Meet The Team
Catch Up With Gemma Tully
Our Estate Coordinator
I’m lucky enough to sit next to Gemma everyday, so we thought we’d introduce you to her and what she gets up to.
So… tell us what you did before you came to Preston Hall
Before joining Preston Hall, I was a senior menswear designer in Hong Kong, designing for high street retailers. I worked on everything from trend research to final production management. It was a fast-paced and creative role, and I loved seeing my designs go from an initial sketch to being sold in stores. The job gave me the opportunity to travel the world, which was an incredible experience and really broadened my perspective on fashion and design.
What is your role at Preston Hall?
I’m the Estate Coordinator at Preston Hall, which means I oversee the day-to-day operations and help bring everything together behind the scenes. From managing the holiday cottages, assisting coordinating events to working on marketing and guest experiences, my role is all about making sure everything runs smoothly. I also work very closely with Henrietta on the interior design side of things, assisting with the design and styling of everything from the holiday cottages to the main house, which is currently being renovated. It’s a really varied job, and I love being involved in both the big-picture planning and the small details that make a difference.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same at Preston Hall, which definitely keeps me on my toes! I usually start by checking in on the holiday cottages, handling daily enquiries, and ensuring the guests are happy. My days can vary depending on what’s happening around the estate. At the moment, my main focus is on interiors, so I’m often liaising with suppliers, ordering wallpapers, fabrics and trims, or sourcing furniture and decor to style the rooms once they’re ready.
What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
There has been a few but if I had to pick my favourite would have to be the renovation of Dairy Cottage. It was so rewarding to take an idea and see it come to life. We really wanted to create a warm and welcoming space for guests, and it was amazing to watch the place transform into something both stylish and cozy, while keeping that countryside charm. From picking out materials to planning the layout and finally seeing everything come together – it was such a fun project to be part of.
Top holiday destination you’ve been to…
Croatia is my absolute favourite holiday destination, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more. I started my trip on Obonjan Island, spending the first few days paddleboarding and relaxing in the most zen surroundings. Then, I headed to Split, to explore the stunning beaches along the coast, took in the historic sights, and enjoyed some incredible local food—fresh seafood, delicious pasta, and the best gelato!
How do you like to spend your time when you're not at Preston Hall?
I split most of my time between Edinburgh and Glasgow and love trying out new restaurants. Right now, my favourite spot in Edinburgh is Lucky Yu on Broughton Street —I can’t get enough of the cool interiors and incredible small plates. I’ve also been making more of an effort to explore Scotland and appreciate what’s right on our doorstep. Discovering hidden waterfalls to hiking Munros and finding remote camping spots, there’s so much to see and experience close to home.