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Bricks, Beds & Big Plans: A Conversation with Our Head of Property
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When it comes to delivering standout guest experiences and protecting the long-term value of our hotels, it all starts with the buildings themselves. We caught up with Gary Hume, our Head of Property at 7H, to talk refurbishment strategy, asset performance, and what it really means to future-proof a hotel.
Let’s kick off with the big one:
What’s the philosophy behind our refurbishment strategy?
Head of Property:
For us, refurbishment isn’t just about giving things a facelift — it’s a core part of how we unlock potential in every asset. We approach each project by asking: How will this impact guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term value?We’re currently mid-way through a major refurbishment at Dalhousie Castle Hotel – a £5 million investment into one of Scotland’s most historic and romantic destinations. The aim there is to carefully balance heritage preservation with elevated luxury. We’re upgrading rooms, renewing public spaces, enhancing energy efficiency – all without losing the magic that makes Dalhousie so special. That’s our refurbishment strategy in action: thoughtful, strategic, and commercially driven.
How do you measure success when it comes to asset performance?
Head of Property:
It’s about much more than just RevPAR or occupancy. We’re constantly assessing how an asset is performing over time, from energy costs and reactive maintenance trends to guest feedback and flow efficiency.A hotel like Dalhousie, for example, performs well not only because of its iconic setting, but because we have a strategy of continued improvement, making the building smarter behind the scenes, smarter heating and improved lighting. That kind of attention keeps the property resilient and revenue-ready.
Future-proofing sounds like a buzzword. What does it really mean to you and your team?
Head of Property:
To us, future-proofing means making decisions today that won’t cost you tomorrow. Whether it’s choosing materials that age well, installing infrastructure that supports future tech, or designing spaces that can flex with changing guest behaviours, it’s all about longevity.At Dalhousie Castle, we’re building in energy-efficient systems that will reduce long-term operating costs but also layering in comfort features like upgraded bathrooms that meet modern luxury standards. So we’re not just preserving the castle, we’re preparing it for the future.
Any exciting trends or innovations you’re watching closely?
Head of Property:
Definitely, we’re seeing a big shift in how spaces are being used. Guests want rooms that are both functional and indulgent, public areas that are functional yet have features of interest, and sustainability baked into the experience. We’re also watching the integration of digital systems, not to replace personal service, but to enhance it.At a property like Dalhousie, where the building itself is a star, we must be clever: how do you weave modern comfort into 13th-century walls without compromising character? That’s the kind of creative challenge we thrive on.
Final thought?
Head of Property:
Every property has a story and our job is to make sure the building is equipped to tell it for years to come. Whether it’s a rural farmhouse or a 700-year-old castle, we’re building for resilience, beauty, and guest satisfaction in equal measure.Thanks to Gary for the chat. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insight as we continue to evolve the 7 Hospitality Management portfolio – one brick, beam, and blueprint at a time!