At the foot of the ancient Burcht van Leiden, a storied castle dating back to 1060, lies Hotel Rumour, a captivating transformation of a 17th-century carriage house.

Studio Modijefsky has reimagined this humble structure into a vibrant social destination where design meets spontaneity. Though named a hotel, Hotel Rumour doesn’t provide overnight accommodation. Instead, it invites guests to indulge in drinks, meals, and lively conversations, embracing the building’s rich history and merging it seamlessly with modern design elements.

Stepping onto the large terrace, visitors are immediately greeted by an inviting brasserie ambiance. Tan parasols cast playful shadows over the pigeon-blue metal chairs and custom wooden seating, setting the tone for the dynamic space. The terrace, with its custom round benches encircling trees and large communal tables, promises moments of both lively gatherings and intimate conversations under the sky.

As you move indoors, you’re welcomed by monumental wooden doors that lead into a vibrant, ever-changing interior. The downstairs space is a testament to versatility—it serves as a dining area by day and can morph into a lively dance venue by night. Here, the interplay of artwork, light, and bespoke furnishings envelops guests in an immersive experience. The high ceilings with exposed wooden beams anchor the historic character of the space, while custom lighting and eclectic design touches breathe fresh life into the storied structure.

The bar, a focal point of the ground floor, is a study in contrasts and textures. A beige terrazzo countertop with bevelled edges stands in striking contrast to the funky patterned veneer wood and brass panels on the front. Dark green terrazzo blocks frame the base, providing a bold architectural grounding. Above, an array of hanging light cubes echoes the plaster blocks on the walls, adding a contemporary flair while nodding to the building’s castle-like heritage.

Bespoke benches, with rich wood and muted blue leather upholstery, add another layer of intrigue to the dining space. Their design, inspired by the carriages once housed in this building, blends linear and geometric shapes, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Positioned against walls with custom fabric and glass panels, the benches are further illuminated by custom-made layered light elements that hang gracefully from the original wooden beams.

Wander further, and you’ll discover hidden nooks that offer more intimate settings. One such space, just behind the bar, provides a serene spot for a drink while overlooking the picturesque square. Here, the warmth of custom cylindrical lights casts a cozy glow, inviting guests to linger long after sunset.

The upstairs lounge takes the concept of intimate social spaces to new heights. Divided naturally by the wooden beams and staircases, this area is designed to be both flexible and personal. Velvety seats tucked into casual corners encourage quiet conversations, while the more expansive “Salone Royale” offers plush seating for larger groups beneath the gabled roof and tall wooden ceiling. A sloping roof and exposed beams create a spacious yet intimate atmosphere, celebrating the vernacular architecture of the space.

This playful yet refined aesthetic reaches its pinnacle in La Suite Petite, a secluded area for private dining. Here, the sloping roof, rich textiles, and patterned curtains create a cocoon-like ambiance, while the private bar and large table provide an ideal setting for exclusive gatherings.

Throughout Hotel Rumour, Studio Modijefsky has struck a delicate balance between history and modernity, creating a space that invites exploration. Every visit promises something new—a hidden artwork, a previously unnoticed design detail, or simply a fresh perspective. By weaving together bespoke elements, rich materials, and playful design touches, the studio has crafted a space that is as dynamic as it is elegant. Hotel Rumour is more than a venue—it’s an ever-evolving experience where history, design, and indulgence collide in the most unexpected ways.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project: Hotel Rumour

Location: Leiden, The Netherlands

Program: Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

Assignment: Interior design & Identity design & Branding

Status: Execution

Size: 386m2 interior & 150m2 exterior

Client: 3WO

Photography: Maarten Willemstein

Design: Studio Modijefsky; Esther Stam, Agnese Pellino, Felicia Ureña, Ivana Stella, Beau van

der Schoot, Mathilda Legrand, Marie Pierron, Sofia Masselli, Christel Willers