Walwick Hall is an imposing country house set in 100 acres of rolling Northumberland countryside, just metres from Hadrians Wall.  Working closely with the client and Doonan Architects of Hexham, we worked up a masterplan for the estate, in support of its transformation into a 10-bedroom boutique hotel and spa.

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Despite all that the Northumbrian winters could throw at it, and the challenges of major excavations so close to Hadrians Wall, the project has come to wonderful fruition.  Numerous trees were removed to open up views to the rolling landscape, and new gardens were created on all sides of the Hall.  These gardens were designed not just as a setting to the new hotel, but also with the intention that guests proximity and immersion in the planting.

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Large swathes of shade tolerant plants flank the winding path from the guest car-park to reception, while deep borders, hedged rose beds and squadrons of copper beech provide a setting to the new dining terrace.  The terrace is formed in reclaimed stone, complementing the patina of the facade of the hall.  The historic teak glasshouse in the kitchen garden has been restored, now producing abundant crops for the kitchens, complemented by a newly planted orchard.  The spa and swimming pool offers dramatic panoramic views to the horizon.

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AWB Associates provided services from masterplanning through detailed design to planting.

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