Robin joined the team as Building & Facilities Coordinator in July. He has a wide-ranging job role involving liaising with the numerous contractors who work on the estate, carrying out a huge variety of handyman jobs around the house, and assisting with events and the day-to-day running of the house and estate.

Having worked in the property industry for many years, Robin has more recently become well known locally as a handyman. His new role combines his knowledge gained in his previous jobs. Robin lives close to West Horsley Place and is enjoying working with the rest of the team in realising the goals of the trust.

We caught up with Robin to get to know him better. 

Q- What was your first visit here like?

A- Prior to Joining the team at West Horsley Place, I had visited the estate many times without realising I was doing so! Living locally, I have often walked from Kingston Meadows in East Horsley across the estate, particularly when we discovered the pop-up coffee shop. Marsha’s chocolate brownies were (and still are) a Sunday morning favourite.

My first walk around the house was a real eyeopener as I hadn’t appreciated quite how special the house is. I was impressed by how much has been achieved in a short space of time but also realised how much more there is to do.

Q- What made you want to join the team?

A- My interview took place on a typically busy West Horsley Place day with a house tour taking place and I was struck by the happy atmosphere of both the staff and visitors. Needless to say, I was keen to be a part of this!

Q- What are you enjoying most about your role? 

A- Someone said to me recently does your new job pass the “Monday morning test”? Do you look forward to the working week and I can honestly say yes. Of course, it helped that I started in the middle of the heatwave and the house was the coolest place around! I’m a bit of a morning person and like arriving early before anyone else is around; the house is quiet and it’s a great time to contemplate all the history that has taken place in the same rooms. Within a couple of hours, the house may be full of dozens of people and it's wonderful to see how much pleasure a visit to West Horsley Place can provide.

My role is incredibly varied and that’s the best part about it. I could be fixing a floorboard, meeting a contractor, helping set up for a wedding and working to ensure that our health and safety systems are as good as possible, and that’s just one day! After years of neglect the house is in need of a lot of TLC and we face a constant challenge to avoid further deterioration and carry out improvements where possible. It's great to be part of the team that are working hard to ensure the future of West Horsley Place so that many more generations can enjoy all it has to offer.

Q- What's your favourite room in the house? 

A- My favourite room is the Old Library now in use as a beautiful bridal dressing room. It's not the grandest room in the house by any means, but has a wonderful outlook. It’s a real pleasure to open the shutters on a sunny morning and enjoy the view over the walled gardens.

Q- What are you looking forward to at West Horsley Place? 

A- I’m very much looking forward to my first Christmas at West Horsley Place. I think the Stone Hall will look very special with a large, decorated Christmas tree, and the Christmas Fair sounds like a wonderful opportunity to bring a bit of festive cheer to the local area. Who knows we may even get a dusting of snow to complete the magic!