Family bond lures Palé Hall managing director home to Scotland

The former managing director of one of Wales’ leading country house hotels has returned to his native Scotland to be closer to his family.

Calum Milne was recruited to run Palé Hall at Llandderfel, near Bala by new owners, entrepreneurs Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, last July.

During his short but successful time in charge, Palé Hall became one of the first hotels in the UK to receive a Michelin Key Award, which recognises the property as “a special place to stay” and a Condé Nast Traveller 2024 Readers’ Choice Award.

The hotel owners have moved quickly to appoint Tom James as general manager and welcomed Vlad Pisarenco as the new food and beverage manager to ensure a smooth transition in wake of Mr Milne’s departure. They enjoyed a very successful Christmas and new year at Palé Hall and are looking forward to an exciting future at the hotel.

The luxury hotel, situated in the Dee Valley, on the edge of the beautiful Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, is also an AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux destination luxury country house hotel, with an acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant.

Mr Milne explained that following the death of his father, Ken, last year, he had decided to return to Perthshire to be closer to his mother and brother’s family.

“It was a very tough year for me personally and being in Wales, so far away from home, I didn’t get to see my family as often as I would like, which was difficult,” he said.

“I have loved my time at Palé Hall and working for the owners, and I would like to thank the local community for the warm welcome I received. A big thank you to Donna and Tony, the team at Palé, the head office support team and my dog walkers, Julie and Andrew, who took care of my dog, Elan.

“The owners have some very exciting plans for Palé Hall and Estate. The plans are drawn up to take her to the next level and become a world class hotel. I would like to wish everybody the very best for 2025 and hope they all continue to enjoy the experience as the hotel moves onwards the upwards.”

Mr Cooper-Barney said: “I am sorry to see Calum leave but totally understand his reasons, having experienced family bereavement myself. I would like to put on record my thanks for the excellent work that he did for us. There will always be a place for Calum at Palé Hall and I wish him all the best for the future.”

The Cooper-Barneys fell in love with Palé Hall and surrounding area the first time they visited. They have invested heavily in the local community and have plans to further improve the luxury hotel and 50-acre estate.

Projects include enhancing the dining experience at Palé Hall and developing a sculpture trail in the impressive gardens, which are being redesigned by noted New Zealand-born landscape designer Anthony Paul.