Restoring a landmark hotel to former glory

The Fife Arms

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

2014 — 2018

Client Artfarm

Retail & Hospitality · Conservation & Retrofit

Reviving a historic hotel to create an exceptional visitor experience and bring cultural and economic vitality to the village of Braemar. The rehabilitation of this grand Victorian coaching inn, into a boutique, art-filled, Highlands hotel is inspired by local Scottish culture and materials throughout.

‘Doesn’t so much beggar belief as make you rethink what a hotel can be.’

Sunday Times, Hotel of the Year 2019

A charming stone building with steep red gables and numerous windows, warmly lit from inside, stands against an evening sky. A parked car is on the left, and a vintage streetlamp glows softly on the right. Trees are visible in the background.

‘The Fife Arms is a riot - as welcoming and egalitarian a hotel as you’ll find anywhere, while also providing a singularly joyous, almost hallucinogenic take on Highlands culture.’

Conde Nast Traveler

A rustic dining room with a long wooden table, antique chairs, and wooden beams features a large, colorful, multi-bulb chandelier hanging from the ceiling, creating a cozy and artistic atmosphere.

A colorful, abstract glass chandelier with twisting shapes hangs above a staircase with wooden railings; a blue neon sign with a cursive word glows in the center. Warm lighting highlights ornate decor below.

The remodelling and reconfiguration of the old coaching inn includes a new through route to improve public accessibility and the creation of a brand-new courtyard, bringing natural light into the heart of the 46-bedroom luxury hotel. The regeneration also includes the restoration of the hotel’s original public bar (The Flying Stag), as well as The Clunie Dining Room, a new cocktail bar (Elsa’s), event spaces, a family room, spa and hotel shop.

A courtyard with a large spider sculpture on a wet stone floor, surrounded by glass-paneled walls and wooden columns. The background features a historic stone building with multiple windows and a cloudy sky.

A historic stone building with red accents stands by a river. A stone bridge crosses the water, with snow-dusted trees and ground surrounding the scene. The sky is overcast, giving a wintry atmosphere.

The Fife Arms Braemar Robert Burns Fireplace Photo

A dimly lit wooden staircase with ornate railings features a colorful, abstract light sculpture hanging from the ceiling. A stained glass window is visible in the background, casting a muted glow.

Opulent room with elegant sofas, ornate ceiling, and decorative chandelier. Large windows with heavy drapes and wood floors create a classic ambiance. A fireplace and artwork adorn the walls, with lush plants accentuating the decor.

The original granite fabric and intricate arts and crafts detailing of the buildings have been accurately restored, and finely crafted new elements from sustainably sourced local materials introduced. The new courtyard is framed by a colonnade of distinctive ‘stripped bark’ tree trunk columns. Made using locally felled trees, these support a green roof planted with native heathers. Visible back-of-house areas feature untreated timber cladding that will develop a silver-grey patina to complement the granite stonework.

A dimly-lit wall adorned with numerous black-and-white photographs and a large, central painting. Small mounted antlers are interspersed among the frames. A pair of wall sconces illuminate part of the display above a wooden bench.

The Fife Arms is part of a long-standing relationship between Moxon and Artfarm, born from shared values and ambitions for sustainable design rooted in location. As both architect and construction manager on the project, we were able to provide project efficiency and ensure local employment, helping to restore the hotel to the heart of the community.