“ It has to mean something to you in order for it to mean something to anybody else. And that's all we're dealing with really. We're giving people the most authentic version of what we see as hospitality that we can give. For us it's a very simple equation of giving what we really would like to receive.”

We’re in great company with Gem Boner and Thom Scherdel, the tastemakers behind Restaries, a collection of contemporary accommodations and event spaces located on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, where epic woodlands meet serene sea fronts. Here, they have curated not just a place to stay, but a deliberate pause from the ordinary grind.

Set on the grounds of a 16th-century Suffolk farm with a rich history spanning cider production to New World Music distribution, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together.

In this episode, Gem and Thom discuss how they've learned that luxury comes not from ostentation but from time, connection, and the simple art of making every guest feel genuinely welcomed home.

Top Takeaways

[1:50] After years of telling other brands' stories—from Topshop showrooms to Soho House events—Gem and Thom discovered that their greatest collaboration would be both personal and professional—creating the hospitality experience they'd always wished existed.

[9:10] From bubbling cider production to spinning vinyl records, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together—a legacy Gem and Thom honor as they write their own chapter in this 500-year story of craft, culture, and community.

[16:05] Perfectly positioned among Suffolk's coastal heritage, rolling farmland, and vibrant independent towns, Paradise Farm's 10 secluded acres offer everything from tree-lined tranquility to quick beach escapes and the kind of brilliant stargazing that inspired their very name.

[20:50] Each accommodation honors its original purpose while embracing “Mother Nature's color palette,” championing sustainable brands and local ceramicists whose stories are shared through Restaries’ Rest & Read series.

[25:20] “We adapt the land to cater for every need"—from romantic proposal setups in candlelit spaces to pizza-making in lush gardens, from woodland cocktails classes to communal dining experiences—Gem and Thom create the art of play and discovery through genuine hospitality.

[29:15] Restaries’ "marketing team" of Pedigree Pygmy goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, and Kune Kune pigs offer guests real things and real feelings—from naughty goats greeting arrivals to calm alpacas that respond to chilled energy.

[33:00] Kitchen garden beginnings meet seasoned culinary takeovers and locally acclaimed producers—as Restaries becomes the home for London chefs looking to escape the city to craft woodland dining experiences with seasonal Suffolk produce.

Notable Mentions

Design & That interior design

Colors of Arley fabrics

Pophams ceramics

Verden scents