Parnham Park builds lower energy costs into its restoration as energy bills squeeze UK hotel sector
Posted by: electime 9th November 2026
Parnham Park, the Grade I listed former stately home near Beaminster, Dorset, set in 132 acres of parkland, has installed a Threefold battery system to cut energy costs and carbon across both its current operations and the luxury destination it is becoming.
Guided by James and Sophie Perkins’ shared vision, an extensive conservation and restoration programme began in 2021 to transform Parnham into a family home and hospitality offering, following major fire damage in 2017. Central to their vision is the detailed renovation of the main house, that dates to the fifteenth century, into a 45-bedroom luxury retreat. Part-way through the 4-year programme, Parnham is already welcoming guests to its first five fully restored rooms, and a successful restaurant on the estate.
Impact of energy costs on Opex in the sector
Energy costs for luxury properties, however, can be significant. According to publicly available figures, energy can account for over 10% of operating costs for luxury hotel & spa operators and around 8% for mid-tier hotel group, with operators across the sector often operating on thin single-digit net profit margins.
Luke Gamble, CEO at Threefold, said: “Energy has become one of the costs hotels feel most but historically have least been able to control. Our battery systems transform that dynamic – significantly reducing energy costs and carbon emissions which in turn can materially boost the bottom-line and cash positions of hotel groups. We are delighted Parnham Park is incorporating our cleantech into its current and future operations.”
The significance of Threefold Energy Storage for Parnham
Paired with a time-of-use electricity tariff, the Threefold system intelligently charges from the grid when electricity is cheaper and typically lower in carbon, then powers the site at the most expensive times of day. That cuts peak costs for today’s guests and restaurant and builds lower running costs and energy control into the future hotel. The modular system was installed with minimal disruption to the historic building, and capacity can be added as the restoration progresses.
Ed Grant, Senior Project Manager at Parnham Park, said: “Our ambition is for Parnham to be the place to stay in Dorset, and a greener place to stay. We’re on a renewable tariff and investing in clean technology like Threefold’s energy storage system is an ideal fit because we want to lower our carbon impact as well as our bills. Getting this right now, for our guests and restaurant today, means the hotel will be built on cleaner, lower cost energy from the start.”
