Co-Founder, Director, Business Management & Design
About Kate
Kate Redfern (née Faure Walker) is a Director and Co-Founder of Sandon Manor’s venue and hospitality business, and Estate Manager of Sandon Bury Farm Ltd, which trades as Sandon Manor. Part of the family whose connection to the Hertfordshire estate dates back to 1540, Kate has spent the past 13 years developing and managing the business, bringing together historic buildings, contemporary design and exceptional hospitality.
Working alongside her brother and fellow director, Mark Faure Walker, Kate has helped shape Sandon Manor into a destination for exclusive weddings, luxury countryside stays, business offsites and celebrations, while preserving the character and heritage of the family estate.
Developing Sandon Manor
Kate has project managed the development and transformation of Sandon Manor’s buildings and facilities, overseeing projects from initial planning and design through to construction, interiors and completion.
Her work includes the creation and restoration of wedding and event spaces, luxury guest accommodation, business facilities and offices, bringing historic agricultural buildings into contemporary use while respecting their original character.
Alongside managing development projects, Kate oversees the day-to-day running of the business and wider estate operations, working closely with Sandon Manor’s management, hospitality and estate teams.
Interior Design, Branding & Marketing
With a Graduate Diploma in Interior Design from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UAL), Kate leads the interior design and creative direction of Sandon Manor.
Her approach combines the architectural character of the estate’s historic buildings with contemporary interiors, thoughtful details and comfortable, welcoming spaces. From the Manor House and restored barns to the wedding and event facilities, her design work helps create the distinctive atmosphere of Sandon Manor.
Kate also manages the business’s marketing, branding and digital presence, ensuring that the story of Sandon Manor, its family heritage, hospitality and commitment to nature is reflected consistently across the website and wider communications.
Kate attended Rugby School, where she completed her A levels, and is a member of the Old Rugbeian alumni community.
She went on to graduate from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons), before completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the UCL Institute of Education, University of London.
Kate spent seven years teaching at Robinsfield School in London and the International School in Budapest before moving into estate management, business development and hospitality.
She later completed a Graduate Diploma in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London, combining her creative interests with the practical demands of developing Sandon Manor.
A Family Estate, Looking to the Future
For Kate, Sandon Manor is both a family home with centuries of history and an evolving business. Working alongside Mark, whose focus is the estate’s rewilding and nature recovery, she continues to develop the buildings, accommodation and hospitality offering with an emphasis on thoughtful design, sustainability and the long-term future of the estate.
Together, they are building on the work of previous generations, preserving Sandon Manor’s heritage while creating a place for people to gather, celebrate, stay and enjoy the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside.