Paying homage to its resort-style ambience, Yorkshire’s leading country hotel and spa retreat, the Feversham Arms has renovated its poolside suites, inspired by the hues of the Mediterranean.
With a confident mediterranean palette of bold colours, including azure and powder blues, olive green and yellow ochre, the simple and uncluttered style of the suites inspires a relaxed, holiday feeling. The interior décor, which is primarily light, neutral tones, allows for a sense of spaciousness in the five cottage-style suites, many of which have their own private terraces, overlooking the hotel’s feature swimming pool.
The signature splashes of colour in the interior design arises from the soft furnishings, and carefully curated accessories and original artwork; window dressings are kept simple, with neat blinds at the windows and practical yet dreamy voiles thoughtfully placed across the patio doors, which lead onto the pool. This allows for privacy whilst allowing the scents of lavender and thyme plants from the pool garden to drift in on the breeze.
Philippa Martin of Helmsley-based Pip Interior Designs, is the creative force behind the project, working closely with General Manager, Ingo Wiangke. He commented,
“This refurbishment of our poolside suites is part of a wider investment planned for the hotel, following what has been a tremendously busy twelve months. We were keen to complete the suites for this coming summer season, and we are truly delighted with the results.
Although we are in the heart of the British countryside and many of our guests love the idyllic rural charms of Helmsley, many speak of being transported to the Med as they step onto our poolside terrace. It was this aspect that I wanted Pip to incorporate in her design theme which is more Continental in style, playing to the resort feel of this spa hotel.
It now contrasts beautifully with the more country-inspired interiors, which largely feature throughout our hotel – it introduces an element of surprise to our guests as well.
One of the great things about working with Pip has been her introducing us to so many talented local tradespeople, craftsmen and independent retailers – it has been wonderful to support very local businesses, either from Helmsley itself, or neighbouring Kirkbymoorside and Pickering – this community and sustainability ethos is very close to our hearts too”.
Some of the local businesses which have been involved in this design project include homewares supplied by independent retailer, Bowley & Jackson of Malton and Helmsley who source a carefully curated selection both from Britain and beyond, with a leaning towards antique French country style; beautifully crafted oak, pine and mango furniture from Evelyn Lily, based in Pickering, Courthouse Framers of Helmsley, Twig and Twine Florists on Church St. Helmsley and Homelea Country Interiors, who have a showroom in Barkers Yard Helmsley and also sell online, specialising in quality British made decorative and homeware items.
For occasional specialist items, including the ceramics, glassware and lighting, sourcing moved further afield, yet still with sustainability at its heart, such as the handmade lamp bases made from recycled glass with contrasting flexes, designed and hand-crafted in Somerset by a small family firm; candlesticks hand made in Egypt, and characterful ceramics by Potterswork in South Africa. Pip has included these decorative items made by an artist collective, with little or no previous artistic training, to support their own local communities, as a nod to her own South African heritage.
Pip added, ‘This has been such an inspiring project to work on, my creativity has certainly been ignited by this unique setting, I live locally and sometimes working here I have to pinch myself that I have not had to travel that far, it feels like a different world, and so I wanted to fully embrace that carefree holiday feeling for the guests staying here.’
As well as the five newly refurbished pool suites, this four-star hotel has a further selection of 28 bedrooms and suites, a spa with relaxation area and outdoor hot tub and a two AA rosette restaurant, ‘The Weathervane’ where the focus is also for locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce. Al fresco dining is also available on the pool terrace at lunchtimes during the summer season.
Located in the heart of picturesque Helmsley with its array of boutique and artisan shops, a traditional weekly market, Medieval Castle ruins, walled gardens and local walks across Duncombe Park and nearby open countryside, it is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing stay exploring the delights of North Yorkshire, including the North York Moors and the East Yorkshire coastline.
