about the owners
Zanzibar House is run by Max and Katie O'Rourke - a couple with a long-standing love of hospitality, thoughtful
interiors and creating places where people feel genuinely well looked after.
Before moving into luxury holiday houses, Max spent several years running an award-winning boutique hotel, where great design, attention to detail and warm, personal hosting was at the heart of everything he did. That experience continues to shape how Hastings House is run today.
For the past six years, we have both focused on operating high-end coastal holiday houses, welcoming guests for celebrations, family gatherings, retreats and relaxed weekends by the sea. We understand what makes a stay feel easy and special — and what turns a beautiful house
into somewhere guests want to return to.
There is a deep passion for interiors and atmosphere, from how spaces flow to the comfort of the beds, the quality of the linens and the small details that quietly elevate your stay. Every effort is made to ensure guests arrive to a house that feels calm, welcoming and ready to enjoy.
While guests’ privacy is always respected, we are also hands-on and nearby. We are available throughout each stay if needed — whether for local recommendations, practical support or simply reassurance that everything is taken care of.