Clare Clinton - Operations Manager

Clare studied History and History of Art at the University of St. Andrews before going to work in the art world at Christie’s auction house and various art dealers in London, including CCA Galleries. She is a freelance writer and joined the West Horsley Place Trust in 2017 as Operations Manager. Clare has overseen numerous filming projects, building works and community events and now looks forward to opening the doors of West Horsley Place to the public in 2021 with an exciting artistic and cultural programme.

Nicky Webber - Head Gardener

Having graduated from Surrey University with a degree in Russian and Soviet Studies in 1988, Nicky worked as a Russian interpreter for Allied Lyons for a number of years, working within a small team establishing joint ventures in Eastern Europe.  Leaving to have three children, she established a property development company with her husband.  Seeing a gap in the market with so many new housing developments having uninspiring gardens, she returned to Merrist Wood College in Guildford to re-train as a garden designer and qualified with distinction in 2007.  Nicky set up her own private design practice, designing and building a wide range of gardens in Surrey.  In addition, she worked part-time, re-planting and maintaining the former Jekyll-designed gardens at Barrow Hills School, Witley for 10 years.

She has a keen interest in garden history and architecture…..West Horsley Place is an ideal challenge!

Carolyn Farrell - Operations and Events Coordinator

Over the years, Carolyn has worked in interior design, graphic design and her early working life was spent as a Court Stenographer which was an education in itself! For the past 10 years, she has worked in the events industry mainly focusing on weddings and other celebrations. She has seen more than 500 weddings now and marvels at how each one is unique. She loves the excitement during the planning process and the sense of exhilaration in the air on the Big Day.

Suzie Winters - Executive Assistant 

Suzie joined the West Horsley Place Trust in August 2019. Prior to joining the team, she was PA to the CEO of a Country House Hotel and private members club. Before taking a career break to bring up her two children, she worked in London at The Art Fund and Sotheby's. Returning to the world of arts and heritage, close to her home in Surrey, is a wonderful opportunity and she is excited to be part of the evolving future of West Horsley Place. 

Lizzie Bourke - WRAGS Garden Trainee

Having graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Physical Geography, Lizzie embarked on a career in Public Relations. Specialising in travel, she has spent many years inspiring others and sharing her passion for the great outdoors. Lizzie discovered her passion for gardening while living in a historic property with wonderful communal gardens, but untended flower beds. 

When the opportunity arose to consider a career change, Lizzie joined WRAGS, the ‘Work and Retrain as a Gardener Scheme’ run by the Women’s Farm and Garden Association. This led to an introduction at West Horsley Place. Alongside the training, Lizzie is studying for the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture attending the Practical Certificate course at Hever Castle in Kent and distance learning with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Matt Link- Estate Ranger