Built in the 1870s Sefton Lodge Stables is a grade II listed building in the heart of Newmarket..
KWA Architects were commissioned to design a conversion of the first floor hay loft above the stables into a hospitality suite and office for the owner to host showcase events and race day hospitality. Being a listed building the extent of work was kept to a minimum in order to protect the heritage of the building and during the course of the conversion the building was repaired and maintained externally to protect and retain the structural elements. The roof was repaired using salvaged slates, rotten windows & doors were replaced with identical replicas and the prominent roof turret with it’s famous jockey & horse weathervane was repaired and updated to the new owners racing colours.
Internally, the king post trusses were rubbed down, treated and oiled by hand, the vaulted ceiling lined and insulated and a new feature wall with air conditioning, interactive screen and sound system has been installed with some nice graffiti artwork from the equestrian artist Darren (Birdie) Bird.
A small kitchenette & toilets were added and a glazed screen with door installed to separate the spaces between a racing admin office hospitality guests. Underfloor heating has been installed throughout and feature lighting added to turn this historic building into a modern facility with over 150 years of history.