meet the team
Get to know the team at Cowdray, from Farm Managers to Foresters and everything in between. At Cowdray we are proud to employ a huge range of personalities and we hope that this page will give you an opportunity to get to know some of them...
Parks and Gardens Lead
Nick Savage
"We, as a team, are responsible for the upkeep of properties, public areas and supporting events across the Estate but specifically I focus on the holiday lets and more recently, helping with event delivery. The work is diverse but always rewarding as it allows me to support the different business entities in a hands-on and practical way."
Cowdray Lifestyle Retail Manager and Buyer
Claire Stammers
“As well as working full time in the shop, I am also in charge of buying and sourcing new, innovative, and preferably sustainable items for Cowdray Lifestyle across a range of prices. We stock everything from smaller items perfect for a birthday gift to more investment homeware pieces.”
Golf Operations Manager
Shaun Clarke
‘The fact that golf can provide so much enjoyment or frustration in a matter of seconds is what makes it so compelling and why so many people play. I don’t feel many, if any, ever achieve perfection, but we can all strive for that one round that brings us closer to the target.’
Accommodation Manager
Jennifer Dunn
‘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.’
Head of Housekeeping
Deborah Brown
‘From a housekeeping perspective, I manage all the accommodation properties across the Estate ensuring that they are immaculately cleaned, fully equipped, and ready to accept guests. I also lead a skilled housekeeping team, overseeing their training and ensuring that they have enough support.’
Course Manager at Cowdray Park Golf Club
Jonathan Smith
“I have worked at Cowdray for 22 years, 20 of those as the Golf Course Manager. It has been a fantastic and rewarding job, and I take great pride in ensuring that the golf course is immaculately maintained. I love that Cowdray Park Golf Course is playable all year round due to its sandy soil.”
Polo Manager at Cowdray Park Polo Club
Chris Bethell
“Playing professional polo has really helped me as Polo Manager. If you haven’t played and don’t understand the nuances of the game, it is hard to debate with a patron or a professional polo player especially regarding contentious points such as handicaps or an umpire’s decision.”
Operations Manager at the Cowdray Farm Shop
Lizzie West
“A lot of time and energy has gone into getting Farm Shop Online set up. It was a real sense of achievement when we got over 150 products on our website in only 10 days. We are looking at developing meat boxes, BBQ packs and breakfast boxes. There is huge potential to create a whole new business online.”
Operations Manager, Cowdray Heritage Trust
Sally Guile
We were absolutely delighted to have been awarded a £45,200 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2020. This money enables the Trust to carry out an options and feasibility study to secure the long-term planning for the future of the site. Fundamental to the project will be innovative engagement and consultation activities with local audiences to help shape our ideas.
Director of Golf
Tim Allen
Professionally, I am proud of how the golf club has grown and improved year on year. The golf club membership is at capacity and for the first time we have a waiting list. Many members have chosen to join us from other clubs and our main aim is to maintain people’s commitment to Cowdray and to ensure that the club provides everything they need.
Forestry Department
Clive & Geoff
Obviously, the machinery has changed our working practices over the years in the Forestry team. When I first started, we used axes, we had chain saws but not used as much as they are now, forestry has got easier with the machinery that we use now. We used to load the felled timber on to the lorries by hand, that was hard work and took a lot of time...
Director of Events & Hospitality
Neil Georges
“Quite simply it is the rarity of the experience; it is a special place, a home. It is somewhere you can be at total peace with the ones you care most about; surrounded by private gardens, where activities are plentiful. Cowdray House is timeless and a rare form of luxury.”