Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, represents the culmination of a £125m transformation of one of England’s historic estates. Commissioned by Select Group, the UAE-based developer behind the project, the interiors were entrusted to London’s Bergman Design House, whose work translates Fairmont’s global luxury ethos into a distinctly English countryside setting.
The Mere’s history, dating back to its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, adds resonance to Bergman’s design approach: interiors that respect heritage while embracing contemporary hospitality.
The Orangery is conceived as a light-filled social hub, framed by a skylight ceiling and softened with greenery. Curved sofas, round tables, and potted trees create a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, while the bar’s arched metallic structures lend a contemporary edge. It is a space that transitions seamlessly from daytime tea service to evening Champagne and oyster bar, embodying versatility and elegance.
The Club Lounge offers a more intimate setting, with plush armchairs, marble bar detailing, and circular chandeliers casting warm light. Framed artworks and layered lighting create a residential feel, while the bar’s backlit shelving adds a touch of theatre. Designed for British and Indian dining, the lounge balances cultural richness with understated refinement.
The ballroom is the resort’s centrepiece for events, with coffered ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and mirrored panelling. Round tables dressed in white linen and gold-trimmed chairs establish a timeless aesthetic suitable for weddings, galas, and conferences. The scale is impressive, yet the detailing ensures intimacy within grandeur.
The spa interiors are defined by serenity and material richness. A rectangular pool is framed by wooden panelling, copper-toned accents, and curtained cabanas. Natural light filters through skylights, while stone flooring and illuminated design elements create a tranquil atmosphere. The space embodies Bergman’s philosophy of wellness as both physical and aesthetic.
Additional interiors showcase Bergman’s eclectic approach. A reception area blends retro tones with modern textures through patterned tile flooring and a sculptural chandelier.
A residential-style lounge features a fireplace, bird-patterned armchairs, and forest-motif wallpaper, creating a homely yet sophisticated retreat.
The guestrooms combine classic detailing with modern comfort. Ornate headboards, turned wooden posts, and neutral palettes establish a serene atmosphere, complemented by built-in bookshelves and writing desks. Suites extend this language with layered seating areas, patterned carpets, and decorative lighting, offering guests a refined residential experience.
Bergman Design House has crafted a cohesive identity for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. From the intellectual grandeur of the lobby to the serenity of the spa, each space reflects a balance of hospitality grandeur and countryside intimacy. The result is a resort that not only welcomes guests but also tells a story of transformation, design excellence, and timeless English luxury.
Images: © Bergman Design House / Accor.
