country escape David Collins captures a hotel’s scenic location By Alia Akkam Photography by Tim Clinch The lush New Forest National Park in Southeast England, an hour and a half from London, is the apt setting for quaint hotel, Lime Wood. Architects Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath have thoughtfully restored an historic Regency country house, a circa 13th-century hunting lodge, to reflect contemporary luxury while staying true to the property’s distinct surroundings. For the interiors, London-based David Collins Studio embraced the same approach. “The architectural team created a beautiful building for the hotel, and I was very mindful to respect the proportions of the architecture and ensure the design of the interiors and the scale of the furniture were appropriate,” explains Collins. “I wanted Lime Wood to be a hotel that I would want to visit. The public areas of the hotel flow around a central courtyard from the entrance hall to the morning room to the drawing room and library, giving the hotel a real sense of energy.” Above: Lime Wood’s stunning grounds provided inspiration for its new look. Left: Wood floors and paneled walls create a contemporary country house kitchen feel at the Scullery. www.hospitalitydesign.com October 2011 91http://www.hospitalitydesign.com