We have the communities interest at heart

Matara is a place for our guests and our staff to be present in. We hope that Matara, and the time for reflection you find here, gives you the opportunity to focus on what is truly important in life. That you find wonder in the everyday, reconnect with your community and rediscover a sense of tranquillity and calm.

HOW WE GIVE BACK

The Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Matara is nothing without the dedicated team that works here. From Geoffrey, the founder, to our wedding co-ordinators, front of house staff and the amazing behind the scenes crew, they are all deeply invested in Matara.

Your Host

Geoffrey

He is a creator, dreamer and Celebrant. He believes that:

“Matara is a place to express your dreams and celebrate life’s magical moments with loved ones. That’s what I do. You are welcome to too.”

Holly sitting on a bench next to the stream at Matara

Team Champion & Manager

Holly Roberts

“Matara is my inspiration. It inspires me each day to slow down and appreciate what’s important. The uniqueness and calming atmosphere is the perfect place to work. I enjoy the spontaneity of my role and the flexibility that we can give to each couple to create their own celebration. I value the relationships we build with clients and feel passionate about helping them organise a ‘perfect to them’ day. I never planned to be a wedding coordinator I stumbled upon Matara after a year of travelling in 2008 and I can't imagine doing this job anywhere else. It’s truly a very special place that has grown with me.”

Abbie standing waiting to greet a couple with two glasses of prosecco

Wedding Coordinator

Abbie Wand

Abbie believes

Kelly sitting on a large moss Cotswold stone in the woodlands

House Manager

Kelly Stokes Richardson

“I consider myself very lucky to be able to work in such a beautiful and peaceful place. Matara has given me the opportunity to be creative with flowers and venue decorations. Being here is helping me to grow and that has a lot to do with the people around me."

Vicky standing at the Tori arch leading to the woods

Venue Manager

Vicky Stevenson

“Matara is a very special, unique place. I feel very privileged and lucky to have been part of the team for over 15 years.

Over those years Matara has helped me express my creative side, and grow in confidence."

Chef

Luke

“I strive for the best and to be the best chef I can be, to make sure the bride and groom have the best day of their lives and for them and their guests to rave about the food. There is nothing nicer than when someone pulls you to the side to thank you for doing a great job.

I am also inspired to do my best when I look around the house and the grounds and see how beautiful this place is. I think to myself I’m the head chef here and work with really friendly, genuinely nice people. Finding that is hard in this day and age.”

Gardener

Liam Latham

“At Matara I can fully indulge in my passion for gardening, creating new areas for guests to enjoy and maintaining areas to bring the most out of the garden and its special plants. The gardens are extensive and varied with so many different places to discover as they grow and change through the seasons. I love to watch and work with nature as it brings out the best in the garden and myself. I moved out of London to live here in the Cotswolds with my young family, I wasn’t sure what the next chapter would be. Through chance I found a place here and felt right at home (or in the garden) Matara is a truly unique venue and provides a special place for guests, and being a part of that is great! “

Maintenance

Will Eastbury

Will's aptitude towards construction is amazing. From digging trenches, to laying new floors, and finishing off plaster work we have yet to find something that he can not turn his hand to.

Steve sitting in Beech on stool surrounded by plants

Rake Master & Grounds

Steve Matthews

“Matara is a very special place in my heart, I truly enjoy working here, It’s a very tranquil venue, So relaxing with positive vibes.

Whatever jobs I’m given, after completion, I stand back and say “job satisfaction “ achieved.

Through the guidance of Geoffrey Higgins, Team MATARA is very special to me.”

Tara standing beside the keyhole entrance at Matara

Marketing

Tara Higgins

“You could say I was born for the role! Being able to connect Geoffrey and the team to others who aline to their vision and passion is an extra-ordinary privilege.”