Location: Bodelwyddan, Wales
Client: Warner Hotels
Listed Grade: II*
Other Constraints: Area of locally recognised landscape quality
RIBA Plan of Work stages: 0-7
Bodelwyddan Castle is located within an area dominated by rolling, wooded estate on the outskirts of Bodelwyddan, and adjacent to an industrial estate built on a former World War I army barracks. The existing castle complex comprises several important listed buildings, with grounds, dating back to the early 15th century; further gardens were implemented throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, consisting of a cypress maze, formal walled gardens, and a four seasons garden. Since Bourne Leisure acquired the site in 1992, it has seen a great deal of on-site development, including tennis courts, an indoor bowls hall, outdoor bowling green and staff housing.
PWP Architects secured planning and listed building consent to alter the existing hotel and extend through the construction of 30 two-storey lodge suites to enhance the economic sustainability of the hotel. Through the careful consideration of the listed buildings and limiting of the impact on areas already developed, the work supports and strengthens the use of this heritage asset.
A newly-built glazed atrium forms an impressive hotel entrance feature, providing an extension to the existing restaurant and cabaret facilities whilst forming a new reception area, contrasting with the historic natural stone fabric. A further glazed extension to the Mulberry Lounge creates additional space for the café associated with the spa. Located in seclusion within their own landscaped grounds with ponds and water fountains, 6 one- and two-storey lodges were constructed on the site of the existing tennis courts, bowls green, and indoor bowls hall.
