Seaton Delaval Health Retreat

It is the stark contrast between the glorious Baroque Seaton Delaval Hall set against the bleak and rugged Northumberland countryside that forms that basis of this proposal to develop active public realm. Seaton Delaval Hall was built by the Architect Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval between 1718 and 1728 and sits within 400 acres of gardens and grounds. The hall and Delaval family were central to flourishing coal mining and glass making industries exporting across Europe. Seaton Delaval’s astounding history, unique rural location and close proximity to the coast provides the inspiration for the creation of a destination wellbeing refuge and tea house. The materials used throughout the proposals reflect the coal mining heritage with the use of blackened timber whilst the use of glass continues link with its glasshouse heritage. The creation a specialist tea house will sit at the centre of the proposals and will provide an opportunity for visitors to experience, enjoy and learn about tea brewing and the inherent health benefits. The tea house will reflect and link the quintessential art of tea brewing and will provide tea tasting and tea brewing classes and workshops. Tea will also be used as the basis for complementary food and contrasting food pairing that will aim to emphasise the flavour of the tea. The herbs to be used in the brewing of the tea will be grown locally at the hall as will much of the food that will be served within the tea house. The gardens and the grounds of the hall provide the unique opportunity to combine fitness, health, relaxation and wellbeing to create a unique experience. The proposal includes the building of a studio that will be used for fitness, yoga and meditation sessions. However, much of the focus will be on using the extensive gardens and grounds of the hall with hiking, walking and running routes. Blackened timber clad residential pods sit discretely within the grounds and provide a reference to the local community’s mining heritage. The glazed wall will capture the view of the forest and grounds.