My Interior Design Journey at Hever Castle
When I first walked through the gates of Hever Castle in 2010, I felt an overwhelming sense of history and possibility. Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, this castle has stood as a testament to centuries of charm and architectural beauty. Being chosen to redesign the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing was a dream come true, and over the past decade, it has been an incredible journey filled with creativity, challenges, and immense satisfaction. Here, I’d like to share my personal journey, reflecting on the transformations we’ve achieved and the stories behind them.
How it began
My role at Interiors at Nine to Eleven most often consists of traversing around beautiful North Yorkshire offering design services to our lovely customers. Unknowingly, I offered my knowledge and advice to a member of the Hever Castle team, unexpectedly landing me an offer to use my specialist abilities to renovate and transform the Astor and Boleyn wings you can observe today. Although it was by chance I had the pleasure of meeting this client, this circumstance highlights the importance of offering all of our clients the highest standard of service possible, which is our most integral value here at Nine to Eleven.
It was a challenge navigating my work away from North Yorkshire and especially so far away from my little girl at the time. I have been a hard-working mum all her life in an effort to provide and set a positive example, however, compromising family time for this project was a difficult decision to make. Thanks to the hospitality of the owners, my daughter was able to join me on countless trips to Hever Castle and in more recent years as she has grown up and gone to University, I am able to dedicate my time to this extraordinary opportunity.
From the beginning, my vision for the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing was to honour Hever Castle’s rich history while introducing contemporary comforts. The Astor Wing, built in the early 20th century for the Astor family’s guests, whilst loved by many, had become tired and in need of refurbishment.
I wanted to create interiors that would respect their historical significance but also ensure modern luxury and comfort for guests. My design philosophy has always been about blending traditional and contemporary elements harmoniously, creating spaces that feel timeless yet fresh.
The Astor Wing: A Symphony of Elegance
Working on the Astor Wing was a delightful challenge. Its Tudor-style architecture, with wooden beams and intricate panelling, provided a unique canvas.
I retained these historical features while introducing a palette of rich, bold colours and luxurious fabrics and wallpapers.
Each room was meticulously designed to offer a unique experience, with bespoke furniture and carefully curated antiques adding to the charm.
Many hours were spent sourcing the perfect lighting and accessories to compliment each individual space.
One of the biggest challenges for myself and my tradespeople was introducing such luxury bathrooms into a historic building. We navigated the existing plumbing and heating system and carefully selected the perfect products, and where possible repurposed original fixtures and fittings
My proudest achievements in the Astor Wing is being entrusted with the renovation of such a historic venue and not only completing within budget and time frame, but creating a space that was so well-received by so many wonderful people.
The Anne Boleyn Wing: A Conversation Starter
The completion of the Astor Wing in 2012 was such an immense success, I was almost immediately invited back to transform the old Apple Yard into a new wing housing nine new junior suites. Designing the Anne Boleyn Wing was an intimate and special project as my previous completion of the Astor Wing gave me a surge of confidence, as well as a sense of advantage within my field of work. I now felt like a member of the Hever family.
This project differed from my previous work at Hever, as the rooms and layouts offered less original features to work around which gave me the ability to properly exercise my creativity – exploring escapism while still remaining sympathetic to the Astor Wing. The Anne Boleyn wing is a conversation starter.
The rooms in the Anne Boleyn Wing are decorated with period-appropriate furnishings, carefully chosen to reflect the elegance of Hever Castle. Yet, modern amenities are seamlessly integrated to ensure that guests enjoy the highest level of comfort. The suites enjoy bold and colourful interiors as well as offering beautiful views of the castle itself.
The Impact of My Design
Seeing the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing come to life has been incredibly rewarding. Guests are consistently enchanted by the blend of historical charm and modern luxury, making their stay at Hever Castle a truly memorable experience. The redesign has also enhanced the castle’s reputation as a premier venue for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.
My work at Hever Castle is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about crafting experiences that honour the past and inspire the future. It’s about breathing new life into historical treasures and creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my journey with Hever Castle, my commitment to excellence and innovation remains unwavering. With each passing year, I bring new ideas and inspirations to the table, ensuring that the castle continues to enchant visitors with its timeless beauty whilst encapsulating my signature flamboyant interior style.
Designing for Hever Castle has been an honour and a privilege. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist beautifully, and I am grateful to be a part of its story. Here’s to many more years of elegance, creativity, and inspiration at Hever Castle.
Visit @hever_castlestays on Instagram to observe all my fabulous creations in all their glory!
