Client: Royal British Legion
Construction budget: £1.2million
Completion date: 2011

Bennet House, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Break Centre in the seaside town of Portrush in Northern Ireland, has reopened its doors following a major refurbishment designed throughout by Kay Elliott.

The refurbishment, which took 12 months to complete, has transformed the building into contemporary and luxurious hotel accommodation exclusively for the service and ex-service community to spend a relaxing break in a traditional holiday resort.

The new-look hotel, which is a departure from its traditional offer, has 16 fully equipped en-suite bedrooms, some with inter-connecting rooms for carers and families. Other facilities include a 1950s diner-themed activity room, a hairdressing salon and therapy room. The centre’s lounge and dining room have panoramic views of the Causeway Coast headlands and Scottish Isles, and there is also a roof terrace garden and an atrium. There is an open plan reception and two lifts provide access to all areas within the house.

Kay Elliott not only provided the technical means to connect two Victorian seafront buildings but also provided a full interior design, fitting out and staging service ready for the opening. The bespoke experience now provides a memorable degree of luxury – a three star hotel but with the atmosphere of a four star service.