Header: Galina Photography
Previously known for its wine and impressive Appalachian estate, the Chateau Elan has recently undergone a renovation to bring about its history and charm. Designed by BLUR Workshop with Foreman Rogers as lead designer, the result is a sophisticated space with the perfect amount of rusticity in its details, lest the guests forget where they are.
History forgotten
The project faced a significant challenge: how to unify various parts of the property, each built at different times, in different styles, and with varying levels of quality. The designers were looking to achieve a consistent look and feel from both an operational and design perspective. Moreover, despite the property’s reputation for its winery, there was no bar in the lobby or atrium for guests to enjoy the wine, so that was a must-add element in the team’s design plan.
Bit by bit
The transformation began with the lobby, which was redesigned to become one of the most inviting gathering spaces in the hotel. The lobby was connected to the atrium to allow guests to catch glimpses of a stunning 200-foot hanging glass sculpture in the shape of grape vines, as an ode to the Chateau’s history, as they step into the lobby.
The newest main anchor of the space is the restaurant, which holds an impressive 45-foot wooden sculpture created by a local artist that pays respects to the rolling foothills of the Appalachians. The restaurant’s banquettes are a feature worth mentioning because, although they look built-in, they are actually movable, allowing the space to be easily reconfigured for large events.
On the other hand, the hotel’s sports bar also underwent a complete rebranding, now boasting a design that evokes the charm of an old-world library and game room, drawing inspiration from the area’s horse farm history.
