International Hotel Awards – Shortlisted

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where visitors can feel comfortable and at home whether they’re in their flip flops after a day at the beach, or dressed up to celebrate a special occasion”. 

This was the brief from award-winning restaurateur Richard Sim and entrepreneur Tom Leslie when they engaged Ampersand to bring some laid-back luxury to their new boutique hotel in Alnmouth on Northumbria’s beautiful coast.

The Whittling House is the result and boasts 10 blissful bedrooms, the perfect country bar, and an elegant restaurant expertly showcasing the very best in local produce. With cosy corners for casual dining and a dog-friendly bar there is plenty of scope to sit back and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Jackie Fisken, Design Director, believes that the magic ingredient was in achieving the balance between relaxed rural and luxury while sitting comfortably in the hotel’s stunning surroundings. “Being in control of the entire design process: layouts, decor, furnishings, and installation – right down to the artwork and accessories – was key to this success. We created a colour palette and fabric selection which conjure up a traditional vibe while ensuring that the overall feel is also very current. We took our cue from the natural surroundings: the blues of the horizon where the sea meets the sky; the greens of the fields; the soft tones of sand and bracken. But it was also crucial to incorporate just the right measure of indulgence to make the rooms that bit more special.”

We are delighted that the expert input from across the whole Ampersand team has been recognised by our shortlisting in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2021.

Find out more about The Whittling House here.