The reception desk, with its big old keys and leather tassels on valet hooks, stack of garden maps and coffee machine, is an happy place to gather, stop for a complimentary drink and a chat. Our knowledgeable concierge is always on hand to recommend things to do, or answer questions on the storied history of the house and garden. The souvenir shop stocks our tableware, bed linen, fine art prints, books and key rings, so guests can take a little piece of the Hotel Palette home.
The adjacent lounge has wide sofas for convivial conversation and squashy armchairs for more private moments. Coffee table books on art and gardening are piled on side tables, while shelves are filled with paperbacks for guests to borrow. Soft, barely audible classical music provides a gentle soundtrack along with the crackling fire on cooler days, and birdsong through the open doors in Summer.
As custodians of an historic building, we endeavoured to honour the architecture, layout and spirit of as much of the original structure as possible. This has resulted in lots of cosy reading nooks, winding hallways, timeworn flagstone floors and wide floorboards topped with rush mats and antique rugs.
There are no stuffy dress codes, here, and everyone is welcome in whatever they feel most comfortable. Staff wear genderless uniforms suitable for hours spent dashing around the hotel and garden: soft cotton Breton tops, black jeans and black converse.