Ed May
When I was a young boy I remember looking out the car window as my parents drove myself and sister through France until we reached our holiday destination. I remember the perfectly straight tree lined country roads that went for miles. I remember the frites we stopped for at the road side for a quick snack to keep me and my sister quiet. Then I remember waking up after travelling through the night. Seeing high peaks, dotted with white snow.
My eyes lit up, fully wide awake, legs twitching, eager to roam the mountain pastures and alpine meadows with the smell of pine trees basking in the summer sun.
We all have childhood memories of our younger first travels. Throughout my life I have every holiday and experience sketched inside of my memory, like a stamp in a passport. Katie and I now have the privilege of raising our children, passing down our love for new horizons and sharing in making their childhood as special as can be.
I have always had a deep passion for travel and where it can take you. From spending 20 years working in the finest hotels in the world, to hosting royalty in Stately homes, managing parties for the world’s biggest brands and to planning weddings at 9000 feet surrounded by crackling glaciers.
The world is different today than to my childhood in the 80’s. Very different in fact. Who’d have thought, in recent times we’d not be able to travel freely, that being sociable was restricted and celebrating would be banned.
What hasn’t changed though is that travel inspires us, travel experiences often take pride of place in our memories, travel lifts the soul and reconnects us. Travel will always be a part of our lives.
Why hidden and found?
It’s no secret that since 2008 we’ve been on a journey of unlocking access into homes and travelling with families across countries and continents. So many changes in the world of travel and hospitality over the last 20 years – it was not always easy but a vision always remained. I would remain hidden behind the scenes, respecting the privacy of clients and places we worked.
Perhaps we could have grown faster and more disruptive but service and privacy are two things which were deep values instilled in me from a young age. Over the last few years, in a world of so much noise, uncertainty and AI, it has felt authenticity and human connection was needed more than ever.
Hidden and Found is not a platform, where we build hundreds of homes which are off the beaten path and showcased. It is more personal than that. It starts with you, the guest. It’s a journey for our guests to rediscover themselves, reconnect with loved ones and disconnect if needed from all in their life. Guests are drawn to the homes for their offering, location and service offered.
Hidden and Found is committed in offering a type of travel which is rarely found elsewhere. We believe any property has the ability to host and provide memorable moments, but not all can provide a full hospitality offering.
We’ve worked in over 600 homes, managed many, including hotels. We understand what makes a good home, and what makes a stand out home. Our homes offer unique locations, stand out features and qualities not found in most. Each one is vetted for the absolute luxury basics, before we deep dive into the little details and touch points we look for. Only then can we really discover if a home can be offered to our guests.
Each home handpicked
I have been privileged to work in some of the most inspiring and beautiful homes. Homes which are owned by the most incredible people, who I have personally got to know on various levels. Some I have worked in myself, others we have discovered whilst travelling, and some which we have sourced for our clients to stay in. Each home is handpicked, chosen for its unique character, soul and offering which I believe truly stand out.
It’s my pleasure to share brief spells and insight with you and I look forward to welcoming you to Hidden and Found one day.
We hope you enjoy travelling with us.
Safe travels,
Ed.
p.s. a snapshot of some of my favourite homes below.
Mas de Mausanne
An impressive farmhouse, tucked away from its nearby popular village of Mausanne. Privacy, a touch of glamour and wellness will be found in this stunning home.
Chalet de Chamonix
Set back amongst forest and a private driveway, sits this traditional and most lovingly cared for chalet. Sleeping 15 guests, it is equipped with sauna, bar and cinema room.
Villa Olivia, Tuscany
Tucked away up the hills of chianti, is Villa Olivia. A beautiful farmhouse sleeping 12, restored by a caring owner who has the most wonderful team.
