Testimonials

Flakebridge Estate – LHL Architects

“We were able to incorporate Rachel into the full design team at an early stage, so this has made the integration of architectural and interior design so much easier and has avoided any design clashes at the outset, and ensured that we were all working to budgetary constraints.

Working in old buildings is always challenging, but every project meeting has been well-spirited, and any problems were countered with solutions in the quest to meet the brief, and it is clear to me that we had a team all working to one goal.

The unique Rachel McLane Ltd flare shines through”

Richard Hampshire, Managing Director - LHL Architects for Flakebridge Estate

Devonshire Hotels

“Rachel has worked with Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants for many years on a wide range of design and refurbishment projects across many of our properties.

From the initial design concept to the handover at the end of each project, Rachel and her team have always provided us with very professional, friendly, and quality service.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Rachel to any company looking for an interior designer.”

Richard Palmer, Managing Director - Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants

Qdos Entertainment

“We have worked with Rachel McLane Ltd on several projects since 2013, notably The Plough in Scalby, The Copper Horse in Seamer (two stylish but very different drinking/dining destinations with rooms near Scarborough. These are part of the Five Star Collection, a division of QDOS Entertainment.

Not only are Rachel and her team consummately professional and a joy to work with, they have a unique empathy and ability to adopt the client’s vision and make it better.

From initial concept to final delivery, the journeys we have travelled with Rachel and her team have been fun and inspiring. Rachel McLane is a real Northern Powerhouse of creative vision.”

Nick Thomas, MBE, Chairman - Qdos Entertainment

Welbeck Estate

“Rachel McLane Ltd embraced the latest Welbeck project enthusiastically and professionally.

While working together on Cuckney House, a grade ll listed 18th-century country manor house, the team at Rachel McLane Ltd took the time to understand and explore the property’s potential fully.

They proposed several alternatives for spatial arrangements and applied their design insight and attention to detail to enhance the Welbeck brand. Rachel is easy to work with, and her team are experienced and flexible, keeping on top of deliverables throughout the project despite the challenges that inevitably crop up on building projects. We are looking forward to working with them again on our next project.

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Nigel Porter, Property & Rural Estates Director, said, For me, the interior design and the quality of the craftsmanship stand out.”

Darren Ridout - Welbeck Estates

Sandburn Hall

“Rachel McLane Ltd were recommended to us by our Architect during the initial design process of our hotel construction.

Following the presentation of some lovely interior design concepts, we had a good understanding of the path we were taking.

Rachel and her team took on board our brief regarding subtle hints to the history of our business and family elements, keeping the themes in line with our existing buildings. Rachel took our individual ideas and managed to create a perfect interior for us.

The team was great to work with from the initial concept stage to delivering the project on time. Our project came with the usual challenges from building contractors and the added challenge of Covid-19. Rachel managed to help us mitigate any delays and build in flexibility on timings to allow for construction issues to be resolved. All the way through the project, we were looked after by Rachel and her team, and we felt we could call on them for their help and input at any time.

We are very proud of our hotel, and Rachel’s design and sourcing work played a large factor in this. If we were to embark on another large-scale project, Rachel would be the first person I would call, and I would highly recommend Rachel McLane Ltd for any interior design project.
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James Hogg, Director - Sandburn Hall

Bike & Boot Inns

“We have been working with Rachel McLane Ltd. on various projects for some years now. Their attention to detail, project management, and quality of design have resulted in several completed projects that have gained recognition through a number of bodies, including being awarded the winner at the Northern Design Awards in 2020 based on their work on the redesign and brand development for the 65-bedroom Bike & Boot, Scarborough.

Working with tight budget constraints presented considerable difficulties; however, Rachel McLane Ltd have not failed to complete all challenges set with the utmost professionalism.”

Simon Kershaw, Development Director - Bike & Boot Inns Limited

The Plough Scalby & Copper Horse in Seamer

“We have worked with Rachel McLane Ltd on several projects since 2013, notably The Plough Scalby, and The Copper Horse in Seamer, two stylish but very different drinking/dining destination with rooms near Scarborough. These are part of the HQ Collection, a division of Qdos Entertainment.

Not only are Rachel and her team consummately professional and a joy to work with, they have a unique empathy and ability to adopt the client’s vision, and make it better. From initial conception to final delivery, the journeys we have travelled with Rachel and her team have been fun and inspiring. Rachel McLane Ltd is a real ‘Northern Powerhouse’ of creative vision.”

Nick Thomas - Chairman, Qdos Entertainment Group

Renishaw Hall & Gardens Cafe Refurbishment

“Everyone loves the new Café. The design process went smoothly – I had a clear idea of what I wanted and Rachel read it well. The whole team was great, they didn’t stop – we were very pleased by the information they provided from concept to delivery.

Customers are very impressed; they feel like there is nothing like it in the area and are now coming in for coffee and lunch. Its now a destination and not just for visitors to the House & Garden.

This year we are planning to open later into November and December and this is due to the popularity of the Café. Our loyal customers are creating more traffic through word of mouth.

The new premises have given us the opportunity to effectively future-proof the Café by potentially offering full meals and evening dinner.

The staff are bowled over by the transformation and proud to be part of it.”

Alexandra Sitwell - Owner, Renishaw Hall & Gardens

Down Hall Country House Hotel

“Down Hall Country House Hotel hosts circa 160 weddings per annum and out gallery is the focal area for the brides to be on the eve of their nuptials. With 12 bedrooms surrounding the gallery, it is vitally important that the actual gallery area itself was befitting of both the hotel and an area to be used before the biggest day of a person’s life.

Rachel McLane Ltd. have been working with the hotel for a complete refurbishment programme incorporating the bedrooms, corridors and for next year our meeting rooms and reception area. The idea was that the hotel wanted to give the entire hotel a thorough revamp and bring the bedrooms and associated areas into line with a traditional yet contemporary country house feel. Rachel McLane Ltd. produced numerous concepts along these lines which were subsequently discussed with the hotel owners, the hotel manager and the building contractors who would be doing the work.

Rachel McLane Ltd. then took the results of these discussions away and produced in a timely, efficient and professional manner the outstanding final concept which we see today. This completely revamped area has had an immediate impact on our business. It has helped directly to secure bookings because the immediate ‘wow’ factor that the gallery now gives has helped not only with weddings but also with other elements of the business.

Certainly, we have been extremely happy with services of Rachel McLane Ltd. and that is why we are continuing to use their services to continue our refurbishment project of Down Hall Country House Hotel.”

Andrew J M Oxley FIH MI - General Manager, Down Hall Country House Hotel

Devonshire Estate Hotels & Restaurants

“I’ve worked with Rachel since 2007 on a number of projects, starting with the award winning Black Swan Tearoom & Hotel in Helmsley before achieving the same transformation at Feversham Arms Hotel, Verbena Spa, Clumber Park Hotel & Spa and latterly on various projects around the Devonshire Estate.

With Rachel, it’s much more about the ultimate function of the areas and how things fit into that space than merely the aesthetics. Soft furnishings, fixtures and fittings are very important because they are what our guests see first, but Rachel’s process ensures these are underpinned by the spatial planning that takes part at the beginning of every project. Attention to detail and professionalism are a given and I would recommend the services of Rachel McLane Ltd without hesitation.”

Simon Rhatigan - Managing Director, Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants

Whitby Spyglass 1708

“As you know, the work involved a full renovation of the 307-year old Grade II Listed property in 2015, including: a completely new bathroom, kitchen-diner, sitting room, two-bedrooms, new electrics, all new plumbing, plastering and damp-courses, joinery work, painting and decorating inside and out, and furnishing of all rooms.

We are very happy with the standard of your work, the timeliness of your completing the work, and your management of the building sub-contractors.

We are also very happy for your project-management of the renovation on our behalf with us living in Perth, Western Australia. This aspect of your work was most appreciated and helped the renovation run very smoothly; and be completed on time and on budget.

We simply couldn’t have done it without your help! Thanks!!

I would have no hesitation in recommending your Firm to anyone requiring an expert interior design service in the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Coast area.
In fact, we will most certainly use your Company again for similar renovation work on other holiday homes in Yorkshire that we plan to develop in the future.”

Dr G Marshall, Property Owner