News Hub

Tell us about yourself and your journey in hospitality

My journey into hospitality was quite unexpected. At the age of sixteen, I started working as a waiter at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Northcote Manor, which gave me my first real insight into exceptional service. I then went on to study finance at university with the intention of travelling as well.

After a short period working as an accountant, I realised that office life wasn’t for me. I began travelling the world, working in hospitality across different countries. My big break came when I was promoted to General Manager at No14 Verbier, a luxury chalet hotel in Switzerland, which taught me what true luxury service means and gave me a deep understanding of how to operate at the highest level of hospitality.

What do you think makes Dormy House such a sought-after countryside escape for guests?

Dormy House has thirty-nine rooms, nine of which are dog-friendly. Although we’re family-friendly, we tend to attract couples and adult groups; even during half-term, we only see a few children among around eighty guests. Our domestic market mainly comprises weekend visitors from London seeking a countryside escape, but we’re also seeing strong growth in international guests, particularly from the US and Asia.

We’re ideally located, close to Broadway and Chipping Campden, and within walking distance of the Cotswold Way and Broadway Tower. London guests can take a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh and reach us by a short taxi ride. Many guests choose to spend their entire stay on the estate, enjoying our spa, dining options, and nearby sister properties. We even arrange transfers to The Fish for a different dining experience, ensuring guests feel everything they need is right here.

What piece of advice would you give someone aspiring to start a career in luxury hospitality, particularly in boutique or destination properties?

Work somewhere and with people that you truly believe in. Be proud of what you do, because when you are, growth and success naturally follow.

What continues to inspire you personally, and what keeps you passionate about hospitality and guest experience today?

My team inspires me the most. They motivate me every day, and together we share a genuine guest-centric vision. The energy, passion, and enjoyment of simply being at Dormy House make my work incredibly rewarding, not just for the team but for our guests as well.

Dormy House is part of the Farncombe Estate, alongside Foxhill Manor and The Fish. How does that sense of shared vision and individuality across the estate influence the way you run Dormy House?

As a family-owned estate, the owners’ engagement and genuine care for all three properties is truly infectious. It makes it easy to share their passion and beliefs.

Although we’re three distinct hotels, we operate as one, supporting each other while maintaining our individual character. Across the estate, we’ve found a hospitality “sweet spot”: each property has its own unique identity yet we all operate at the same exceptionally high standard.

All three hotels are on the same estate. Dormy House sits at the top of the hill, Foxhill Manor is midway down, and The Fish is at the bottom. We share a central operations team covering reservations, accounts, and HR, while each property has its own dedicated staff.

Dormy House is renowned for its warm, contemporary country style and exceptional spa. How do you balance timeless Cotswolds charm with modern expectations of design and wellness?

This balance is very much led by the family. They’re Danish, and in Denmark there’s a concept called hygge, meaning a feeling of warmth and comfort. You see this throughout Dormy House: Scandinavian simplicity blended with traditional Cotswold stone and country charm. It’s a match made in heaven.

Dormy House is also known for its intuitive, heartfelt service. How do you foster that culture among your team and ensure it’s reflected in every guest experience?

I believe today’s guests look far beyond good food and amenities. Dormy House embodies relaxed luxury, and I work hard to instil that in our team’s culture.

I encourage everyone to be themselves, to deliver service they’re proud of, and to let their personalities shine. That authenticity ensures every guest experience feels natural, intuitive, and heartfelt.

Sustainability and community are integral to the Farncombe Estate philosophy. Can you share any initiatives or practices that you’re especially proud of?

I’m incredibly proud that Farncombe Estate has recently achieved B Corp certification, placing our three hotels among just 24 in the UK with this status. It was a huge team effort and something we’re all very proud of.

As an estate, we’re committed to sustainability. Last year, we planted 2,000 trees with help from staff across all three properties, creating a real sense of collective ownership. We’ve also stopped cutting hedgerows between March and August to protect nesting birds, and we no longer cut grass during growing seasons to support insects and wildlife.

We encourage every team member, not just management, to contribute ideas on how to be more sustainable.

Describe Dormy House in three words

Warm, laid-back luxury.

As guest expectations evolve, how do you see luxury hospitality, particularly countryside escapes like Dormy House, changing over the next few years?

Luxury hospitality is evolving. As costs rise, it’s important that luxury continues to represent genuine value. That value is no longer defined by opulence alone, but by authenticity, connection, and a true sense of place.

Guests increasingly want to understand the who, why, and what behind a property: its story, values, and purpose. At Dormy House, I want my team to passionately communicate that story, whether that’s through traceable food menus or produce grown on-site.

In the future, luxury will be defined less by excess and more by purpose, sincerity, and personal connection.

As we’re approaching Christmas, is there anything Dormy House is doing to make the season feel extra special for guests this year?

Every year, we make Christmas at Dormy House truly special. We decorate the front of the hotel with a giant bow so it looks like a beautifully wrapped present, which is always a guest favourite and features on our Christmas cards.

Our Christmas guests stay from the 24th to the 28th of December and enjoy a full festive itinerary with different dining styles, relaxed activities, and plenty of surprises along the way. Beyond the Christmas package, we also offer festive menus throughout December for group dining and celebrations.

Find out more about Dormy House Hotel & Spa here. We are looking forward to bringing the hotel industry together again at IHS26 on 5-6 October. Sign up to our newsletter here.