Renovating iconic, grandiose spaces isn’t an easy job. Designers are inevitably tasked with walking a fine line between fidelity to the original aesthetic of historic mansions and castles and the streamlined experience guests crave in 2015.
The US$75 million redux of the landmark Ashford Castle is no exception. The 85-key County Mayo, Ireland, property — parts of which date to 1228 — keeps its elegant, elaborate styling. Heavy drapery frames the beds. Formal textiles reinforce the timeless feel. Red Carnation Hotels president and founder Beatrice Tollman and her daughter Toni used those materials to create spaces that feel detailed, not cluttered.
The renovation also includes the addition of a billiards room, rooftop cigar terrace and a movie theater. A new spa with an indoor pool and fitness facility will open this summer.
Showcasing ornate, indulgent décor might be one of the hottest trends for hotels in 2015. Many guests want ease of use, but not at the expense of escapist visuals, especially in historic spaces.
//