The Inn at John O'Groats — Hospitality Design
The Inn at John O’Groats
John O’Groats
Client : Natural Retreats
Business : Hotel
Location : John O’Groats, Scotland
SQM :
Completed : 2014
Scottish hospitality, British design.
The iconic John O’Groats House Hotel was built in 1875 but stood empty since the 1990s. The site was part of a multi-million pound regeneration of the natural wilderness of Caithness in Scotland, which reimagined the hotel as The Inn at John O’Groats – a hospitality concept that draws on the property’s rich heritage while offering it a new, contemporary context.
History anchored the John O’Groats House Hotel to its surroundings and while the site had become increasingly derelict it remained a symbolic focal point set in the stunning landscape of mainland Britain's most northerly point. With this front of mind, NoChintz worked directly with Scottish makers and British design and manufacturers to celebrate the property’s unique story.
The studio was briefed with creating a collection of 23 residences alongside The Inn’s activity centre, Outfitters, and food and beverage offering, Storehouse. The interior environments bought furnishings by award-winnings names including Naughtone, Another Country, Pottinger & Cole, &Then Design and Anorak together with emerging design talent such as James UK, Design by Alex and Ellen Thomas. In addition, NoChintz introduced its own bespoke pieces, including a specially made bed for the penthouse upholstered entirely in Harris Tweed.
All lighting at The Inn was designed by NoChintz in-house, working in close collaboration with a British lighting manufacturer, including a five-metre chandelier fashioned entirely from locally made Creels (lobster pots), which takes centre stage in the reception area. Other features include a chandelier made from ‘found’ Scottish antlers and rope lights, knotted by a local fisherman for the studio team on site.
Original products, local craftsmanship.
Bespoke and local commissions carried forward into the studio’s approach to wayfinding and typography at The Inn. With the traditional sign-painting found in the coastal areas as inspiration, NoChintz commissioned two artists to hand-paint signage directly onto the walls and the individual room doors, designing ‘Whale Tail’ – a new typeface created especially for the space.
Considered and bespoke craftsmanship are markers of this sensitive regeneration, designed by NoChintz for longstanding client Natural Retreats.
Interior Design | Technical Design | Design Management | Procurement | Furniture Installation | Signage + Wayfinding | Environmental Graphics