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Meet the team

Meet the team making your
wedding dreams, events and stays come true

Rebecca Wise General Manager at Solton Manor on her first day //

Rebecca General Manager, Solton Manor

General Manager, Solton Manor

Overseeing weddings, stays and the full guest experience across the estate, from first enquiry to final farewell.

Rebecca joins Solton Manor as General Manager, bringing with her a distinguished career across some of Kent’s most respected heritage venues. Her appointment marks a considered step forward for the estate, reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful hospitality, operational excellence, and the careful stewardship of a historic landscape.

Rebecca began her career at Lympne Castle, where she developed her grounding in weddings within a setting defined by history and atmosphere. Progressing from hospitality into wedding management, she quickly established a reputation for delivering events that balanced precision with a strong sense of place.

She later expanded her leadership at Broome Park, before being head-hunted to join Hayne House, where she spent over 13 years playing a central role in its evolution into a leading wedding destination. During this time, she was closely involved in the development and launch of the estate’s landmark glass Orangery, contributing to its recognition as an award-winning venue with a focus on sustainable hospitality.

Her experience across castles, country estates, and contemporary event spaces gives her a nuanced understanding of how historic venues can evolve without losing their identity. She brings a leadership style defined by clarity, calm assurance, and a deep respect for both the guest experience and the fabric of the estate itself.

At Solton Manor, Rebecca will lead weddings, events, and stays across the estate, working alongside the existing team to further strengthen delivery, enhance the guest journey, and support the venue’s continued growth. Her focus will be on ensuring that every celebration feels both effortless and deeply considered, while maintaining the integrity and atmosphere that define Solton Manor.

As the estate enters its next chapter, Rebecca’s appointment signals a confident and measured evolution, one that brings together heritage, landscape, and modern hospitality to create experiences that are both meaningful and enduring.

If you would like to know more about Rebecca and her background before joining Solton Manor, follow the link here.

Emilie Office and Operations Manager at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England //

Emilie Operations and Office Manager, Solton Manor

Operations and Office Manager

Coordinating the detail behind every wedding, stay and service across the estate, ensuring everything runs seamlessly

Once you have booked your wedding, event or stay at Solton Manor, thank you, you become part of something much bigger.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team comes together to support you, and at the centre of that is Emilie, our Operations and Office Manager.

You will come to know her well. Working closely with our General Manager and the wider front of house and housekeeping team, she helps ensure that every detail is carefully considered, from your initial thoughts through to the morning you wake in the Manor House or Dovecote Cottage, with your further celebrations over breakfast.

Emilie is your constant throughout the journey, onboarding you on to Sonas, quietly guiding, answering questions, assisting with your table plans and payments whilst keeping everything moving with calm precision, so you can enjoy the process with confidence.

A mum of one and a proud rescue dog mum, Emilie lives in Folkestone, just along the coast from Dover. She brings with her a love of upholstery and interior design, something that naturally finds its place within the evolving story of Solton Manor. It shows in her attention to detail, her appreciation for beautiful spaces, and the way she helps shape each celebration so it feels considered and personal.

Whether you need a quick update, a gentle nudge, or simply reassurance along the way, Emilie is there, part of a team that works together behind the scenes to make everything feel seamless. Because at Solton Manor, this is never just about a single day. It is about the journey, the people, and the story you are creating together, and we are with you every step of the way.

Karl Head of Maintenance on a digger in Finet's Woodland at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England planting an apple tree in the old Orchard //

Karl Head of Maintenance and the Grounds, Solton Manor

Head of Maintenance and the Grounds

Responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the estate, ensuring every area is ready for weddings, events and stays

Karl takes care of every aspect of estate maintenance and presentation, ensuring Solton Manor looks its very best for every wedding, event, and stay.

Karl, our Head of Maintenance and the Grounds, has been part of the Solton Manor story for over 14 years. With his in-depth knowledge of the estate and a meticulous approach, he ensures everything is maintained to the highest standard, from historic features to modern amenities. He works closely with Tom, our Groundsman, who plays a key role in maintaining the gardens, keeping the lawns immaculate, and ensuring the grounds are always picture-perfect.

Reporting to the General Manager Karl dovetails his work with the wider team to ensure each space is not only beautifully maintained, but also safe, functional, and ready to welcome you and your guests. From ongoing maintenance tasks to helping move furniture and assisting with ceremony and reception setups, their quiet expertise ensures everything is where it should be, when it needs to be and working as it should.

Karl’s hard work and dedication behind the scenes is part of what makes Solton Manor feel so effortlessly well kept and wonderfully welcoming.

Sam Lloyd Head of Marketing at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England //

Sam Head of Marketing, Solton Manor

Head of Marketing

Shaping how the estate is presented, ensuring every couple and client can clearly picture their wedding, event and stay

With over 20 years of experience in weddings and events, Sam brings a deep understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for sharing the magic of Solton Manor with the world. From showcasing the Estate’s unique charm to telling the stories behind each celebration, Sam leads all things marketing with insight, creativity, and heart.

Although part-time, she’s also your point of contact for press and publicity enquiries (check out our press page), and loves nothing more than shining a light on our historic venue.

If you’re looking to collaborate, feature the estate, or share something truly special, Sam would be delighted to hear from you please contact her on her personal mobile (07957218340) or via email at [email protected]

Will Bar Manager at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England //

Will Bar Manager, Solton Manor

Bar Manager

Designing and delivering a polished bar experience that keeps the service flowing and guests well looked after throughout your wedding, event or stay

 

At Solton Manor, Will understands that the bar is more than just a service, it’s an essential part of your wedding or event, and a key contributor to your guests’ overall experience.

Whether it’s elegant post-ceremony drinks on the lawn, Pimm’s or beer served from the Horse Box Bar, a champagne toast after your wedding breakfast, or expertly mixed cocktails as the evening unfolds in the Dutch Barn, Will, our Bar Manager, ensures every moment is delivered with style, precision, and professionalism.

Reporting into the General Manager, Will leads our trusted team of regular bar and service staff, each of whom understands not only the significance of each pour and toast, but also how seamlessly the bar integrates into the flow of your day. The teams familiarity with Solton Manor means that every element, from welcome drinks and toasts to the evening cocktail stations, runs with calm, elegant efficiency.

From your first glass of fizz to your last night cap, Will’s experienced, thoughtful approach ensures your guests are always well looked after and the service never misses a beat.

At Solton Manor, the bar isn’t just a feature, it’s part of the atmosphere, part of the celebration, and the perfect complement to your catering by Invicta Food Design elevating your day and leaving a lasting impression from the first sip to the last.

From the vibrant orange hue of an Aperol Spritz, to the joyful clink of glasses on the lawn, every pour becomes part of your special occasion.

 

Tom the Gardener at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England planting an apple tree in the old Orchard //

Tom Gardener, Solton Manor

Gardener

At Solton Manor, the landscape is not simply a backdrop, it is an essential part of the experience. At the centre of its care is Tom, under the guidance of Karl the Head of Maintenance and Gardens, whose thoughtful stewardship ensures the gardens feel as considered and enduring as the house itself.

Tom brings a deep understanding of traditional estate gardening, with a particular focus on the pond, orchard, lawns and topiary that give structure and rhythm to the grounds. The lawns at Solton Manor are managed with precision and patience, creating those uninterrupted green spaces that feel both effortless and expansive, the kind of setting that invites guests to gather, pause, and take everything in.

His work with topiary adds a quieter layer of character. Carefully shaped forms guide the eye through the gardens, framing views and lending a sense of permanence that sits beautifully alongside the manor’s historic setting. These sculptural elements are not overworked or ornamental for the sake of it; instead, they are allowed to sit naturally within the landscape, echoing the balance between refinement and ease that defines Solton Manor.

Tom’s approach is grounded in care and consistency. Seasonal changes are anticipated, not reacted to, ensuring the gardens remain in harmony throughout the year, from the softness of early spring through to the richness of late summer.

It is this quiet, ongoing attention that allows the grounds to feel so settled, so complete, a landscape that doesn’t demand attention, but rewards it.

Issy is the Apprentice at Solton Manor, Dover, Kent, England planting an apple tree in the old Orchard //

Issy Apprentice, Solton Manor

Apprentice

Issy is at the beginning of her journey in weddings and events, learning the ropes within the fast-paced and detail-driven environment of Solton Manor. Working closely with the wider team, she is gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of event delivery, from preparing spaces ahead of weddings to supporting on the day as celebrations unfold.

No two days are ever the same, and Issy is learning how each element comes together behind the scenes to create a seamless experience for couples and their guests. Whether assisting with set-up, coordinating timings, or helping ensure every detail is just as it should be, she is developing a strong understanding of both the practical and personal sides of the role.

Approachable, eager, and quietly confident, Issy brings a positive energy to the team. Her time at Solton Manor is about building experience, learning with care, and understanding what it takes to deliver weddings that feel effortless and truly memorable.

Drinks being served at the entrance of the Old Stables, near Canterbury, Kent, England, //

The Front Of House Team, Solton Manor

The Front of House Team

Our Front of House and Bar team is made up of friendly, dedicated individuals, all recruited locally, who share a genuine passion for weddings, events, and hosting unforgettable stays at Solton Manor.

They play an essential role in ensuring the estate is perfectly presented and thoughtfully prepared for every moment of your celebration. Whether it’s fluffing pillows in the Dovecote Cottage or the honeymoon suite in the Manor House, laying out welcome drinks, or quietly sweeping up confetti after you’ve said ‘I do’ in Godric’s Garden, their attention to detail contributes to the seamless, elevated experience our couples and clients have come to expect.

Warm, discreet, and always ready to help, our team, reporting into Karen, works closely with the wider events staff to ensure Solton Manor feels entirely yours, from the moment you arrive to that final look over your shoulder as we wave you goodbye you are in safe and caring hands.

Because it’s the little things, done beautifully, that make all the difference.

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Get in touch

Book a viewing
Call: 01304 448844
Email: info@soltonmanor.com