A new hotel in East Sussex, Crafted at Powdermills, is attempting to redefine the country escape with a design philosophy that embraces clashing styles and prioritizes local craftsmanship. The 51-room hotel, which opened this winter, is the first project from entrepreneur Chris King following the collapse of his previous venture, Birch.
King commissioned London-based studio House of Drè to oversee the interiors of the Georgian mansion, formerly the headquarters of a gunpowder mill. The building’s history of piecemeal extensions, resulting in a series of disjointed spaces, informed the design approach, according to a statement from the studio.
“History is everywhere here, which freed us to take a bold, playful approach,” said studio founder Tom Christodoulou. “Every space holds something aged, something new, something crafted and something blue, layered and eclectic without ever feeling austere.”
Rather than imposing a single aesthetic, House of Drè focused on working with the existing architecture, preserving original features like single-plate glass windows, marble fireplaces and antique floors. These elements are juxtaposed with modern additions to create a layered design focused on atmosphere. The studio deliberately avoided a complete historical restoration, aiming to soften the formality often associated with Georgian design.
A key element of the interior design is the apply of “colour drenching,” covering entire spaces in shades of the same colour. Christodoulou selected earthy tones to complement the original architectural features and evoke a timeless aesthetic. This approach is layered with furniture, ceramics, and wall hangings created by local artisans, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to supporting the surrounding community.
The hotel also features a private members’ club, catering to both guests and local residents. Guest rooms were developed in collaboration with British furniture maker Sebastian Cox, who utilized exclusively British timber to create pieces that highlight the natural characteristics of the wood. Ceramicist Holly Dawes, now based in a workshop on site, crafted custom room number signs and table lamps using clay from nearby woodlands.
Further emphasizing the connection to local craftspeople, basket maker Emma Purcell created a woven host station for the restaurant using locally sourced willow, while Atlas Joinery crafted the underlying wooden frame. The hotel’s pub was designed as a “humble, handmade and layered with history” space, featuring bespoke ceramic tiles, a zinc bar top with visible weld marks, and a colour palette inspired by traditional workers’ pubs.
King has positioned Crafted at Powdermills as the first in a planned network of hotels and clubs across the UK and beyond. According to King, these locations will share a common ethos: a focus on nature, food, wellbeing, and craft. His previous venture, Birch, involved the conversion of mansions in Hertfordshire and Croydon into hybrid hotels and members’ clubs, but ultimately faced financial difficulties, as reported by the Financial Times.
“Over the coming years, Crafted will grow into a network of life-friendly hotels and clubs,” King stated. “Each one unique to its setting, but all sharing the same spirit: nature-first, creatively charged and thoughtfully designed for balancing modern lives.”