Where will you be holidaying this year – and why?
I can’t resist the lure of the West Coast of the USA any longer; the variety of mountain and coast between San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver is somewhere I have to explore, so I’m off in October! I’ll have a brief interlude to make and revisit key contacts at Walpole’s US Trade and Press Delegation in NYC.
What is your ‘must-have’ item to pack in your suitcase?
That’s easy… my Ettinger travel notebook. I’m lost without it and it’s where I keep a record of all the places I’ve been.
Where is your favourite al fresco drinking/dining spot?
I’m spoilt for choice on the Cowdray Estate. 16,500 acres of the South Downs National Park harbours some pretty special places, the best has to be up on the South Downs Way where views stretch across the English Channel and the Isle of Wight to the south and to the north you can appreciate the full glory of the Estate, from the Golf Course, to the world renowned polo fields; hidden among the Wellingtonias is Cowdray House if you look carefully. A sunny evening with a bottle of Nyetimber, the most delicious quiche from Cowdray’s Farm Shop (I kid you not), and my loyal lurcher, Jake, is my version of idyllic.
What is your holiday read this year?
I’ve just finished Robert Peston’s brilliant WTF and now I’m waiting to ensconce myself in Nicholas Coleridge’s The Glossy Years, conveniently due for publication before my holiday.
Have you ever had a ‘lightbulb’ moment related to your business or career while taking some downtime?
Absolutely and this year it has been to bring Cowdray’s ‘Walled Garden’ in-house for unforgettable weddings and celebrations. It’s tranquil, beautiful, unique and steeped in history, nestled beside Tudor ruins. It’s a big 2020 project.
Highlight of the Year…
That’s a tough question, it’s been a busy year and I’ve attended everything from mind-blowing corporate events and heart-warming intimate family weddings at Cowdray to the World Super Yacht Awards and now we’re gearing up to exhibit at the Financial Times Weekend Festival at Kenwood House on 7th September.
Cowdray's latest summer product launches:
Marina Cowdray is playing an important creative role in the Cowdray Farm Shop and Café’s latest venture, Cowdray Living, the Estate’s homeware shop. It supports local suppliers and reflects her artistic talent which is evident at Cowdray House.
www.cowdray.co.uk
