Sensitive Extension to Barlaston Hotel

The sensitive extension to The Upper House Hotel, located in Barlaston, Staffordshire, was a pivotal project that aimed to enhance the venue while preserving its historic character. Originally built by Josiah Wedgwood for a family member, the house had undergone various changes in occupancy over the years. By the time our client acquired the property, the once-stately house was in a somewhat dilapidated state. The task was to restore and refurbish the house tastefully, while expanding it to meet growing demands.

As the hotel grew in reputation, it became a popular wedding venue. However, space limitations meant that the hotel could only host weddings with up to 20 guests, and our client wanted to create a space capable of hosting larger events. Our team was tasked with designing a sensitive extension that would allow the venue to accommodate up to 100 guests, while maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

The solution was to create an elegant orangery that would open up to the hotel’s expansive landscaped gardens. This new addition was placed carefully in the rear courtyard to ensure it complemented the existing structure. The orangery, with its large windows, provides a beautiful view of the gardens and floods the interior with natural light. To add versatility, the end of the orangery was designed to open up, allowing guests to easily move onto the lawn for outdoor ceremonies.

The sensitive extension was designed to ensure the new space blended with the original building while providing the necessary functionality for larger events. Completed in 2010, the orangery quickly became a signature feature of The Upper House Hotel, allowing it to grow as a premier wedding venue in Staffordshire.