Surrey Hills artist Louise Dunckley was recently invited to create a bespoke artwork for Denbies Hotel, set within the spectacular Surrey Hills overlooking Box Hill. Rather than featuring the vineyard directly, the hotel requested a piece that would capture the surrounding landscape and iconic skyline — a design to complement the guest experience while celebrating the natural beauty of the area.

A Unique Commission in the Surrey Hills

Denbies Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Denbies Wine Estate, with sweeping views across rolling hills and the famous chalk grasslands of the Surrey Hills. (denbies.co.uk)

While many might expect vineyard imagery, the brief was intentionally different. The hotel wanted a landscape piece that would be timeless, evocative, and reflective of the local setting — without being literal. For Louise, the answer was clear: Box Hill, a landmark that embodies the Surrey Hills and resonates with visitors from near and far.

From Concept to Canvas

Louise began by revisiting the landscapes around Denbies and Box Hill, sketchbook in hand. She focused on the slopes and ridgelines of Box Hill, experimenting with compositions that would translate into her signature style — bold yet refined, inspired by 1930s travel posters.

Back in the studio, these studies evolved into a final design: clean lines, striking colours, and a composition that leads the eye across the hills. The artwork balances strength with subtlety, making it perfectly suited to a hotel setting where it enhances the interior while still sparking a sense of place.

A Collection of Local Landmarks

The Box Hill artwork was one of several pieces Louise created for Denbies Hotel. The brief was to celebrate the Surrey Hills and nearby destinations that visitors often explore during their stay. Alongside Box Hill, the hotel collection also features:

Leith Hill Tower – the highest point in South-East England, with views across to London and the South Downs.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl – a dramatic natural amphitheatre near Hindhead, rich in history and legend.
Richmond Park – a royal deer park and one of London’s most loved green spaces, linking the Surrey landscape to the capital.

By curating a set of iconic local landmarks, the hotel offers guests more than just beautiful interiors — the artworks act as a visual guide to the region, inspiring visitors to discover these places for themselves.

Why Box Hill for Denbies

Box Hill is one of Surrey’s most recognised landmarks, rising above the valley in a sweep of chalk grassland and woodland. From the Denbies estate, the hill forms the defining backdrop — a view familiar to anyone who has walked the vineyard or stayed at the hotel.

Rather than depicting the vineyard directly, the artwork captures the perspective looking out from Denbies towards Box Hill. This gives the piece a sense of authenticity and connection to place, while also offering guests a landscape they can recognise and even step out to explore.

The result is a timeless composition that reflects the Surrey Hills National Landscape, grounding the hotel within its setting and giving visitors a piece of the view to take home in memory.

Bringing It Into the Hotel

One of Louise Dunckley’s landmark prints, framed and displayed in a Denbies Hotel room — offering guests a true sense of the Surrey Hills.

The finished artwork now forms part of the hotel’s interiors, welcoming guests and connecting them to the Surrey Hills the moment they arrive. More than decoration, it serves as a reminder that Denbies is part of a living landscape, rich in heritage and natural beauty.

Louise’s work with Denbies aligns closely with her wider Surrey Hills Print Collection, which celebrates landmarks including Box Hill (Denbies), The Surrey Hills, and Leith Hill Tower.

Continue the Journey

Visitors inspired by the Denbies commission can explore Louise’s full Box Hill (Denbies) print or discover the complete Surrey Hills Collection online.

Each piece offers a chance to bring a part of the Surrey Hills into the home — a lasting reminder of one of England’s most beautiful landscapes.

The Story Behind Denbies / Box Hill Artwork