We created this because we believe it can, quietly and softly, make a big difference. We can gently change some thinking, quietly remind people of the deep beauty of simple things, and in so doing so, profoundly change some lives – not just for this generation, not just for now. The people who come here as children will one day return. We’d love to think that they will, in turn, bring their children too. Because what people will take from here is a renewed love of nature and an appreciation of the world around us. These are things that will live on long, long, long into the future. And that is a difference worth making.
Meet The Team
Rachel Hayball
- Head of Farming
Rachel has lived and breathed farming her whole life. Born and raised on a small family dairy farm in West Dorset, she grew up caring for cows, poultry, pigs, dogs, and other animals, developing a deep understanding of animal welfare and behaviour. While raising her own children, she worked as a dog behaviourist and trainer, alongside founding and running an animal welfare charity.
Together with her husband, Rachel also manages a flock of sheep. After gaining experience on a variety of farms, she returned to full-time farming, bringing her wealth of knowledge to Louma. She is passionate about showcasing British farming, producing high-quality meat and dairy products, and helping guests reconnect with the food they eat — all while maintaining the highest welfare standards and nurturing the soil beneath her feet.
Georgia McMenemy
- Head Gardener
Georgia grew up in Dorset surrounded by nature, though her passion for working the land emerged later in life. Following a career in hospitality, she retrained and discovered a love for growing food and the seasonal rhythm of hands-on farm work.
She gained practical experience on a small organic market garden and tending her own land, developing a deep appreciation for sustainable growing practices. At Louma, Georgia works alongside a dedicated team to care for the entire estate, from productive vegetable beds to perennial plantings, ensuring every corner of the property receives attention and care.
Jonathan Atkin
- Vineyard Manager
Jonathan and his family moved to Dorset from York, where he had managed one of the UK’s most northerly vineyards, Dunesforde. He originally started working in viticulture as a hobby to support his mental health, but quickly knew this was the path for him. After a few years in a traditional viticulture system, he discovered Regenerative Farming — a set of practices that offered a more beneficial way to grow and care for vines and the surrounding landscape. Since 2021, Jonathan and his team have been applying these principles at the Louma Vineyard. In his spare time, he balances being a father with maintaining his physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
Matteo Greggi
- Head Gardener
Matteo grew up in the picturesque countryside of Tuscany, Italy, where his love for nature and plants first took root. Surrounded by rolling hills and traditional gardens, he developed a profound appreciation for the land and the harmony between people and nature.
After moving to the UK, Matteo worked with Natural England and numerous local conservation projects, gaining experience in protecting and managing diverse natural habitats. As Head Gardener at Louma, he oversees the maintenance and care of the estate’s landscapes and trees, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but sustainable and welcoming to local wildlife. For Matteo, gardening is about working with nature — nurturing landscapes that can flourish for generations to come.
Björn Lonngren
- Head of Wellness & Spa
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