White Horse

Dorking was built on the Roman road between London and Chichester, this was a vital route that supported the Roman conquest. The White Horse had previously been owned by the Knights Templar and later the Knights of St John.

The coaching inn takes its name from the Saxon invaders God Odin and his ‘White Horse’. The White Horse carved in the Chiltern Downs celebrates those Saxon victories. 

Around 1750 The White Horse Inn was redeveloped at the height of the coaching era. In the mid-19th century Charles Dickens took residence, writing the Pickford Papers.

Over 250 years later the next major refurbishment was entrusted to Paton Developments. Working closely with English Heritage, Paton took on the £4 million refurbishment and huge task of bringing the hotel back to its historic former glory.

The Grade II listed building presented many challenges preserving and restoring the massive oak beams, fine wood flooring and lath and plaster walls.

Working alongside the design team Paton delivered a beautiful, luxurious boutique experience hotel, offering a home-from-home with a contemporary twist. The full refurbishment included 56 bedrooms, The Dozen, with its drink, dine and deli concept, the bar and Bakery coffee shop.

The Grade II listed building renovation has been a tremendous success, with works completed on time and finished to the highest standards.