Rosendale Design, founded in 2014 by Dale Atkinson, is one of the UK’s leading award-winning interior architecture studios. The studio specialises in the design and management of luxury hospitality, retail and residential projects. Having a history of working on Grade I and II listed projects, Dreweatts turned to Rosendale Design to assist in realising our dream to usher in a new era here at Donnington Priory; celebrating both its Georgian and Arts & Crafts heritage, whilst keeping a firm eye on moving the Priory forward and giving it a new look that will be timeless, inviting and warm and provide the perfect backdrop to highlight our displayed collections.

Here we offer you a sneak peek at what is to come at Donnington Priory, with artistic 3D renders that show both our new look reception area and largest saleroom (saleroom 1), where lighting will play a key role. Within the reception area, we will be completely seeing the space reconceptualised in order to utilise the beautiful garden entrance as our main entrance moving forward and moving our welcome desk to the raised area where we will also see panelling added to the walls to add character in keeping the building. Rosendale Design carried out various surveys and discovered that there was space above the existing ceilings to create coffers to enable us to claw back some height. The new reception area will employ lighter tones so that it is perceived as light and airy.

As saleroom 2 is of a newer construction, we will see a more contemporary approach here where our ceiling is being raised and coffers added to allow for LED detailing to bring more light into the space. A darker wall finish is being employed to help create a higher contrast for the lots of display, increasing visibility. Rosendale Design will also divide the larger saleroom into two areas providing more vertical wall space to display items.

Phase I has already been completed, seeing salesrooms 1 and 3 updated. The grey walls in saleroom 1 have been painted a light blue and new sisal carpet has been laid. In saleroom 3, the deep red walls have been painted a sultry green further complimenting the timber panelling encasing much of the room and new track lighting has been added to better accent the lots on display. One of the key features at Donnington Priory is the vaulted, timber planked ceiling. LED detailing has been added to the sides to wash up and further highlight this architectural gem.

A final phase will be the re-envisioning of the exterior grounds, including a new footbridge over the river leading to a new sculpture walk that winds through the woods from the car park. The 3 phased approach will allow Donnington Priory to remain open and perform its duties whilst the key works are carried out. 

Commenting on this exciting project, Dale reflects, “When I first visited Donnington Priory, I was blown away by the architectural details that the building boasted. It is such a magical edifice with so much potential. I only hope the public receives the updates well as it has been such an honour to be a part of even one chapter of the long standing history of Donnington Priory.”