Combining Georgian charm, contemporary luxury and a people-first culture, Stanwell House in the heart of Lymington is redefining the boutique hotel experience. General Manager Josie Clare shares how empowering teams, embracing feedback and staying adaptable helps deliver exceptional guest experiences every day.
Nestled in the heart of Lymington’s historic High Street and just moments from the New Forest National Park, Stanwell House has quickly established itself as one of Hampshire’s most stylish independent hotels. Following an extensive refurbishment and reopening in December 2022, the 27-bedroom boutique property has combined Georgian character with contemporary luxury, creating a destination that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Owned by its current proprietors since 2021, Stanwell House occupies a prime position on the South Coast, offering guests easy access to the New Forest, the Solent and the charming maritime town of Lymington. While its elegant interiors, thoughtfully designed bedrooms and acclaimed dining venues have earned widespread praise, the hotel’s success is equally rooted in its people-first approach to hospitality.
Leading the team is General Manager Josie Clare, who joined the hotel in September 2024. With the hospitality industry continuing to evolve at pace, Josie believes that maintaining a strong team culture is fundamental to delivering a consistently excellent guest experience.
“The team feels supported and confident, that naturally translates into a seamless guest experience,” she explained. “As a result, I focus heavily on building a friendly, approachable team culture. Keeping things clear, consistent and human helps reduce uncertainty, and recognition and support are key, especially during periods of change.”
For Josie, effective leadership is built on communication and inclusion. Rather than viewing change as a one-off event, she sees it as an ongoing conversation that requires engagement from every level of the business.
“Change is rarely one conversation; it’s an ongoing dialogue,” she said. “Encouraging feedback from all levels creates buy-in and confidence, and when people understand the ‘why’, they’re much more engaged.”
This collaborative philosophy reflects the wider ethos at Stanwell House, where personalised service and genuine hospitality are central to the guest journey. Josie is also a firm believer in remaining visible and connected to daily operations.
“I make a point of being present in the operation, not just behind the scenes,” she said. “Seeing what the team sees helps me make better, more realistic decisions, and I prioritise constant, open communication. I’m not afraid to adapt quickly if something isn’t working. In hospitality, things don’t always go to plan and that’s okay. It’s about being responsive rather than sticking to something just because.”
That adaptability is evident throughout the property. The hotel’s accommodation offering has been carefully curated to cater to a wide range of travellers, from couples enjoying a weekend escape to families exploring the New Forest. Room categories range from cosy Loft Rooms tucked beneath the roofline of the original Georgian building to spacious Luxury Rooms and three individually designed Suites, each offering distinctive features such as private terraces, separate living spaces or views over the hotel’s tranquil walled garden.
Families are particularly well catered for with a dedicated Family Suite featuring a separate children’s room and bunk beds, while dog owners can take advantage of pet-friendly Terrace Rooms and welcoming public spaces that allow four-legged companions to join the experience.
Food and beverage are another cornerstone of the Stanwell House offering. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Samphire, delivers a relaxed yet refined dining experience centred around locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in the atmospheric Salt Bar, complete with exposed brickwork and a log burner, or unwind in the light-filled Orangery, a popular destination for coffee, afternoon tea and informal gatherings.
Throughout the property, the emphasis remains on creating memorable moments rather than simply providing facilities. Josie believes that guest feedback plays a critical role in ensuring the hotel continues to evolve in meaningful ways.
“Guest feedback is one of the most valuable tools we have,” she explained. “It’s not just about what is said, but listening properly and understanding why. That insight helps us evolve in a way that genuinely improves the experience.”
This commitment to listening, learning and adapting has helped Stanwell House carve out a distinctive identity within the competitive boutique hotel market. By combining thoughtful design, exceptional dining and a culture built around empowerment and authenticity, the hotel offers an experience that resonates with modern travellers seeking both comfort and connection.
As Josie concluded: “For us, it’s not just about creating a beautiful space, it’s about how guests feel when they’re with us. Ultimately, keeping morale high and fostering a positive, empowered team is what delivers consistency for guests.”
In an industry where guest expectations continue to rise, Stanwell House demonstrates that lasting success comes from investing as much in people as in product. The result is a hotel that not only showcases the best of the New Forest and Hampshire coastline but also exemplifies the enduring power of genuine hospitality.