Nestled within the ancient Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, The Speech House Hotel is a former hunting lodge that has been transformed into a boutique hotel, reflecting both the area’s rich history and its distinctive character.
The Speech House Hotel is owned by the Hands family, who are dedicated to running the hotel in keeping with its character and setting while placing sustainability and green credentials at the heart of its future planning.
In 2024, the family installed solar panels as part of a long-term project, allowing them to generate and utilise clean, renewable electricity on-site rather than relying solely on the grid.
With recent legal support from Lodders’ Alastair Frew and Navitha Jathin, their commitment to using green energy from solar panels and fully renewable electricity, now powers EV charging points in the hotel car park, giving guests the ability to charge their vehicles using clean electricity generated by the venue itself.
Alastair says: “We have acted for the Hands family since they purchased the hotel 16 years ago, and it has been rewarding to support them through this next chapter. It is great to see how seamlessly modern renewable energy technology fits within this setting, not just functionally, but in a way that complements the character and identity of the venue itself.”
Navitha adds: “The investment reflects a broader shift in the hospitality sector, where guests increasingly factor a venue’s environmental practices into their choices, and where reduced reliance on external energy supplies also offers longer-term cost resilience for the business.”
About the Speech House
Peter and Gill Hands purchased The Speech House Hotel in 2010, bringing with them extensive experience in hospitality, having previously owned and operated successful hotels in Gloucestershire.
A new and exciting chapter began in 2020, when Peter and Gill’s daughter, Naomi Hands, joined the business as Director. Having grown up in hotels and bringing her own marketing experience, Naomi is continuing the family’s commitment to the Speech House Hotel, with special support from Luca, the family dog, who can often be seen around the hotel in his position as Director of Dog Friendly Visits.
Naomi comments “It’s great that we can offer this service to our guests. It’s not just about doing the right thing environmentally, it is becoming something our guests genuinely notice and appreciate.”
The Lodders’ renewable energy team are guiding a growing number of landowners and businesses through the complex documentation required to install and generate renewable energy. Get in touch today and find out how we can support you on your green journey.
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