meet both operational needs and comply with planning requirements. The more modern extension areas seamlessly continue the look and flow of the original manor, while keeping the design appropriate within a more contemporary setting. The top-to-toe transformation of Horwood House consisted of the Grade-II listed Manor house, including suites, guest rooms, a reception, lounges, a function room and meeting rooms, private dining rooms and a new restaurant and bar along with the design of a new spa.

Informed by tradition, enriched by materiality and inspired by contemporary life, the interiors redefine what a manor house can be and bring not only the design concept but also the commercial vision to life. The colour scheme channels opulence and tranquillity – light with subtle grey, green and gold accents. The carpet has been custom-made by one of the finest producers in the UK, Oriental Weavers Hospitality.

Walking into the manor reveals a lounge – a grand yet intimate event space ideal for weddings and parties. Layered with rich textures of buttoned leather, paisley prints and textured velvets, the space evokes elegance and luxury. Teaming up with lighting designers Imagine Global and Lightique, lighting installation throughout the hotel provides several focal points. Signature chandeliers have been carefully dotted in the manor, inspired by the traditional 19^th-century heritage lighting found in many stately homes. Creating a statement piece hangs above the feature staircase, a three-tier chandelier is made from steel with a plated finish and features smooth and ribbed glass tubes.

When staying at Horwood House, guests will get a chance to explore some intriguing aspects of the manor’s history through specially commissioned artwork by Indigo Art. Giving nods to 1911, the year in which the house as we know it today was built and the landmark events that mark the period, such as the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, along with the publication of “The Secret Garden” and works by the celebrated poet, D.H. Lawrence.

“Ica Studio has delivered a transformational design for the hotel that has helped to reposition Horwood House as a luxury leisure destination,” says Karim Kassam, founder of ZIZ Hospitality. “This was a primary objective when I appointed Ica Studio as the architects and interior designers for the project. From appointment to where we are today, they have worked exactly to the brief and the feedback so far is fantastic!”