Over the last few years, two of our five hotels have been completely re-imagined.

If you have ever wondered who is behind the unique interiors at Moonfleet Manor and Fowey Hall, it's the wonderful Jill Higgins and her team at StudioJill. Over the last few years, two of our five hotels have been completely re-imagined so we thought it was about time we caught up with Jill to discuss her plans for the future of Luxury Family Hotels.

My degree is in Interior Architecture and Design. I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years and have worked in a range of sectors, including hospitality, retail and residential.

Back in 2020, we completed a full hotel refurbishment at Fowey Hall. We’re now working on phase two there, which includes the addition of 20 bedrooms and four sea view Suites, atop the spa. The suites are very much the jewel in the crown. They will be more contemporary in style, with floor to ceiling windows, showing picture-perfect views across the estuary and beyond.

Like Fowey Hall, Moonfleet Manor is currently in its second phase of refurbishment, which will see the completion of the main manor house - including the final bedrooms and restaurant - and the addition of new Fleethouse rooms. In terms of style, the Fleethouse will strike a balance to create an elevated, modern twist on a traditional design whilst still keeping a rustic charm.

A carefully curated mix of old and new with a relaxed, homely feel and playful touches.

Anyone who works with me would say it’s grey, but I actually like all colours! For me it is not about specific colours but more about colour combinations and choosing the right colours for the location and project.

That’s a really difficult question to answer as there are so many great spaces at Luxury Family Hotels and I like them for different reasons. In terms of the original architecture, I love the quirky cosiness of the bedrooms at Woolley Grange. In terms of spaces we have worked on, I really like the bar at Fowey Hall with its amazing De Gournay wallpaper and stunning views. Having said that, I also really like the rich, deep colour of the grey lounge and its intimate homely feel.

Firstly, the amazing buildings in stunning locations. There’s a complex mix of old and new buildings, which we love the challenge of.

Secondly, it’s a fantastic brand with a great philosophy, which is very inspiring from a creative perspective.

And finally, the Luxury Family Hotels team. They are lovely people to work with at all levels throughout the business.

It is a core value of our studio that we take a bespoke approach to each project so our inspiration comes from different places, depending on the projects and briefs.

Inspiration could come from the building, location or history, or it could just as equally be inspired by an amazing new material or a piece of artwork or even something more abstract like a concept or philosophy.

I really love the challenge of a small space and low budget as it means you have to work more intelligently as a designer and attention to detail becomes even more important. So I would love to do something like a contemporary caravan interior or canal barge.