Drawing Room Refurbishment | Middleton Hall Retirement Village Case Study

Set within the peaceful surroundings of Durham, the award-winning Middleton Hall Retirement Village is a unique later-living community that blends independent living with thoughtfully designed shared spaces for relaxation and social connection.

As part of a recent refurbishment, the team at Middleton Hall set out to enhance The Drawing Room, a central space used by residents for day-to-day use as well as social gatherings. The brief called for furniture that could balance durability with a refined, residential feel, while complementing the character of the space.

Burgess was selected to support the project, supplying Simbia armchairs with back décor and armless options, upholstered in Panaz Riva Charcoal with a Champagne frame finish, alongside Slimfold tables in a range of sizes with flock-coated tops to minimise noise and hold table linen securely in place. Together, these selections helped achieve a cohesive look while supporting the practical demands of a multi-use environment.

To provide further insight into the project, we asked the team at Middleton Hall to share their experience of working with Burgess and their thoughts on the finished space. The following responses are taken directly from the client, offering an honest reflection on the process and outcome.

Middleton Hall New Drawing Room – Simbia Chair

Q&A with Adam Wardale MIH – Operations Director

What made you choose Burgess for your project?

We chose Burgess because of their strong reputation for quality workmanship and their clear understanding of refurbishment projects. I have also worked with them in previous roles, so we were confident they would deliver high-quality, British-made furniture.

From the outset, they demonstrated a thoughtful approach to the brief for The Drawing Room, combining technical expertise with an appreciation for the character of the space. Their professionalism and transparency during early discussions gave us confidence that they were the right partner for the project and could meet our deadlines.


How would you describe your experience working with Burgess?

Working with Burgess was a very positive experience from start to finish. The team, in particular Gareth, was approachable, responsive, and well organised throughout the refurbishment. Communication was clear at every stage, and any challenges were handled proactively and collaboratively.


What stood out most about the product or service?

What stood out most was the attention to detail and the consistency of quality across all aspects of the work. Burgess took real care to ensure the finished Drawing Room met both the practical requirements and the aesthetic vision we had in mind. Their ability to manage the project efficiently while maintaining high standards was particularly impressive.


Would you recommend Burgess to others, and why?

Yes, we would absolutely recommend Burgess. Their combination of skilled workmanship, reliable project management, and professional yet personable service makes them a trusted partner. We are extremely pleased with the refurbishment of The Drawing Room and would not hesitate to work with Burgess again on future projects.

If you’re planning a refurbishment or reviewing your current furniture, our team is always happy to offer guidance, from product selection through to layout planning and finishes.

To discuss your project, contact us at +44 (0)33 0333 9258 or hello@burgessfurniture.com.