
My very first job at the age of 14 or 15 in Ireland was at the Inchydoney House Hotel. A hotel on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located in West Cork. Inchydoney is also a kind of island, connected to the mainland by two causeway roads.
There, I ran a small café and made sandwiches. It was the epitome of summer holiday time, a true youth paradise. Apart from the owners, all of us staff were under 20 years old and worked there seasonally. It was a tradition in my family to work there during the school summer holidays.
Up until I moved to Denmark and started a family, I worked in hotels—from Inchydoney Hotel, a small family-owned seaside hotel, Ardnavaha House Hotel a manor house to Sheen Falls Lodge. Sheen Falls was at the time regarded as the best hotel in Ireland and boasted a Michelin star, which was rare in those days.
I lived for a period of my life in a little cottage in the woods on the banks of Køge Bay. There I could enjoy and observe water and the woods and nature every day. I describe it as a summer feeling every day, but it’s something entirely different. It felt like coming back to Inchydoney.
For many years, I’ve nurtured a little dream of having a place where my guests could enjoy time together in an environment where good food and drink are lovingly prepared. A place where there’s time and tranquility for both my guests and I to savour and experience nature in a uniquely beautiful location.
When I lost my husband to dementia in May 2020, I felt a deep urge to cultivate the tools that helped me navigate the many years of sadness and anticipatory grief. To nurture the practices that carried me through this difficult period while honouring nature, water, passion, love, light and laughter.
In January 2021, I met Michael. He had also experienced loss, and I felt I had met someone who truly understood.
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy an exciting life, and now, here on Femø, I have found a uniquely beautiful place. Both the island and its inhabitants are truly special.
Højriisgaard is a property where I have the opportunity to keep hens, dogs, clotheslines, compost bins, a café, guests, and family. I take great joy in pursuing my passion in ways that benefit others.
I look forward to developing the place I’ve dreamed of for so long. Here, where there will never be too many people, I can take my time to care for my guests in my home. I can dedicate quality time to preparing good food - letting it simmer while I feed the hens and hang the laundry to dry. We can take a walk or a dip in the sea before breakfast.
I’m excited to welcome returning guests and summer visitors. I look forward to pampering my guests so they can truly enjoy their time here with me. ❤️
Comments