Maritime had the vision and foresight to transform a 100-year old former county hall into a boutique 24-bedroom and suite hotel, with an associated 12-apartment development to the rear.

As well as developing the hotel in the centre of Reading, Maritime owned and operated the hotel for several years.

Built in 1911, The Forbury was originally Berkshire County Council’s Shire Hall and had been converted for commercial use after the council moved out in 1981.

Maritime recognised the commercial potential in creating a luxurious hotel property, and restored the building to its former glory.

The Forbury was the result of much thought and research by our highly experienced team.

Designed by award-winning interior designer Nicholas Hollingshead, the 24 bedrooms and suites blended design, art, lighting and sound to create a space marketed as the UK’s leading townhouse hotel.

Described by an Evening Standard reviewer as​ ‘The most luxurious hotel stay I have ever stayed in’, its location, close to Reading railway station and high-end destinations such as Ascot Racecourse, added to the appeal.

The Maritime team were on site for 18 months to supervise craftsmen as they retained many of the building’s original features in the new design, from fireplaces and marble floors to the ornate ironwork of the old lift.

Designers, artists and craftsmen were commissioned to provide original works of art and features in the hotel, with two restaurants and its own 30-seat cinema adding to its grandeur.

Known by its current owners as The Roseate Reading, the hotel is still undoubtedly the finest address in town and showcases Maritime’s ability to develop luxury hospitality spaces in previously untapped markets.

‍