THE Hexham architect behind the design of a new Tynedale hotel has spoken of her delight that it’s in the running for six prestigious awards.

Kate Wilson, of Doonan Architects, based on Hallstile Bank in the town, was first tasked with coming up with plans that would allow the historic Walwick Hall, near Humshaugh, to be opened up to the public more than two years ago.

Now the Grade II listed stately home is attracting rave reviews and recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Kate and Walwick Hall’s owner, Rachel Batson, will find out in May if the project has been selected as the winner of the RIBA North-East awards.

The hotel’s refurbishment has also attracted nominations in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) excellence awards for best change of use of an existing building, best public service building and best small commercial project.

And it has also been shortlisted in the building conservation and commercial property categories of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards North-East.

“Because the building has listed status and sits on the edge of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, there were a number of constraints,” explained Kate.

“With the final designs it was all about ensuring the historic fabric of the building wasn’t disrupted.”

But that’s no easy task when the building requires 10 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry, guest service areas and leisure facilities to make its future as a hotel feasible.

“It came down to being sensitive to all the surroundings in the way the building was planned.

“The swimming pool, for example, sits subtly in the walled garden and offers fantastic views over the valley.

“To add the spa, we created a pavilion within an outbuilding and also included a biomass heating system for the whole project.

“The hotel opened its doors in October and it’s great to see that it has already been so successful for the client. For it to be further recognised with these award nominations is fantastic.”