Behind the house
Meet the team
Warm, thoughtful hospitality is shaped by the people who look after the house each day. Here are some of the faces guests may meet during a stay at Douneside.
Our fantastic team
A country house shaped by a team who care.
Douneside is known for its beautiful setting, gardens and food, but the true sense of home comes from the people who bring it to life. From your first hello, our aim is to make every guest feel that this special place is also theirs to enjoy.
Many of our guests return year after year, becoming part of the Douneside story, and we are fortunate to know so many of them so well. Yet whether it is your first visit or you have been returning for decades, you can expect the same warmth, care and welcome.
Introducing some of our team
Many of our team members have been part of Douneside for years, becoming an important part of its story.
From front of house and dining to housekeeping and the Health Club, everyone plays their part in creating the warm, thoughtful experience our guests remember long after their stay.
General Manager
Melanie
Melanie leads the team with a calm, steady presence and a deep understanding of Douneside. Having worked across reception, restaurant and operations for over 10 years, she brings everything together so guests feel looked after from the moment they arrive.
“The loveliest part of Douneside is getting to work in a place with such an incredible story and legacy.”
Reception and Events Manager
Alex
Alex is often one of the first people guests will interact with, looking after enquiries, reservations and events with warmth and quiet precision. She has been part of Douneside for over 10 years, and knows the house, the village and the estate in thoughtful detail..
“My favourite part is organising weddings, and seeing couples fully relaxed and enjoying their special day to the full.”
Sommelier and Dining Events Manager
James
James brings many years of sommelier experience to Douneside, sharing wine in a way that feels generous rather than formal. He helps shape dining events and pairings that bring food, drink and conversation together.
“Wine is at its best when it begins a conversation around the table.”
Guest Operations Manager
Carolanne
Carolanne keeps the house, and everyone who is part of it, feeling cared for, comfortable and warmly welcomed. Her knowledge of Douneside, its rooms, antiques and history is part of what gives the house so much of its character.
“I love welcoming back returning guests. We now have guests who visit with their children, who I remember coming here as children themselves.”
Guest Operations Manager
Calum
Calum brings warmth, attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality to every service. Working closely with the kitchen and front of house teams, he helps create relaxed dining experiences where thoughtful service, excellent food and a warm welcome come together, whether you're joining us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a special celebration.
“My favourite part of the job is seeing guests relax, enjoy great food and leave feeling they've been truly looked after.”
Head Chef
Victor
Victor brings together the finest seasonal ingredients, many grown just beyond the kitchen door, to create dishes that reflect the character of Douneside. His cooking is honest, refined and always centred around making guests feel at home.
“As part of the Library experience, my kitchen team and I enjoy serving our guests directly, and sharing with them a bit about the dishes we’ve created.”
A shared way of working
The details are small, but they matter.
At Douneside, good service is not about formality for its own sake. It is about noticing what helps, remembering the little things and allowing guests to feel at ease in the house and across the estate.
A warm welcome
Arrivals should feel calm, personal and unhurried.
Care in the background
The best details are often the ones guests simply feel.
Knowledge of place
From walks and gardens to dining and local recommendations, the team help guests find their own rhythm.