Twelve new eco-friendly suites, which will appear to float across a valley, are to be developed within the grounds of the award-winning Chewton Glen hotel in Hampshire.
Planning permission has been granted for the woodland suites, which will be housed within six timber tree-house style building on stilts, increasing the hotel's room count from 58 to 70.
"The look and feel will be that of a 'lily pad' floating in the Chewton Bunny valley, which runs down to the Solent coast," explained Chewton Glen's managing director, Andrew Stembridge.
"Each unit has been positioned around the trees and topology of the site and the design features echo the natural environment in which they are built. Access to these new suites will be by golf buggy or foot only, across a short wooden bridge."
Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings, secret bunk rooms, wood burners and 3m-wide hardwood decks will enhance a sense of place amongst the tree canopy. Oversized tubs with woodland views and double rainforest showers will further emphasise the link with nature.
Eco-credentials of the lodges include the inclusion of rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, solar panels, sedum roofs and low-energy lighting.
Work will get under way on the £6m project, which will include the development of a one-acre walled garden and an expanded car park, later this month. The lodges are due to be completed by June 2012.
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By Janet Harmer
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