Our Story
Seven Centuries of Stories
Shore Hall has stood— in one form or another — for almost seven centuries. What began as Wood Hall, a medieval estate held by Norman-Breton lords, has passed through the hands of some of England's most influential families, including the de Veres, the Mordaunts, and the Harveys. Its story reaches back to Count Alan of Brittany, son-in-law to William the Conqueror and one of the most powerful landowners of Norman England. Over the centuries, Tudor courtiers walked these halls, Georgian landowners reshaped the landscape, and successive generations left their mark on the house and grounds. Today, Shore Hall remains a Grade II-listed estate in the heart of East Anglia, where layers of history can still be felt in its architecture, gardens, and enduring sense of place.
The people behind Shore Hall
Shore Hall is independently owned and operated by Lara Holliday, a performance coach, facilitator, and advisor who works with executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, women in leadership, and high-performing teams, and James Forrester, a technology executive with more than 25 years of experience leading innovation and transformation across global organisations.
Lara Holliday
Performance coach & advisor
James Forrester
Technology executive
Stewardship in Practice
At Shore Hall, sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is woven into the way we care for the land, the buildings, and the people who spend time here. As a certified B Corp, we are committed to thoughtful stewardship, seeking practical ways to reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the beauty, biodiversity, and long-term resilience of the estate. We believe sustainability extends beyond the boundaries of Shore Hall itself. Wherever possible, we work with local growers, producers, craftspeople, and small businesses across East Anglia, helping to strengthen the regional economy while reducing food miles and supporting a thriving local community.
We believe sustainability extends beyond the boundaries of Shore Hall itself. Wherever possible, we work with local growers, producers, craftspeople, and small businesses across East Anglia, helping to strengthen the regional economy while reducing food miles and supporting a thriving local community.
Water is carefully managed through rainwater harvesting, groundwater reuse, and precision irrigation systems designed to minimise waste. Our gardens are nourished through composting and regenerative growing practices, while rotational grazing by our horses and sheep supports soil health, biodiversity, and the long-term vitality of the land.
Much of Shore Hall is powered by solar energy generated on-site and supported by battery storage. Across the estate, we use AI-powered systems to help manage irrigation, energy consumption, and operational efficiency, enabling us to use resources more intelligently while maintaining the highest standards for our guests. Battery-powered equipment further reduces noise and emissions, helping to preserve the peace and tranquillity of the grounds.
For us, sustainability is not simply about reducing impact. It is about caring for a place well enough that it can continue to inspire, nourish, and support others for generations to come.
Certified B Corporation
Shore Hall is proud to be a certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses committed to balancing purpose and profit while meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
For us, B Corp certification is not simply an accreditation—it is a reflection of how we choose to operate. It informs the decisions we make about the land we steward, the local businesses we support, the experiences we create for our guests, and the long-term impact we hope to have on our community and environment.
As with everything at Shore Hall, it is not about doing one thing perfectly. It is about making thoughtful choices, continually improving, and acting as responsible custodians of a place we hope will continue to inspire and nourish others for generations to come.