The Background
Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, Seckford Hall and Spa is a breathtaking Tudor-style country house that dates back to 1530. Steeped in history and full of period charm—from rich wooden panelling to exposed beams and intimate corners—it’s no wonder this property has become a sought-after destination for luxury hospitality. As part of the Heritage Rocks portfolio, a group known for reviving heritage buildings into high-end escapes, Seckford Hall exudes character and timeless elegance.

One of its most celebrated spaces is the 1530 Restaurant, a 2AA Rosette award-winning venue that offers guests an exceptional dining experience in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Recently, the hotel sought to update this iconic space—introducing a modern touch while honouring its 16th-century heritage. That’s where Contract Furniture Group came in.
The Task
The team at Seckford Hall tasked us with helping transform the restaurant and bar areas into a larger, more functional space with expanded seating and a refreshed aesthetic. Working closely with long-time collaborator Melissa Billen, a talented interior designer, we were asked to create bespoke furniture solutions that blend seamlessly with the building’s history while offering the clean lines and comfort of contemporary design.

The Work
Our work spanned across three key areas: the main dining room, the conservatory, and the bar.
Main Dining Area
In the heart of the Tudor building, we installed fixed bench seating with seat pads in brown faux leather, paired with bold striped velvet upholstery from Sunbury. The geometric chevron pattern makes a striking visual statement while complementing the historical architecture.
We added rectangular laminate table tops in a black pietra marble effect finish with elegant gold edging, creating a luxurious contrast against the timber surroundings. These were paired with our Sharon Carver Chairs, featuring a modern silhouette and cane backs, subtly nodding to traditional craftsmanship.

Conservatory Dining
Bathed in natural light, the conservatory was the perfect space to inject some colour. We supplied our popular Bono Side Chairs, upholstered in Sunbury Nappa Aquaclean suede in vibrant blues and yellows. These lively tones energise the space and create a refreshing contrast to the original structure. The chairs were paired with matching black marble laminate table tops and profile bases to maintain continuity.
Bar Area
In the cosy nooks of the bar, we continued the design language with Bono High Chairs to echo the conservatory aesthetic. We also installed compact fixed seating benches with curved upholstered backs and wooden seat and legs that match the existing timber beams and panelling.
Here, we used smaller 600mm round tables in the same black marble laminate finish with gold edging, paired with our Flight Carver Chairs, detailed with antique studding for a subtle vintage touch. These two-seater setups are perfect for couples or quiet evening drinks.

Additional Pieces
To complete the scheme, we also supplied our Benet Veneer Side Chairs and Memphis Side Chairs, contributing to the overall flexibility and style of the dining areas. All fixed seating was fully fitted by our team, and tables were assembled on site for a seamless handover.

The Result
The result is a beautifully reimagined dining space that feels both historic and forward-looking. The 1530 Restaurant now offers expanded capacity, a richer guest experience, and versatile layouts perfect for everything from romantic dinners and celebratory afternoon teas to relaxed hotel breakfasts.
By combining craftsmanship, quality materials, and thoughtful design, this project reflects what we do best at Contract Furniture Group: delivering bespoke furniture solutions that elevate extraordinary spaces.

Looking to bring your next hospitality project to life with tailored furniture solutions?
Get in touch with our team today.