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Birch Hotel Group has recently opened a new location in Selsdon, a short drive away from East Croydon mainline rail station.
This 19th Century mansion, re-modelled by leading interior design and architecture studio A-nrd, is home to 181 bedrooms, two restaurants, three bars, a lido, a state-of-the-art wellness space, a co-working hub, creative studios and several communal spaces.
Set within 200 acres of rolling hills and green space, Birch Selsdon has been designed as a “space that gives people the time and freedom to pause, think, create and savour”, not just as a hotel.
Furniture designer and environmentalist Sebastian Cox has masterminded the rewilding of the estate’s grounds and designed bespoke furniture for the bedrooms, suites and communal spaces. Respectful of the building’s history and architecture and mindful of minimising waste, the existing infrastructure has been adapted and repurposed where possible.
Every room is furnished with bedside tables using wood from the estate while lampshades are made from recycled glass and fabrics from recycled textiles.
Birch (Selsdon)’s all-day dining and signature restaurants feature freshly foraged ingredients as well as seasonal produce from the onsite kitchen garden. The three bars offer different moods for different times of the day, whether it’s an aperitif, sundowner or an al fresco drink on the terrace.
In order to inspire the guests’ creativity, Birch also provides a dedicated pottery, screen-printing, making and cookery studios that will host a programme of workshops and masterclasses.
In addition to overnight stays, the hotel’s membership programme allows guests to access the whole estate for work or pleasure and make use of the facilities. A unique Green Co-Working proposition offers sheltered outdoor desk spaces for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while working.
Ayo Akinsete, managing director of Birch, sai: “In our post-pandemic world where boundaries have become even more blurred and it’s harder than ever to switch off, we need a reminder of the best things in life. Birch (Selsdon) is a place to pause, to try new things, to reconnect with yourself and others, and to have fun. We want guests and members to leave feeling inspired, upbeat, calm and nourished but also empowered to cope with the everyday juggling act of life.”
