New Forest: Contracts awarded for Burley Manor transformation

Historic Burley Manor in the New Forest National Park is being transformed with a £1.7 million refurbishment and contracts have been awarded to create a new restaurant with boutique rooms.

Ringwood-based Raymond Brown Building has been given a contract for the sympathetic refurbishment of the manor, which is due for completion in December.

A second contract has been awarded to Winchester-based design company Etre, with director Emily Tyers working on a new vision for the Grade II listed manor.

“This beautiful old building has so much history and warmth, we wanted to take the essence of its character and make something unique,” says managing director, Michaela Lisle.

“Our vision is to create a simple, stylish restaurant which retains the historic personality of the manor – but with an eclectic interiors twist. Old will meet bold with antique furniture and rustic tabletops offset with eccentric artwork and fabrics.” 

The inspiration for this next chapter in the history of Burley Manor is the simple, relaxed way of life and stunning food of the Mediterranean.

Tyers said: “We based the colour choices for the rooms on food, storytelling, integrity, colour and form. All bold and all possible from natural products.

“We can, if we are clever and creative, take the diners and residents on a story. About the place, the space, its history, the gardens, the rooms, the kitchen, the landscape, the food, the staff etc. It goes back to making people feel at home – like they’ve come to the cook’s table for supper, stayed at a friend’s manor and snuggled up on a cosy couch with a book for the afternoon.”