Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort
Lancashire
An idyllic retreat in the lee of the Pendle Hill
Type
Boutique hotel
Client
Crow Wood Leisure
Status
Completed
A Lancashire retreat
Set in the Lancashire countryside, Crow Wood’s entrepreneurial owner, Andrew Brown, had established a popular spa and restaurant destination in a spectacular 40-acre site. To develop the business to the next level he engaged Ica to work with him on a major new investment.
Building on what was there — but also to bring new big ideas to the possibilities of the site — the team worked through a master planning process pulling together the many challenges and opportunities.
Set in the green belt with key views from sensitive locations, planning permission was one of the first challenges. The functional aspects of hotel design can often result in difficult massing or unappealing aesthetic. Ica’s team with their extensive sector experience have many creative devices and strategies to capitalize on this, transforming bedroom blocks into welcoming architecture without compromising the efficient use of space. Ica design hotels in all locations, and it is in challenging situations like this their expertise really proves it’s worth.
Arcadian glimpses
We provided a spectacular boutique hotel set in the rural landscape of Lancashire. Taking the client's vision, we provided a design which aligned with their aspirations and budget.
Making it happen
Having delivered a spectacular design, Ica then set about working with Andrew to deliver a buildable package for his builders. Ica’s technical team were able to introduce a trusted supplier who delivered an easy-to-build and robust ‘system build’. From concept to completion Ica and the Crow Wood team worked together on every detail.
Ica’s ability to blend hotel knowledge with design flair and creativity was a key factor in our project’s success. From our very first meeting we received incredibly sound advice. Ica helped us fight battles, put out fires and deliver on time and on budget an outstandingly efficient hotel which continues to exceed our budget forecasts.
—Andrew Brown, Managing Director Crow Wood Leisure
Ica designed an integrated concept from masterplan to architecture and interior design and helped this to be delivered on time, on budget and with great customer feedback.
Dining experience
From concept to completion, Ica and the Crow Wood team worked together on every detail.
The opportunity for a new hotel
The existing spa was proving so popular that the hotel was needed to allow the business to grow; our client also envisioned developing Crow Wood to become an unrivalled wedding and conference venue for Lancashire.
The first-time developing a hotel
Our client had never developed a hotel before, so he approached Ica based on our leading reputation in the hospitality market — we were able to provide candid support throughout the process.
Boutique over brand
Wishing to develop and operate without the support of a brand, our client recognised the expertise and value that we would bring as hotel consultants and designers — ensuring that he would get the best possible product for his investment.
The hotel design supports the development of the existing leisure business in providing on-site accommodation, targeting the spa break market as well as offering unrivalled wedding and conference facilities in Lancashire.
From our very first meeting we received incredibly sound advice. Ica helped us fight battles, put out fires and deliver on time and on budget an outstandingly efficient hotel which continues to exceed our budget forecasts.
Andrew Brown
Managing Director Crow Wood Leisure
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