Family-Owned Hotel | Hedley House

Hedley House began as a family dream in 1983, when Graham and Susan Harrand opened its doors with a simple goal: to create a welcoming home away from home in the heart of York. With hard work, passion and plenty of Yorkshire spirit, they transformed these beautiful Victorian buildings into the hotel we know today.

Their son Greg grew up surrounded by hotel life, learning the ropes from his parents and discovering what makes great hospitality. From childhood playground to family business, Hedley House became more than just a hotel to Greg. It became his passion and a family tradition he was proud to carry on..

After college, Greg set off to explore the world, working in hospitality and experiencing different cultures along the way. His travels gave him fresh ideas, new perspectives and a passion for bringing modern technology and wellness into the hotel experience.

Armed with plenty of stories, inspiration and international experience, Greg returned to York, ready to bring a fresh approach to the family business while keeping its welcoming spirit alive.

In 2003, Greg met Lou, and together they began an exciting new chapter for Hedley House, combining their passion, ideas and shared love of hospitality.

In December 2004, life changed dramatically for Greg and Louise Harrand. While travelling in Thailand, staying on Ko Phi Phi they were both swept away in the devastating tsunami that struck on Boxing Day. They survived but spent time in hospital recovering from their injuries.

This life-changing experience transformed their approach to business and life. As they rebuilt their lives after the disaster, they gained clarity about what truly matters: family, friendships, and meaningful connections with others.

"When you face something like that, it strips away everything but what's essential. We realised life is about the connections we make and how we care for each other. That's what we wanted Hedley House to represent." – Greg Harrand

Upon returning to York, Greg and Lou brought this renewed perspective to Hedley House. They didn't just want to offer rooms – they wanted to create spaces where people connect, relax, and feel at home.

This philosophy now shapes every aspect of Hedley House Hotel:

Creating a warm, family atmosphere where guests feel welcomed | Adding wellness facilities to help guests truly relax and recharge | Focusing on personal touches that make stays memorable | Building a team that shares their values of genuine care | Supporting the local community and sustainable practices

Today, Hedley House stands as a unique blend of traditional Yorkshire hospitality and modern comforts. We've grown from a simple family-run hotel to a complete experience with wellness facilities, dining options, and thoughtful services.

Greg and Lou's personal journey continues to influence how we evolve, always keeping human connection at the heart of what we do.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our core values while embracing new ways to enhance our guests' experiences in York.