The Drayton Court Hotel Reopens After a Thoughtful Transformation
This month welcomes the reopening of The Drayton Court Hotel in West Ealing following a swift yet meticulous 10-week refurbishment. As part of the Fuller's, Smith & Turner portfolio, the Victorian hotel and pub has been revitalised with updates to its 27 guest rooms, including five beautifully appointed suites. Rooted in its heritage as a purpose-built Victorian hotel, the redesign blends timeless Victorian charm with modern amenities to meet the expectations of today’s discerning traveller.
maximum impact with Minimal Time and Waste
Sibley Grove studio, renowned for its expertise in luxury hotel operations and circular design principles, led the transformation with a focus on balancing holistic beauty, functionality and efficiency. Working within the tight time constraints, the team embraced a sustainable approach, prioritising reuse and repurposing wherever possible. Existing furniture pieces were refurbished, electric and data points were updated with new faceplates rather than relocated, and plumbing points were retained, reducing unnecessary disruption. Even lighting points were preserved, with updated fixtures aligning with the look and feel of the refreshed room designs. This holistic approach not only minimised waste but also kept the project on budget and on schedule, showcasing how clever design can enhance a property’s value while remaining conscious of reducing waste, carbon and cost.
Sibley Grove’s Director, Jeremy Grove, explains, ‘Trends come and go, and when they go, businesses feel compelled to refresh their image, discarding items which are perfectly functional, but aesthetically obsolete. It's not a sensible environmental or financial strategy. For The Drayton Court Hotel project, our job was to find the value and beauty in what already existed and only replace or upgrade when a compelling case could be made. We substantially reduced the time and cost of the refurbishment, whilst remaining true to our circular design ethos. The results speak for themselves’.
A comfortable nod to history
The design ethos for the project was rooted in respect for the building’s Victorian heritage. Sibley Grove drew inspiration from the historic connection to Sanderson, a nearby fabric and wallpaper printer, incorporating patterns and prints reminiscent of Victorian-era designs. These touches infuse the rooms with a sense of place and history, blending tradition with modern comfort.
The hotel’s location along the Elizabeth Line, with easy access to Heathrow Airport, also informed the design choices. Recognising the needs of travellers, many of whom would be staying briefly en route to the airport, the design prioritised practical features like divan beds with built-in storage to accommodate multiple suitcases while keeping the rooms spacious and uncluttered.
Details make the difference
Each guest room was designed to feel more like a stylish London apartment than a traditional hotel. The incorporation of curated artwork, with a botanical theme running throughout, adds a unique and personalised touch to every space. Details in the fabrics, upholstery and wallpapers enhance the sense of hominess, creating warm, inviting interiors that elevate the guest experience.
Sibley Grove’s approach to The Drayton Court Hotel’s refurbishment exemplifies how thoughtful design can breathe new life into existing spaces. By working with what was already there and enhancing it through creative, sustainable methods, they have crafted a hotel that respects its history while catering to the needs of modern travellers. The result is a property that feels timeless yet contemporary, embodying the perfect balance of function, beauty and sustainability.
