Dukeminster unveils £1.5m refurbishment in Chester

The interior of the hotel, from its 48 en-suite bedrooms to public areas and spa, has been upgraded to create a luxurious boutique feel appropriate for the Grade II-listed building. The hotel’s four wedding and conference suites were upgraded to the same standard, and a reorientation of the flow of visitors around the internal space is in the plans, supported by a repair and maintenance programme for the exterior.

Andy Williams, partner at Powell Williams, the building advisory firm overseeing the project, said: “The refurbishment of this beautiful hotel was done with the upmost sensitivity to the historic building, and the comfort and enjoyment of the hotel’s customers and staff. Having the building occupied during the work created challenges but we worked closely with the management to minimise the impact on the day-to-day operation of the business and deliver the programme on schedule.
 
“The boutique hotel market has raised the bar in recent years and older properties are having to respond. The oldest part of Crabwall Manor is simply stunning and later extensions have created additional space. This programme aims to unify the interior and create that luxury feel which is expected of a high-end country hotel and wedding venue."

Positive effects​

The hotel’s manager, Louis Mourao, pointed to the positive effects of the refurbishment on business: “The refurbishment of the hotel is proving extremely popular with our customers. There has been excellent feedback on the bedrooms, which are beautifully designed and elegantly finished, and we’re looking forward to the completion of the function suites next month when we will be welcoming prospective brides and grooms and events managers to come and have a look around.”
 
The refurbishment, which started in October 2012, was managed by Powell Williams, with interior design by Magna Designs and Interfit Interiors as building contractors.