Our Story
How it all began
Founded in 1981 by Giuseppe Pecorelli, Exclusive Collection is a family-owned, independent collection of beautifully positioned country house hotels, spas, a golf club, cookery school and classic English pub. Here’s the story so far...
Bright beginnings
In the early 1960s, Giuseppe Pecorelli left Italy to join his brother at The Cambridge Hotel in Camberley to learn the hospitality ropes. There, he worked long hours in almost every hospitality role he could.
One evening when he was working behind the bar at The Cambridge, he met Penny – the woman who would later become his wife.
Giuseppe worked his way up to become Managing Director of Trust House Forte, then Managing Director of Ciga Hotels. But the call to start his own company was beckoning.
Exclusive Collection is born
Although Pennyhill Park wasn’t for sale at the time, that didn’t stop Giuseppe. He set up a meeting with the former owner, put in his offer, and in 1981 it became the first of what was to be, Exclusive Hotels.
Lainston House, South Lodge, The Manor House and golf club soon followed.
All the while at Giuseppe’s side was Penny, who played an instrumental part in selecting the properties, and the furniture and antiques with which they’re filled.
A new era
In the 1990s, Giuseppe’s son Danny wanted to be part of the family business, so Giuseppe set out to put Danny through his paces. He put a rigorous training programme in place, including a stint at The Savoy, to make sure Danny had a true appreciation of what it takes to run an exceptional hotel.
After years of learning on the job, Danny became Managing Director of the company. Working together, father and son opened one of Europe’s most impressive spas at Pennyhill Park.
Danny has continued to grow the business, adding Fanhams Hall, Royal Berkshire, Season cookery school, the spa at South Lodge, and The Castle Inn to an ever more eclectic collection. This brought about our change in name - to Exclusive Collection. And in 2024, we welcomed our most recent addition, our new outpost in the midlands, Ansty Hall.
What makes us Exclusive today?
Our creative and attentive teams still revel in designing and curating exceptional, out-of-this-world experiences that make our guests feel truly happy.
We go out of our way to make sure everyone who visits us leaves with their bellies full, their heads happy, and their bodies recharged and rested.
And while we offer luxuries, comfort and service of the highest standard, our style is relaxed, open and approachable. We make people feel at ease and welcome. Because after all, these places and spaces really are our homes.
