The launch of the Michelin Hotel Keys for the UK and the Republic of Ireland saw the small but perfectly formed Artist Residence group awarded One Michelin Key at all five of their establishments. Based in the southwest of England, the group's hotels stretch from Oxfordshire to Cornwall, via London, Brighton and Bristol.
Owned by Justin and Charlotte Salisbury, the group was born out of unfortunate circumstances. In 2008 Justin's mother was involved in a traffic accident, so Justin dropped out of his degree in accountancy to take over the running of her Brighton seafront guesthouse. He had no experience in the hospitality industry, but he could see that the place needed an urgent update, so he called in help. And after putting out an ad inviting local artists to come and help him spruce the place up in exchange for board, the first Artist Residence was in business. Once Charlotte had completed her History of Art degree, she then joined Justin, and four more hotels followed.
An air of eccentricity leads the way throughout their boutique collection. Each property has been chosen by the pair for its own unique character, then stripped of contemporary additions to reveal exposed brickwork, wooden floorboards and characterful original features. Both the buildings themselves and the history of the local area informs their design choices, with vintage and upcycled furnishings sitting alongside striking modern art. Their aim is to create homely, lived-in spaces that provide talking points for their guests, make people smile and live long in the memory – and in that, they've certainly succeeded.
Read on to discover more about why we love each of these hotels as much as the next.
Artist Residence Brighton
The original Artist Residence feels just that bit more special because you know it was the first. A 19th-century property with a fun, unpretentious vibe, it's the perfect fit for this artsy, bohemian city, where everything feels just that little bit eccentric. Individuality leads the way in the bedrooms thanks to the local artists who worked on them, giving the whole place a unique feel that no single designer could have planned. The rooms do what they say on the tin, whether that's the 'Tiny Sea View', the 'Cosy Double' or the 'Bigger Balcony Sea View', with the south-facing rooms having views of what's left of the West Pier. One of the rooms can can sleep six, courtesy of four bunk beds, while another is a double with an additional snug double in a wood-clad cabin. These are completed by the multi-purpose Clubhouse, which is open all day for everything from breakfast to evening drinks, as well as acting as a work space. Be sure to finish your night taking in the sound of the sea as you watching the sun slip beneath the horizon, drink in hand.
Artist Residence Cornwall
Following the coast from the southeast to almost the tip of the southwest, we find ourselves at the second Artist Residence hotel in operation – but the first to be sought out and purchased by Justin and Charlotte themselves. Tucked away in the heart of colourful Penzance, the largest town in West Cornwall, this Georgian townhouse feels quite at home in its surroundings – and it's also pleasingly within easy walking reach of everything you need during your stay. Not that you'll necessarily want to leave, as the Clubhouse takes in a bar, an open-fired lounge, a smokehouse and a garden complete with rope swing chairs, providing all-day dining and drinks whatever the British weather decides to grace you with. Bedrooms have a fitting seaside theme and come with roll-top baths; some have reclaimed wood clad walls, the top-floor suite boasts a wood-burning stove (part-fuelled by their old delivery pallets) and there's even a cosy 55m sq three-bedroom cottage should you prefer your own space.
Artist Residence London
For their third hotel, the couple looked away from the seaside and towards the city, that city being London. An alternative to the large-scale luxury hotels that have become household names, this is certainly a much more intimate and arguably more interesting affair, comprising just 10 characterful bedrooms. As you approach, look out for the black façade with red and white striped awnings. Set on a Pimlico side street, it's the laid-back, multi-purpose restaurant that you'll see first, which acts as a café, a cocktail cellar and a club room in one. Being London, brunch and afternoon tea are a thing, and there's even a terrace for taking in the warmer weather. The bedrooms are, unsurprisingly, filled with art, while a number of art galleries, including the Tate Britain, are just a stroll away. There's a loft and two suites – the former featuring an old gate as a headboard – as well as features such as pallet doors, tea crate drawers and milking stools, which sit alongside bold pop art, stylish Smeg fridges and antler chandeliers.
Artist Residence Oxfordshire
Their fourth hotel sits midway between Oxford and The Cotswolds, in the leafy village of South Leigh, and comes with extensive grounds and a vegetable patch which supplies the restaurant. Ensconced within a 16th-century farmhouse that later became a classic country pub, it has retained the name 'The Masons Arms' for its pub-style bar and restaurant, which, unsurprisingly, is now filled with modern art. The thatched roof and mellow stone walls are joined inside by flagstone floors and an original inglenook fireplace, but these now sit beside bold furnishings and neon signs. The atmosphere manages to remain suitably cosy, yet it also comes with high-end comforts. The smallest of the group's hotels, it has nine bedrooms, including two suites. The rustic Farmhouse lofts are set up in the eaves; The Barn Suite in the outbuildings has an original pitched ceiling with its original hay loft door still intact; and there's even the option of a cosy shepherd's hut with a log-burner and an ensuite bathroom. After a day out exploring the English countryside, be sure to head to the garden for a sundowner – or two.
Artist Residence Bristol
The latest addition to their hotel collection, this Georgian townhouse is also the biggest hotel that they've worked on from scratch. An eccentric home from home in the heart of the city, it comes with 23 bedrooms, including two suites; one is split over two levels and includes its own spiral staircase and a terrace with rooftop views. Set on Portland Square, the hotel pays tribute to Bristol's unique artistic heritage, with works by local artists – one as young as eight – and even members of staff. It's not just the art that's local either; all manner of regional producers feature throughout, from sustainable handmade Bramley toiletries to Wookey Hole cheddar. It has a fresh, eclectic feel thanks to a multitude of different influences, and the vibe is pleasingly homely. Open from early until late, the restaurant-cum-bar and library are the perfect spots to sample some local beers, wines and cocktails, while the restaurant's name, The Boot Factory, reminds you of part of the building's former life. There's also a small patio for warmer days.
