Bennet House, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Break Centre in the seaside town of Portrush in Northern Ireland, has reopened its doors following a major refurbishment designed by Torquay-based practice Kay Elliott. 

The refurbishment, which took 12 months to complete, has transformed the building into contemporary and luxurious holiday accommodation exclusively for the service and ex-service community to spend a relaxing break in a traditional holiday resort.

The new-look Bennet House has 16 fully equipped en-suite bedrooms, some with inter-connecting rooms for carers and families. Other facilities include a 1950s diner-themed activity room, a hairdressing salon and therapy room. The centre’s lounge and dining room have panoramic views of the Causeway Coast headlands and Scottish Isles, and there is also a roof terrace garden and an atrium. There is an open plan reception and two lifts provide access to all areas within the house.

“Bennet House is a charming building that offers an important facility to servicemen, ex-servicemen and their families. By connecting two Victorian seafront buildings our design not only creates a new facility but represents extremely good value for the Royal British Legion which is, after all, a charity. The bespoke experience now provides a memorable degree of luxury – a three star hotel but with the atmosphere of a four star service,” explained Mark Muir Project Director at Kay Elliott.

The Royal British Legion has four Poppy Break Centres, all in traditional seaside resorts, providing respite breaks for service and ex-service members.