Irene was born and grew up in south London. In her twenties she lived in Hong Kong with her husband, daughter Sarah and son Oliver. The family moved on to Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong once again where Irene’s youngest daughter Tamerah was born. A period living in Indonesia followed before returning to England to put down some long awaited roots. After a few years in Sussex Irene was very pleased to settle in Sanderstead, near to where she was born.

Now in her sixties, Irene works part of the week as a medical secretary to two local doctors which she finds challenging and rewarding. Setting up the Guest Suite has given Irene a chance to finely hone her hospitality skills and having the house full of laughter with people enjoying their stay here is redolent of the happy years in the far east when the family were young and all together and there were many visitors.