EPISODE 1: THE REBIRTH OF A FORGOTTEN BUILDING

If walls could talk, the ones at ROSEMAY HOTEL would probably start with, "You

Once a neglected two-star guesthouse left empty after COVID, the former Fountain House Hotel was upgraded into the vibrant and welcoming Rosemay Boutique Hotel—brought to life by a passionate family with a bold vision to not only transform forgotten spaces, but also to create a place rooted in community. From the very beginning, their goal was to build more than just a hotel—they set out to craft a warm, inclusive space where locals and travellers alike could feel at home.

At the heart of this vision sits Rosebud Coffee Club—a cosy café open to guests and neighbours alike, designed as a daily gathering spot that fosters connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within the Hayes community.

“It wasn’t just about renovating a building,” says Asmi, one of the visionaries behind Rosemay. “It was about rewriting its story, brick by brick— preferably without too much dust in our tea.”

With a background in sustainable design and a tenacious commitment to doing things the right way (even when the easy way looked really tempting), the team applied Lean quality improvement principles to the entire renovation. That meant thoughtful planning, eco-conscious decisions, and none of a "What if we just knock this wall down and see what happens?" moments.

Obtaining planning approval seemed straightforward at first, like a walk in the park. Little did they know—it would be felt more like Jurassic Park.

The build wasn’t without its moments—rain cascading through a half-built roof, a tile delivery inexplicably delayed in Felixstowe, and a structural beam that looked perfect on paper but needed some creative thinking on site.

“Even with approved plans and precise schedules,” recalls Yousuf, Managing Director of Rosemay, “the reality of transforming a forgotten space always comes with surprises”. But for every challenge, there was a solution— and a deeper sense of ownership.

The result? A boutique hotel that honours the past while embracing the present. Energy-efficient, beautifully designed to suit 21st-century travellers’ needs, and proudly independent—Rosemay has quickly become a place where guests don’t just stay; they feel part of a story still being written.

Coming Next in Episode 2: "George Orwell Slept Here"

What does one of England’s most iconic writers have to do with our humble hotel?

More than you think.

From hidden references in the décor to unexpected local discoveries, our next episode explores a literary legend’s secret connection to Rosemay.

(Spoiler: It’s not just about a bed and a pen.)

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