I had the privilege of having my artwork grace the rooms of the beautifully and mindfully renovated The Moorings Hotel, which is now open for booking.
I asked the lovely Iselin Jones, one half of The Moorings Hotel some questions about how the process of bringing this picturesque hotel to life in its mindful renovation went.
What was the journey like that you’ve been on in revitalising the hotel, what were the most exciting moments?
This project has been all about the end goal, and the vision we had from the moment we stepped into the building, seeing past all the old décor, and the serious need for a huge amount of work. We actually walked away from it at first, but there was something about it that just drew us back in. It’s such an amazing place, with such an incredible amount of history, we couldn’t let the opportunity pass us by. Let’s just say, the potential was too good not to realise! The big moment for us was when in the weeks after opening, people were giving us their assessment of the place, using the exact same words that we had always used in describing our vision and dream for The Moorings. That really was amazing.
What was your vision and aim for the aesthetic of the hotel and restaurant? What do you love the most about it?
We wanted to lift it all into the 21st century really, but retaining those bits of the old that were worth keeping, and worth preserving, and that meant something to all those people who’d been coming for years, if not decades, like the arches in the restaurant. We wanted to brighten it all up, but also, importantly, make it a place that people would want to come to in winter as much as in summer. We were very clear that we wanted to create an all year destination. I think how we’ve achieved that is one of the things I do love the most. It’s bright and airy for summer, but equally warm and cosy in winter.
I love that the hotel combines a wonderful mix of old and new in its design to give it authenticity, yet keeps it fresh and modern at the same time. What are your favourite parts of each of the old and new?
I love some of the old chests of drawers and bedside tables which we’ve re-used in the bedrooms. It’s the kind of furniture you just can’t buy anymore. As for elsewhere, I love the Thibaut wallpaper that runs throughout and the Collectiviste rattan lampshades. I love how they reflect in the ceiling and create such a warm atmosphere. The wallpaper really adds a wow-factor, and it’s super fresh!
What are your favourite unique elements that you’ve added to give it that special little extra, I’ve seen that you’re providing a thermos of fresh Jersey milk in each room and using compostable coffee capsules and I adore that attention to detail. What else can your guests look forward to?
Everyone that checks in will get a little thermos of fresh milk on arrival, to go with their speciality teas and coffees in the rooms. We’ll also be offering people an aperitif in the rooms if they’d like a taste of our barrel aged Negroni, before dinner.
I’m so excited about having my work hanging in the rooms and am so grateful to be involved. What other local producers and suppliers have you worked with?
There are so many amazing local businesses and companies we’re so grateful to for their involvement. Upholsterer, Tony Morris has been an absolute star. He’s re-upholstered all our banquettes, lots of armchairs, and stools. He’s also made all the headboards for the bedrooms, which we think are just beautiful. We’ve got blankets for the bedrooms but also for the al fresco area from Dot+Tom. They add a lovely dash of colour and warmth. And we’ve worked very closely with Landes Interiors in St Martin, which is run by Matthew’s brother and his wife, Manon, who’s an interior designer. They’ve helped us source materials as well as lots of furniture, particularly the Vincent Sheppard Chairs, and plant pots, which people ask about all the time! I have to give Manon credit for the wallpaper too!
Book your stay at The Moorings Hotel here.