WARRINGTON-based DV8 Designs, have now put the finishing touches to their £2 million refurbishment of the much-loved Guinness Arms at Icklingham in Suffolk – owned by Lord Iveagh, head of the famous Guinness empire.
The DV8 team have preserved the unique character of the thatched, 16th century inn , while creating a stylish and elegant new aesthetic for the pub’s interior, along with eight new individually designed bedrooms within adjoining barns. The work has been inspired by the Guinness family who own the venue and the surrounding Elveden Estate.
Lee Birchall and the DV8 team worked closely with Lord Iveagh who was inspired to name several of the boutique bedrooms after family members including an explorer, an inventor, a racing enthusiast and an artist. Each room therefore reflects the character and the adventures of the Guinness family.
The DV8 Designs team have carefully selected the elements of each barn, for example actor Sir Alec Guinness’ room has an eclectic mix of film memorabilia while framed trowels and botanical books are displayed beautifully in the room of gardening guru Bunny Guinness, to bring her passion for horticulture to life.
DV8 Designs director Lee Birchall is no stranger to preserving historical buildings and projects on a national scale, and his recent commissions include the redesign of Southport’s Victorian era market hall, The Grade II listed Liverpool Gin Distillery and the prestigious Cunard Building on Liverpool’s historical waterfront.
He said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the Lord Iveagh and Guinness family again on such a personal refurbishment scheme, bringing together our specialist knowledge of the sector, the family’s fascinating history and their affection for this very special location. We’ve also been so excited to see it being warmly received by local people.”
Furniture for the project was made by another Warrington-based company, Contract Furniture UK (CFUK).
