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.
Joe Leighton
- Head of Grounds
Joe grew up in a low-impact, self-sufficient community, which gave him a passion for living close to nature and an attitude of repair before recycle. Being home-educated until the age of ten helped him develop the skills to make this possible. After completing full-time education, he went on to study Engineering for several years, during which he discovered a love and understanding for all things mechanical and later worked in the automotive trade. He has always worked in the local area, learning practical skills such as timber framing and forestry, and joined the Louma family in 2021. Using these skills, he now cares for the overall maintenance of the Louma site.
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
- Massage Therapist
Björn has spent his career exploring the world of wellness. Originally a professional musical theatre performer for twelve years across Europe, he later trained as an independent massage therapist. He has provided treatments in diverse settings, from festivals and sporting events to rehearsal productions and ski resorts.
This varied experience has allowed Björn to explore every facet of wellness, maintaining his own physical and mental wellbeing while always leading with kindness. At Louma, he has found his true vocation, bringing his expertise and passion for holistic care to guests and the wider team.
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