Renowned for offering custom-made solutions for frequently challenging briefs, Hamilton Litestat was the obvious choice of supplier for decorative lighting accessories during the multi-million pound refurbishment of Thornbury Castle Hotel, Bristol.
Welcoming the regal and wealthy throughout its history and operating as a luxury hotel since 1966, Thornbury Castle is a Grade 1 listed building.
The overarching ambition for the project, taking place under the watchful eye of Historic England, was to seamlessly blend modern-day luxuries with historic features to create an air of authentic Tudor opulence.
Inspired by the 24-carat gilding, gold-finished tapestries, carpets and Tudor-styled soft furnishings throughout the castle, Antique Brass finished wiring accessories were the natural choice – with the exception of the bathrooms, where Bright Chrome compliments the polished chrome tapware.
While aesthetic decisions were simple, such are the intricacies of a heritage renovation, that architect Childs Sulzmann and electrical contractor, Electrio Limited, were required to work sympathetically – using existing recesses to fit accessories within the timber skirting and leaving the 1500’s stonework untouched.
Providing lighting controls for the room chandelier, table and bedside lamps within easy reach of the sumptuous bed in each bedchamber, was a prerequisite that was achieved with Sheer CFX® plates. Custom-made from architect’s drawings, with a 3-Gang Toggle Switch – selected to compliment the Tudor aesthetic and featuring etched labelling for each light, the plate, which sits almost flush to the wall with concealed fixings also features a single plug socket and 2.1A USB charging port – a must-have for modern guests.
In some bedchambers, where the bedhead is positioned against the stone wall, plates were fixed to stained oak panels fastened directly to the bedhead to ensure conservation requirements were met.
A second multi-functional custom plate comprising a double switched socket, dual 2.1A/1A USB charging points and RJ45 CAT6 outlet for internet access was installed in the desk area of each bedchamber, providing everything a guest would need to use any electronic device. The Sheer CFX® range was again used for consistency.
In the larger bedchambers and deluxe suites an occasional table with decorative table lamp is positioned centrally in the space, where running cables across the floor would prove unsightly and a trip hazard. Sheer floor power sockets with a protective cover plate, again finished in Antique Brass, provided the ideal, discrete solution.
Standard plates from Hamilton’s Hartland Collection were utilised for more general services plus the shaver socket in each bathroom.
