Keeping the quirk and the fun

Alastair outside our eco-barns

The world of regulation is mad in parts, and encourages uniformity. We are a fiercely independent, passionate bunch, and so are our owners. We have fun with them and encourage them to be themselves; we want them to avoid destructive norms, to cook, serve, and converse, entertain in their own way. If we support them in this then together we can resist the pressure to behave like sheep.

How it all began

We began as a gentle campaign against the grimmer aspects of mass tourism and the relentless march of chain hotels and restaurants. I had been a tour leader and could not resist leading people off the beaten track to villages and private houses, farms and hamlets, picnics under fig trees and nourishing human encounters.

Pond-side team meeting

I then wanted to shout about the people and places I had found. So we began a publishing business and started in France with a book on b&bs. Then we did the same in Britain, and after that the word was fully out. We helped others to be independent as travellers by introducing them to a rich list of fascinating people.

Trust

Along the way we acquired a reputation for being trustworthy. And that helped convince us we were doing the right thing. We set out our stall and time and time again people chose us over the competition because they trusted us to get it right. Our fans loved our owners and our owners loved our fans. And then they all told their friends.

Walking our talk

Our 'office pigs' like a lunchtime visit

I am struck by the disjunction between the values of humans as individuals and as employees. Here, we’re exhilarated by the combining of personal and working values. We are determined to have a positive impact on our world. We encourage our owners to use local and organic food and to run their places sustainably. Why? We want to be part of the solution to the alarming energy and food-production challenges facing us all. If our 5000 Special Places all over Europe are doing their bit, and their guests are inspired to do something similar, then we can feel proud of what we do.