The new Knights’ Retreat Lodges offer a unique short-stay getaway to discover the historic charm of Leeds Castle in Kent.
Each of the eight wooden dome-shaped lodges sleeps either four or five people, comprising an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, a compact bathroom suite and a private outdoor area. They also have electricity and heating.
To immerse guests in the medieval setting, each lodge is named after a mythical beast (Basilisk, Dragon, Gryphon, Hippogriff, Mermaid, Minotaur, Pheonix and Unicorn).
We were appointed as Contract Administrator for the Knights’ Retreat to negotiate the contract for the foundations, below-ground services, retaining walls, new access road, car park, and landscaping works. We also supported Leeds Castle in coordinating the delivery and installation of the holiday cabins, along with electrical installations and new incoming services. The project was delivered on a fast-track basis, enabling site works to commence immediately upon planning approval.
The site comprised an existing hillside glamping development with limited infrastructure, including retaining walls formed from oak sleepers that had begun to deteriorate.
The works were carefully sequenced, starting with the construction of new slabs and drainage for all eight units. The site was then prepared with ground protection mats to facilitate the delivery of the cabins in two phases by crane.
Following the installation of each cabin, below-ground services and gabion retaining walls were constructed to each plot. Landscaping and service connections were completed in a coordinated sequence, culminating in the final paving, services, and landscaping works to the communal areas and car park.
