Human beings are creatures who seek excitement—some leap over mountains and rivers for bungee jumping, while others embark on group hikes to explore pristine forests. This time, a prison that has witnessed several paranormal events has been transformed into a luxury hotel. Some individuals willingly spend money to purchase an immersive ‘prison experience.’
Bodmin Prison holds the unofficial title of being ‘one of the most haunted prisons in the UK,’ with many claiming to have seen or captured ghostly apparitions within its walls. This reputation left the building abandoned for an extended period, as no one was willing to take on the challenge. It wasn’t until five or six years ago when the Cornwall Council announced that Bodmin Prison would be taken over by the renowned tourism design company, Sarna International Design. The council specified that Sarna International Design would transform Bodmin Prison into an attraction, marking the second significant chapter in the life of this once desolate structure.
At the outset, architects deemed the transformation of this prison into a hotel impractical. The small windows, damp stone walls weathered over the years, and the loss of most roof structures left the building exposed to the elements, covered by foliage. The erosion of time also took its toll on the interior walls. However, the ‘church-style’ atrium within the main structure ultimately captivated the architects. After extensive discussions, experts decided to preserve nearly 85% of the original architectural framework of Bodmin Prison, opting for a modern upgrade in the remaining prison cells. The interplay between modern aesthetics and the ‘pure prison’ style emerged as a major highlight of the hotel’s transformation.
The luxurious hotel rooms are a result of combining multiple prison cells, retaining the original barred windows, weathered stone walls adorned with prisoner graffiti, and unique ceilings. The original cell doors are preserved as decorative elements on the walls, while new doors provide guests with an added sense of security during their stay at the hotel.
