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Royal Clarence Hotel
Surveying the historic Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter was a challenging yet rewarding project for our team. As one of the city’s most iconic buildings—tragically damaged by fire—the opportunity to 3D laser scan the site during its ongoing restoration was a privilege. Documenting its current state will help support future plans and preserve a digital record of this important location.
The History
Established in 1769
built in 1769 by William Mackworth Praed as the Assembly Rooms. It is often cited as the first property in England to be called a "hotel," following an advertisement in 1770 by its landlord, Pierre Berlon, using the term "hôtel"
53 Bedrooms
Before its destruction, the hotel featured 53 bedrooms and was branded as ABode Exeter from 2005
Destroyed by Fire in 2016
On 28 October 2016, a fire broke out in a nearby building and spread to the Royal Clarence Hotel, leading to its destruction. The incident was described as the largest fire in Exeter since World War II
Restoration Plans
After various proposals, a £17 million restoration plan was approved in October 2022 to reconstruct the original façade and convert the building into 23 luxury apartments, with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor. Restoration work commenced on 1 April 2025 and is scheduled for completion by April 2027
Challenging Environment
Due to the fire damage and ongoing development work, access and visibility were restricted in several areas. This required careful planning, phased scanning, and regular coordination with other professionals on-site. As new areas will made accessible, we will return to complete further scans—building up a comprehensive and up-to-date model.
