Complete refurbishment of The Old Stamford Hotel unveiled after four years of work

The sympathetic conversion of the Grade II* listed hotel into eight luxury properties provides an opportunity to own a part of Stamford’s rich history.

Situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire town, The Old Stamford Hotel has undergone extensive restoration and renovations costing over £3 million to create eight brand new properties: a charming townhouse and seven elegant apartments. Ideally located in the historic town centre, The Hotel invites buyers to immerse themselves in Stamford’s rich heritage.

The Hotel was originally commissioned in the early 1800s by Sir Gerard Noel of Exton as part of his political campaign to win the Rutland seat in the House of Commons. With its neo-classical design by architect J L Bond, construction was completed in around 1820, with the building later being leased in 1825. In more recent years, it has served as a commercial space and the ballroom was home to the Welland School of Dancing. 

Planning and Listed Building consent to convert the property into a residential development was granted in 2020, marking the start of an ambitious endeavour to breathe new life into one of the town’s landmarks. After months of planning and preparation, refurbishment work began, and the properties reached completion in the early spring of this year.

The Hotel’s four-year transformation was undertaken by its long-term owners, the Abbey Group Development Company. The Abbey Group has been trading locally for almost 100 years, has strong connections to Stamford and owns several nearby properties. The Group’s approach to refurbishing the landmark has refreshed the building’s historic structure, ensuring its preservation but also ensuring it is lived in and enjoyed by future generations.

The Old Stamford Hotel apartments are proudly represented by esteemed period and country property experts King West. With an office situated on the very same street as the Hotel, King West were chosen as the Abbey Group’s partners due to their deep-rooted connection to the local community and their expertise in selling properties of historical significance.

Local interior design specialist Gemma Homer of BEAU* Interiors carefully selected every internal detail, working hand in hand with the main contractor, Burmor Construction. Gemma is renowned for her expertise in creating bespoke interior environments, hence having partnered with the Abbey Group on previous projects. Their collective efforts have emphasised the Hotel’s rich heritage, while seamlessly integrating modern amenities and comforts into the eight properties.

Alex Duce, Director of the Abbey Group Development Company, reflects on the four-year renovation journey: “Even gaining the initial planning permission to develop the building was a long process and required us to also carefully relocate the remaining retail tenants before work could begin. With the Hotel being Grade II* listed, conservation of every artefact was tricky. Of course, we didn’t want to ruin the heritage of the building; our renovations have been designed to highlight those assets.

“Since introducing King West as our sales agents, we have been so impressed by their commitment. We relied on their local expertise to determine the value of the properties, as well as what approach to design would sell. Our agents Lois Simpson and Tom Wilson have been very supportive throughout the restoration, especially when we experienced delays (as you inevitably do on a project of this size).

“Gemma at BEAU* Interiors has gone above and beyond, even getting involved in the nitty-gritty of the final layouts of the rooms. Her track record is impeccable and the quality of the finished properties speaks for itself – plus, everything was delivered on time and to our budget!”

Each new home created is flooded with natural light. This accentuates the building’s breathtaking features, which are subtly complemented by the latest technology and appliances, creating an ideal residence for those seeking the timeless elegance of a period property.

Upon entering the building through the original panelled doors, you are greeted with an ornate ceiling rose, detailed coving, and a magnificent spiral staircase. As you take the stairs, a tall, majestic stained-glass window appears on your right-hand side as an impressive glazed dome lights the lobby from overhead. Both have been carefully restored to their original glory. 

Gemma Homer of BEAU* Interiors reflected on years of work to achieve the desired aesthetic of the new homes: “Our aim with the interiors was to create a clean, bright and elegant aesthetic in keeping with the neo-classical architecture of the building. As the Hotel offers so much natural light, we took advantage of this with a neutral colour palette. Luxury finishes include Bakehouse kitchens in each property with Miele appliances, Quartz worktops, and marble-effect tiles in all the bathrooms and en-suites.

“It was a joy to see this project come to life and our work ensured that the old features take prominence against a tastefully modern background.”

The roof of the Hotel is crowned by a statue of Lady Justice, an ancient symbol embodying principles of law and order dating back to Ancient Greece. After it was found she was sitting on rotten timbers, the removal and restoration of Lady Justice, who has decorated the hotel for over two centuries, incurred an additional £160,000 to the project’s costs. Yet, the developers remained committed to treating the statue with the same level of care and reverence as the rest of the building.

Tom Wilson, Director of King West, comments on the journey with the Abbey Group, stating: “We work closely with Alex Duce, the visionary force behind The Old Stamford Hotel. Acting as Agents on this bespoke project has been enjoyable and involving in equal measure. Through our efforts, five of the seven apartments were under offer prior to their market release. Having been part of the renovation project for years now, we know the real value and history behind the building and are delighted to find the perfect owner for each property.”

The Old Stamford Hotel really does showcase the best that Stamford has to offer.

View The Old Stamford Hotel brochure for further details on the building and properties for sale: https://kingwest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rps_knw-STA220011.pdf

For enquiries regarding the properties, please contact stamford@kingwest.co.uk or call 01780 484520.