Denton Reserve
by Box 9 Design

Box 9 Design has redefined rural luxury through its visionary transformation of Denton Hall, a grand Palladian stately home at the heart of the 2,500-acre Denton Reserve in Ilkley, Yorkshire. This ambitious project blends historic preservation with a purpose-driven mission, supporting carbon capture, biodiversity, and sustainable food production. As both architects and interior designers, Box 9 Design was tasked with crafting a contemporary hospitality experience that connects guests with nature while honouring the estate’s deep heritage.

Originally built in 1717, Denton Hall has been reimagined to serve as a serene retreat for future generations. Box 9 Design approached the interiors with restraint and discipline, ensuring that each design choice aligned with the environmental goals of the wider estate. Every object, textile, and piece of art was selected not just for aesthetic merit but for its ability to tell a story and contribute to a restorative experience.

The interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding Yorkshire Dales, using a palette rooted in local soil, flora, and fauna. Natural materials are celebrated throughout—from a 4-metre woven heather light fixture to a monumental reception table carved from storm-fallen British oak resting on a cork ball. The guest rooms feature solid wool desks positioned to take in views of the moors and grazing sheep, inviting stillness and reflection.

Box 9 Design has created a dialogue between heritage and innovation, where empty, grand spaces allow the tactile beauty of craftsmanship to shine. By literally bringing nature through the doors, the studio has achieved an unconventional elegance and a thoughtful balance between luxury and landscape. The result is a bold new vision for hospitality that looks to the future while rooted in the past.

Interior Designer: Box 9 Design

Architect: Box 9 Design

Hotel Group: Denton Reserve Holdings

Photography: Lucy Franks & Sean Knott