Spa breathes new life into historic Nottinghshire house

Located in the Nottinghamshire mining town of Eastwood, The Beauty Lounge at Durban House is home to owner Michelle Davis' dream of opening a Day Spa within this imposing red brick building.

“Our spa's unique selling point is we are not the biggest spa around, but we have the biggest hearts and our customer service and treatments are what we do best, leaving our clients relaxed chilled and feeling special,” says Michelle.

Opened earlier this year, The Beauty Lounge at Durban House offers a haven of relaxation in a historic location, with the building, which dates back to 1876, being the former head office of the local coal mining company. Whilst this may not seem interesting, the fact that celebrated author D.H. Lawrence, born and raised in Eastwood, would visit Durban House to collect his miner father's pay packet, meant that prior to Michelle taking over the building, it was home to the D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre. With this in mind, a sympathetic renovation means that during their day at Durban House visitors can not only immerse themselves in indulgent therapies and therapeutic treatments, but also experience a little Lawrence history, with quotes from his writings adorning the walls, and his most famous novels available for visitors to enjoy.

Michelle's story is just as interesting as the building's. She originally worked as an accountant, retraining as a beauty therapist at the age of 39. After opening her first small salon in nearby Underwood ten years ago, followed by larger premises in Jacksdale and then Eastwood, her business grew from beauty to include hair, and the introduction of outdoor spa facilities in her Eastwood salon's garden. Michelle now employs 18 staff members, and her business is very much a family concern, with her daughter Isabelle also working at the spa.

“I opened a spa simply because of Durban House,” she explains. “Durban House was a dream. I used to drive past on my way to my Underwood salon and dream of it being a spa; it's such a beautiful house.”

When the museum closed in March 2106, the future of Durban House was unsure. Michelle stepped in, taking over the lease proposing to create a Day Spa which would not only retain the building's history, charm and character, create local employment, and also offer the opportunity for local residents, and those from further afar, to experience therapies from some the world's leading beauty product houses. Visitors also have the opportunity to try Colour Therapy, and the onsite hairdressing salon means visitors can enjoy a blow dry before they leave.

The Beauty Lounge now offers skincare from Dermalogica (“I bleed Dermalogica products!” says Michelle), and The Natural Spa Factory; hand and foot care from CND™, CND™ Shellac™ and Lecente; Waxperts wax; HD Brows and High Definition Make-up; MoroccanTan tanning products; Lash Perfect eyelash enhancements; and LVL Lash lift. “My only aim with all of these brands is to give our clients the best in the industry with a trust that what we say works will work,” Michelle explains.

As well as individual treatments, The Beauty Lounge also offers Day Spa packages and Twilight packages featuring Rasul and massage treatments. “We now have around 200 visitors a week to the salon and spa,” she adds.

On the first floor of the building there's small steam chamber, Rasul steam chamber, infrared sauna, and several relaxation areas with cosy beds, swing chairs, and sofas. In the private garden surrounding the building there's a summer house, hot tub and a second infrared sauna. Treatment rooms follow the literary theme, complete with stylish décor and D.H. Lawrence quotes. At present the basement of the building is undergoing renovation, which will be soon be home to a steam room, sauna, and indoor hot tub. There's also a delightful tearoom serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Despite having appeal to visitors from across the region, The Beauty Lounge at Durban House remains firmly at the centre of the local community, with Michelle initiating schemes to give back including donations to food banks, and opening the spa for visitors to look around. This Christmas, Durban House will host its Christmas Market on Sunday 10th December, with Father Christmas resident in the summer house waiting to greet local children.

In opening The Beauty Lounge at Durban House, Michelle Davis has achieved much more than provide a serene environment for clients to enjoy treatments and a relaxing day, she has breathed new life into a historic building and the Eastwood community, helping to secure its future for a long time to come.

The Beauty Lounge at Durban House, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 3DZ

www.thebeautyloungeatdurbanhouse.com

T: 01773 609249

Photography courtesy of Alison Loydall.