‘The fact that all the accommodation at Cowdray has a home away from home feel makes it very appealing to our guests. The photos are a true reflection of the properties, from how they have been styled to the things that we include as part of a stay. As soon as you step into one of our holiday cottages, they have a warm and welcoming feel.’
Meet the Team with Jennifer Dunn, Accommodation Manager
1. In a nutshell, what are your key responsibilities in your role?
My key responsibilities are to manage our accommodation offering, enquiries and reservations across the Estate. I look after bookings for Cowdray’s four picturesque self-catering holiday cottages located beside Benbow Pond, Easebourne, three newly renovated country holiday cottages called Challens Yarde, Costers Lodge and Apsley Cottage, and The Lodge, which is bed and breakfast accommodation in the Clubhouse by Cowdray’ 18-hole Championship Course. There is also a romantic Bothy located across from the Lodge.
We also have four brand new Treehouses set in a secluded woodland overlooking the world-famous Cowdray Polo Fields, created in partnership with Tree House Retreats. I am responsible for working and coordinating with Tree House Retreats on bookings.
Find out more about staying at Cowdray here.
2. Tell us more about the most recent property to come into the Cowdray holiday portfolio?
Costers Lodge is a stunning 100-year-old sandstone property. The cottage sleeps six guests and is perfect for large families or friends getting together. The cottage has been styled beautifully and a personal favourite spot of mine is the idyllic patio looking onto the property with the French doors open. It is very peaceful.
3. What type of people do you get enquiries from?
We get enquiries from couples who have been coming to Cowdray each year, families looking to enjoy all the experiences Cowdray has to offer, friends getting together as part of an extended celebration at one of our event venues as well as corporate clients looking for further accommodation as an extension to an event they are attending or hosting on the Estates or in the area.
4. What do you think are the main selling points of the Cowdray accommodation?
The fact that all the accommodation at Cowdray has a home away from home feel makes it very appealing to our guests. The photos are a true reflection of the properties, from how they have been styled to the things that we include as part of a stay. As soon as you step into one of our holiday cottages, they have a warm and welcoming feel.
5. And do you get asked a lot of questions about what there is to do at Cowdray and in the surrounding areas?
Yes, I think guests are often surprised at how much Cowdray and the local area has to offer.
6. What is the best aspect of your role?
There is so much that Cowdray has to offer, creating guest experiences for when they are staying with us is the best.
7. And what is the most challenging?
Managing the maintenance for some of our properties can be challenging but we have a great team across the Estate that are always on hand.
8. Do you work as part of a team?
Yes, I work within the Events team at Cowdray, but also work with several other departments across the Estate quite closely to manage our accommodation offering. It is a great place to work.
9. If you could choose one product from the Farm Shop to buy, what would it be?
I used to say sausages and whilst I still love the Cowdray Sausages, the pizzas from Cowdray Express are amazing.
10. What are your interests outside work?
I enjoy eating out, travelling, spa days, walks at the beach or in the countryside.
11. Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
I love exploring Greek Islands: Corfu being a favourite destination, but I do also love a city break!
12. What can’t you live without?
Time with my family. I am very lucky to be a mum to two daughters and thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together. They too also enjoy a stay at Cowdray.
Written by Matilda Reid.
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