MEET THE TEAM

Behind every Sand & Stone escape sits a close-knit, passionate team with countless years of experience between them. From discovering exceptional properties and working closely with our owners to creating memorable stays and sharing the stories behind each escape, the team knows that it’s the little details that make all the difference.

Get to know the people behind Sand & Stone Escapes.

BEN SHEARER

Managing Director

As Managing Director of Sand & Stone and its sister company, Peligoni, Ben Shearer is responsible for curating and developing the Sand & Stone collection. With an MA in fine art from Rhode Island school of Design, Ben has spent the last ten years overseeing the growth and development of two boutique travel companies along with a few renovation projects under his belt. Over the last few years Ben has worked with our property owners to bring out the best in their properties, advising on price, management and positioning.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue floral dress, kneels in a garden while smiling down at a golden cocker spaniel puppy she's holding. They're surrounded by tall white wildflowers, ornamental grasses, and daisies, in front of a gray-shingled house with paned windows.

CORRIE POLLOCK

Portfolio Manager

As Portfolio Manager, Corrie is the first point of contact for all new and existing property owners, guiding new owners through the launch process and managing our ongoing owner relationships. Alongside our marketing and sales teams, Corrie helps to ensure we provide the best possible outcomes for owners, advising on targets, pricing and strategy, as well as liaising with owners and housekeepers to ensure the properties are delivering the highest standard experience for guests. Corrie is based at our Cotswolds office and has been part of the Sand & Stone team since 2021, originally heading up sales before moving into the Portfolio Manager role. She loves being part of the close-knit Sand & Stone family and discovering exciting new properties to join our portfolio.

Viewed through an open white-framed door, a woman in a yellow slip dress and sunglasses arranges purple and white flowers into a small vase on a table, with a cream-colored vintage radio nearby. Tall yellow yarrow blossoms and greenery fill the garden behind her.

ALEXANDRA SOUTHWARD

Head of Brand & Marketing

Alex leads the marketing team at Sand & Stone Escapes, overseeing all PR, digital, and advertising efforts to achieve impactful results that align with budget expectations and deliver value to property owners. Her role includes strategic oversight of digital campaigns, printed and digital asset creation, and ensuring cohesive brand messaging across all channels. Alex brings a rich background in PR, branding, and advertising, shaped by her global experience, working in branding and advertising with high-profile clients such as Porsche, Johnson & Johnson, and UnionPay.

GEORGIA RUFENACHT

Head of Social Media & PR

Georgia is the Social Media Manager at Sand & Stone Escapes, responsible for crafting dynamic social media strategies and overseeing PR initiatives to elevate the brand’s presence. With a degree in Marketing under her belt and an eye for what resonates with different properties, Georgia analyses performance and provides tailored recommendations to highlight each escape. Living in Cornwall, Georgia developed a deep connection to coastal living and local storytelling, which made the transition to Sand & Stone Escapes a natural progression after moving to London.

A woman with long brown hair and sunglasses stands smiling in a garden, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, one hand resting on a wooden bench. Behind her, a wall is covered in blooming pink and cream climbing roses beneath a tiled roof.

JESS HESLOP

Head of Editorial Content

Jess joined the team in December 2024, after a decade’s experience in editorial teams at luxury lifestyle brands including Net-a-Porter, Selfridges, and Matches Fashion. Returning to the world of hospitality and travel as Head of Editorial for Sand & Stone Escapes, she oversees editorial strategy, priorities, and standards for all written content across the website, newsletters and long-form marketing materials.

A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera while sitting at an outdoor wooden table, holding a white teacup with a blue rim. A stainless steel French press sits on a wooden board in front of her, with a glass vase of white flowers nearby. A flowering pink and white rose bush fills the background.

ANNIE BARBER

Sales Consultant

Annie joined the Sand & Stone team at the end of 2025 and is based in the Cotswolds office, where she loves the variety that each day brings. With a background in both hospitality and the luxury ski industry, she loves helping guests plan their perfect trips and create memorable stays. She works closely with property owners and housekeepers, and really values these relationships, knowing that this is what makes everything run smoothly behind the scenes. It’s exciting to see the portfolio continue to grow, with beautiful new properties to offer guests!

ALICE LUCK

Senior Copywriter

Alice is the Senior Copywriter at Sand & Stone Escapes, leading the writing, editing and quality control of content across the brand’s key channels. She works closely with marketing, design and wider teams to ensure every piece embodies the Sand & Stone tone of voice, bringing clarity and character to the brand across every touchpoint. With a decade of experience in luxury travel, including five years at Mr & Mrs Smith, Alice has worked across the commercial, customer experience and creative sides of the industry, giving her a deep understanding of how leading travel brands operate, evolve and communicate through content.

A blonde woman in a white eyelet-lace top and white pants sits cross-legged outdoors, smiling at the camera while arranging white and purple flowers into a woven basket and pitcher. Tall yellow yarrow and other garden plants surround her, with a white-framed garden building in the background.

LIVVY WHITTY

Design & Content Executive

Livvy is the Design & Content Executive at Sand & Stone Escapes, responsible for shaping the look and feel of the brand across every stage of the guest journey. From social media and digital content to key printed touchpoints within the properties, she ensures each interaction feels considered, cohesive, and unmistakably Sand & Stone. With a background in marketing, Livvy understands how strong visuals and thoughtful content work together to communicate a brand and enhance the customer experience.

I always know with a Sand and Stone property, I’m going to find an elegant, well-furnished stay that feels luxurious but not overstated. The communications are always very proactive and personalised. It’s my favourite company to book stays with in the UK.

FIND AN ESCAPE

MEET THE TEAM

BEN SHEARER

CORRIE POLLOCK

ALEXANDRA SOUTHWARD

GEORGIA RUFENACHT

JESS HESLOP

ANNIE BARBER

ALICE LUCK

LIVVY WHITTY

Find An Escape

FIND AN ESCAPE

MEET THE TEAM

BEN SHEARER

CORRIE POLLOCK

ALEXANDRA SOUTHWARD

GEORGIA RUFENACHT

JESS HESLOP

ANNIE BARBER

ALICE LUCK

LIVVY WHITTY

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