Monkey Island Estate
BRAY-ON-THAMES, UK
It is unimaginable for someone not to be charmed by the history and uniqueness of Monkey Island. To spend an afternoon, an evening or a holiday on an island in the River Thames is special enough. When you add in the storied history and the charming anecdotes, Monkey Island becomes even more important. Our design is a tribute to the storied history and natural characteristics of the island. We’ve melded garden elements throughout the new design, from the stunning botanical wallcovering in the entry hall, to the conversion of the Pavilion Room into a lattice-covered conservatory, to the extension of the lounge and restaurant into the adjacent terraces and gardens.
Our design is a tribute to the storied history and natural characteristics of the island.
We’ve also celebrated the lore and anecdotal history of the island and some of its inhabitants, both human and otherwise. The famed Andieu de Clermont paintings of monkeys, dressed in finery and doing humanlike activities, were lovingly retained and restored. The upholstery fabrics for the Monkey Lounge and Bar are inspired by the clothing worn by the monkeys and pay tribute to their crimson and blue knee-length coats. For the guest rooms, we were inspired by the cabins of river boats, and the furnishings are a pared-back take on British classics. The palette is a comforting mix of warm grays, deep blues and caramels which nicely frame the colors of the gardens.
Set across seven acres, Monkey Island juxtaposes timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, relaxed countryside style.
A unique blend of past and present.
We restored the Temple Building’s Wedgewood Suite, another of the Island’s historic rooms. The iconic ceiling remains the signature Wedgewood blue, decorated with contrasting white plasterwork. In addition to the renovation of the historic ceiling, paneled walls and wood flooring we’ve also added a contemporary bathroom and dressing room. A lounge has been added to the ground floor of the Temple Building. Nestled in this historic room, a masterpiece of Palladian architecture, guests will have a beautifully appointed sitting room to gather throughout the day.
