How do you deal with an ancient two faced hotel?

Answer

The site of the county hotel in Canterbury has origins dating right back to the 12th century, and a substantial part of its existing structure was first built in the 15th century.

The hotel was completely shut down whilst we undertook a full refurbishment of the entire space. Following a 39 week programme the hotel re-opened in the Summer of 2006. During the strip out of the building we uncovered some pretty surprising elements from days gone by.

Around a hundred years ago the hotel was extended to incorporate more bedrooms and the builders of the time created their new structure so that it was built nearly touching the existing facade. When the new internal access was made the void containing the original external facade was sealed.

When we were making some light alterations we uncovered a hidden section between two walls that contained the original façade – just as it had been the day it was sealed in!

It was like looking through a window directly into the past.