Our Brief
A stunning estate on the shores of Loch Rannoch in the Scottish Highlands – The Loch Rannoch Hotel
We were absolutely thrilled to be asked to submit a proposal for the renovation of the Loch Rannoch Hotel in July 2020. The hotel is set in the Scottish Highlands, on the shore of Loch Rannoch, a beautiful location with jaw dropping views and nature on the doorstep. The perfect spot for guests to relax and unwind.
Our brief was to design the concepts for a complete renovation, enhancing the best of the hotel’s traditional features whilst adding a contemporary twist to modernise the space and create a relaxing environment for guests to enjoy.
The scope was vast and timescales tight. The renovation was to include all of the original building guestrooms, with the addition of the bedrooms in the extension block. All public areas including the reception and breakfast areas, the lounge and Malt bar, the Schiehalion bar, the Ptarmigan restaurant and the fitness and spa facilities.
Our Approach
The hotel has a long history so the existing rooms and public spaces had lots of traditional features with plenty of character. Our design team were keen to enhance these features, showcasing the hotel’s heritage and complementing the new interiors. For the original guestrooms and the reception area, we were inspired by the heyday of Victorian travel when the Steamship Gitana sailed the Loch. We wanted to set the scene for guests on arrival, using interesting and quirky details simulating the nautical theme. For the guestrooms, our approach was to create a cosy retreat, a first-class cabin with refined furniture, softened with luxurious fabrics and warm timbers.
In the rest of the public spaces and the new building guestrooms we wanted to create a strong connection with the majestic location of the hotel, influenced by tradition and given a modern twist. We chose warm, inviting colour palettes and paired this with Victorian inspired fittings and finishes to link the spaces.
The Results
Our design concepts were exciting, vibrant and fresh. We struck the balance between the contemporary and traditional to bring the Loch Rannoch hotel in line with guest expectations of a classic, but modern, Scottish Hotel.
The guestrooms kept all the qualities of the traditional style, the cast iron radiators, and the original wooden doors, and complemented this with the luxury of modern amenities from the upholstered headboards to the heated towel rails.
Feedback from Whitebridge Hospitality
"I’ve really enjoyed working with Bell & Swift on the renovation of the Loch Rannoch Hotel. My own history with the hotel has given me a personal connection with the project and I’ve been impressed with how the team has so effectively captured the essence of the estate in their designs. They impressed me initially with their vision and creativity, and have carried this through in the construction stages delivering a fantastic end result. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the team, they’re incredibly knowledgeable and their experience in the industry and professionalism has been an asset throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bell & Swift and hope we get the opportunity to work together again in the future.” - Nick Pattie, Managing Director
The designs for the public spaces ensured each offered their own unique personality, creating a classic and luxurious experience for guests. For the Dining Room, we selected finishes which are opulent and striking to create a dramatic setting for diners to enjoy. Through our inspiration to create a space befitting of this historic hotel, we created a retreat. A secret escape, nestled quietly on the side of a historic loch, a warm and welcoming environment where guests could feel at home.