When you’re greeted at the doors of Elsick House by Karen, you just know you’re going to be well looked after. She fell in love with Elsick when her daughter Autumn got married here in 2017 and since landing her “dream job” as assistant house manager 2 years ago, family orientated Karen treats all our guests like one of her own. Whether it’s chasing after a car full of bridal flowers or titivating all the details in the house before wedding parties arrive, Karen always goes the extra mile to make sure dream weddings come true.
What does your role involve? A typical day here involves showing couples around the house and grounds, answering enquiries, sending quotes, remittance advice etc and sometimes even helping with turning the house around after a wedding. On wedding days I’d say it’s a job where many hats have to be worn. On one occasion, a bride and her bridesmaids were dropped off at the marquee entrance and the wedding car drove off with their flowers still in the boot. I had to chase the driver down the drive trying to catch his attention. Thankfully I did, so he reversed back and all was well. Ultimately it’s all about doing whatever we can to make peoples dream weddings happen, I love every part of my job!
What is your favourite part of the house? The study is a beautiful room looking onto the gardens. We use it as our office when there is no one occupying the house and it’s the best office view I have ever had.
What do you enjoy doing out of work? I love spending time with my family, reading and baking. I’ve recently become a Nannie again to my second grandson so both of those things come in very useful when babysitting!
What’s your favourite quote or saying? Personally I think “it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.” For a wedding quote, “Grooms, know this: Everyone is watching the bride, but the bride only sees you.”
Which 3 words do you think guests of Elsick House would use to describe you? I hope they would say I am cheerful, approachable and conscientious.
What do you think makes Elsick House so special? There’s so much history in the house and the feeling you get when you walk through the front doors is indescribable. Every room is full of character, the bedrooms all have their own distinctive style and of course the fabulous grounds are breath-taking.
To arrange a visit to Elsick House or for more information about weddings, events or staying with us please contact house@elsick.co.uk