Paul graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies before working for the Environment Agency as a Freshwater Ecologist and Microbiologist. This was interspersed with travel and work on various voluntary conservation projects in different parts of the world.
Paul was taken on as a gardener at Goodnestone Park working with John Wellard and became the Head Gardener in 2008. He gains a great deal of satisfaction working in the gardens at Goodnestone and continuing its horticultural development. Of equal importance to Paul is the sustainable management of the garden and the conservation of the diverse native flora and fauna found within it and the surrounding estate.
Kate and Paul now have two children, and their garden is full of trampolines, swings and other play equipment and not much else. Needless to say, he gets little time to garden at home!
Ronnie is the House Manager at Goodnestone Park, taking all bookings and enquiries for the mansion. Ronnie is on hand to make sure that your experience at Goodnestone runs seamlessly.
Ronnie has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years in various roles, which has given him a wide range of experience. He spent eight years as a butler for hotels such as Claridges, The Ritz and The Dorchester. This was followed by 15 years as a mixologist for various events, including team building and tv filming. He then spent seven years managing weddings around London and the South East and four years managing corporate events throughout London.
From working for A-list celebrities, politicians to arranging baby showers and kids parties, the experience is vast, but the aim is the same: to deliver an excellent service. Ronnie originally studied acting and creative writing for theatre and film. However, his passion as a butler took over and diverted his future to events and hospitality and he has remained in this industry ever since.
Chris was born in Gloucester and began his training and fine dining experience in the Cotswolds. After he moved to Kent, Chris worked in various establishments such as Deesons British Restaurant. However, it was at Pork and Co where he helped to develop the menu that he discovered a love of baking bread. His last position before moving to Goodnestone was as Head Chef of The Cornerhouse Canterbury.
Chris enjoys the casual dining style at the Old Dairy using the variety of produce grown in the gardens. His fine dining skills are used on special seasonal menus and various private functions.
When Chris isn’t indulging in his main love of cooking and baking, he enjoys walks with Archie, the dog and his partner Sue.
Cafe Manager Didier has an abundance of hospitality experience, having run his own businesses in France prior to working in restaurants and hotels in the UK – maybe you met him on the Orient Express in his role as Maitre d’hotel!
With his attention to detail and flair for creating the right ambiance, Didier takes pleasure in giving our cafe guests and garden visitors a warm welcome.
When not at work he can be found indulging his passion for golf and spending time with family in France.
Looking after the gardens involves a huge amount of work all year round. Paul is assisted by his core gardening team and an army of volunteers. We are always on the lookout for more volunteers; if this is of interest, we would love to hear from you.
On the house side of things, Anne ably assists Ronnie, and between them, they make sure the houses run like clockwork. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable team that helps us make Goodnestone such a special place.
