The team
Rooted in the Isle of Wight and united by a love of rural life, the team combines traditional values with forward-thinking management to care for the estate, its land and guests.
From estate management and farming to gamekeeping, building maintenance, and marketing, every member of the team plays an important role in ensuring the estate operates seamlessly throughout the year.
Francesca Cooper
Estate Manager
Francesca joined the team from Nunwell Farm, bringing with her a wealth of experience in farming, shoot management, and rural land management. Raised on the Isle of Wight, she trained as a rural surveyor before following her passion for agriculture and becoming a full-time livestock farmer in 2021. Her strong agricultural background, practical knowledge, and enthusiasm for countryside management make her a valuable member of the team.
Away from work, Francesca enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, making the most of island life. Whether exploring new restaurants, discovering hidden beaches, or heading out for walks with their dog, Monty, family time is at the heart of everything she does.
Lucy Harrison
Marketing and Communications
Lucy has been part of the estate team for over a year, she manages the estate’s marketing activities, client enquiries, and the logistics behind successful shoot days, ensuring everything runs smoothly from initial booking through to the day itself.
During the summer months, Lucy also focuses on landscape architecture and property management projects across the estate, bringing a creative eye and strong organisational skills to a wide range of future initiatives.
Outside of work, Lucy enjoys spending time with her partner and their two beloved dogs, Chilli and King. Whether it’s enjoying a beach barbecue on a summer evening, or sailing down in Cowes, she makes the most of every opportunity to enjoy new experiences.
Gary Cole
Building Manager
As the Estate Building Manager, Gary joined us early this year and is responsible for the maintenance, improvement, and day-to-day management of the estate’s property portfolio.
With a practical approach and a wealth of experience in building maintenance and project management, he plays a key role in ensuring the estate’s homes, buildings, and infrastructure are maintained to the highest standard. His attention to detail and commitment to quality make him an invaluable member of the team.
Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of the Isle of Wight countryside. When not working on estate projects, he can often be found pursuing his hobbies and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
George Biss
Gamekeeper
George joined the team two years ago, bringing with him valuable experience from a well-established mainland shoot where he worked for four years. Since arriving, he has become an important part of the operation, contributing his knowledge and strong work ethic to help ensure each shoot day runs smoothly and professionally.
Outside of work, George and his fiancée, Jess, are devoted dog lovers and share their home with an impressive pack of ten dogs. In their spare time, they enjoy making the most of island life, often exploring the Isle of Wight’s beautiful coastline and spending time together on its beaches with their dogs.
Adam Royal
Head Gamekeeper
Adam has been an integral part of the team for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to every shoot day.
Working alongside his trusted team of beaters, pickers-up, and hosts, he consistently delivers a well-organised and enjoyable shooting experience, ensuring the highest standards are maintained throughout the season.
Away from the shoot, Adam enjoys spending time with his family and can often be found travelling the country to support his daughter at dance competitions, a passion that the whole family enjoys sharing together.
The Smith Family
Farmers of The Rowborough Estate
The Smith Family now operates a mixed farm of sheep, beef, and arable crops. Their farming system is built around a sustainable rotation of five years of grass followed by five years of arable production, helping to support the health and productivity of both livestock and crops.
Outside of farming, Ralph and his partner Hayley enjoy travelling throughout Europe, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures whenever time allows. Hayley also comes from a farming background, with her family running a sheep and beef farm on New Zealand’s South Coast, giving the couple a shared passion for agriculture and rural life.