Heckfield Place | GM, Olivia Richli

January 18, 2021

I’m thrilled to have Olivia Richli on the show today, who is the General Manager of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, England.

If you grew up loving Jane Austen, or reveled in Harry Potter, or binge watched Downton Abbey like I did.. This episode will fill your heart with romantic notions of the English countryside.

Heckfield Place is a painstakingly restored Georgian style estate sitting on over 400 acres of rolling hills. Redefining what it means to be a hotel, Heckfield is where you go to get away from it all, be surrounded by beauty, and lavish in knowing every detail is taken care of.

Everything from the artwork on the walls, to the pottery, to the grown-on-property food is locally sourced and lovingly placed.

Olivia and I chat about bio-dynamic farming, the region of Hampshire, and how slowing down and taking in life is truly a skill to be cultivated.

Listen to hear:

02:16 – About Olivia’s favorite spot at the property
03:40 – What her approach to luxury is
04:58 – About Hampshire county and the guest experience at Heckfield Place
08:14 – Why the history of the region led to bio-dynamic farming on the property
13:31 – How the vision of the hotel connects its past with its present
15:04 – About the eclectic art collection hung throughout the property
17:56 – About the instinctively British design and uniqueness of each room
21:51 – How Olivia met Sky, the hotel’s esteemed Chef
24:12 – Why the culture of gardening is distinctive in England
27:15 – About the educational and entertaining activities for adults and kids
31:24 – What you will learn about the world after visiting Heckfield Place