As the founder of North East Escapes, I lead our talented team in delivering exceptional holiday letting services across Northumberland. My day-to-day involves nurturing relationships with our existing property owners and meeting potential new partners who are interested in joining our portfolio. I’m hands-on in ensuring every aspect of our service meets the high standards we’re known for.
I set up North East Escapes after having held senior leadership / Director roles elsewhere in the industry. I felt that homeowners were being short-changed when it came to service and booking delivery. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to going above and beyond. We’re not content with simply meeting expectations – we’re driven to exceed them. This dedication to excellence isn’t just a business strategy; it’s woven into everything we do. I take particular pride in building genuine relationships with our property owners and ensuring they receive the highest level of service possible.
While I’m fortunate to work across many beautiful locations in Northumberland, my heart belongs to Tynemouth, having grown up in and around the area (and still living close by) I just love the stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere. I also have a special fondness for Newton by the Sea. The Ship Inn there is a particular favourite – it perfectly captures the charm and character of our region.
Without hesitation, it’s Gulshan in Tynemouth. Their exceptional food and warm atmosphere make it my top recommendation for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in the area. I’ve been taking my son here since he was in nappies!
Family time is precious to me, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending quality time with my wife, Michelle, my son, Max, and my daughter, Thea. I’m also a huge sports lover, with football, cricket and golf being at the top of the list! I’m a lifelong fan of Sunderland, where my son and I are season ticket holders; one of my greatest joys is sharing match days with him. Those father-son moments at the Stadium of Light are so special (sometimes – it is Sunderland after all!)
Contact via Email: steve@nee.cloudstay.dev Phone: 0191 3592406
Matt joined North East Escapes as Operations Director, bringing with him extensive experience in premium holiday home management and large-scale operations. He previously led Norfolk Cottages, the flagship brand within the Original Cottages group, overseeing more than 700 properties, and later held a director role at Cottages.com, where he was responsible for driving operational performance and sustainable growth.
At North East Escapes, Matt is responsible for strengthening systems, refining processes and ensuring exceptional standards across every stage of the journey, from owner onboarding and property care to guest experience and day-to-day operations. Passionate about service-led, locally focused businesses, Matt plays a key role in supporting North East Escapes’ commitment to quality-first growth and outstanding results for owners and guests alike.
Outside of work, my world revolves around my beautiful family—we have three amazing girls, two lovely Labradors, and around 30 chickens! We spend a lot of time exploring Northumberland, especially on long dog walks that usually include a picnic and some muddy boots. I also love cooking and gardening, and there’s nothing better than sitting in our garden with the sun shining and a glass of wine in hand. Oh—and I also run a Harry Potter shop in Alnwick, which keeps me wonderfully busy in any spare moments!
Contact me: sarah@nee.cloudstay.dev Phone: 0191 3592406
Kiera plays a vital role at the heart of our business, building strong, trusted relationships with both property owners and guests. As the main point of contact, she ensures smooth and proactive property management, clear communication, and seamless stays from booking through to check-out. Her mission is simple: to help every property reach its full potential while delivering exceptional standards for every guest. With several years of experience in the industry, Kiera brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the North East Escapes team.
What makes North East Escapes different is that, at the heart of everything we do, lie the fundamentals: authentic relationships, personal service, local expertise, and genuine care. As a close-knit team based in the North East, we take pride in the personal touches that set us apart and show how we go above and beyond. From owners to guests, every interaction is handled with care and attention, delivering warm, locally rooted experiences.
This is such a hard one because we’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful places to visit in the North East and Northumberland! But if I had to choose, it would be a walk with my husband and our dogs along the beautiful seven-mile stretch of Druridge Bay Beach and Country Park—our happy place. The lake offers a lovely walk too, with a cosy little coffee shop perfect for a hot drink and a cheeky sweet treat. Sometimes we wander along the coastal path, breathe in that fresh Northumbrian sea air, and then slip into one of The Running Fox cafés for a delicious afternoon tea – highly recommended!
Bertram’s in Warkworth is my go-to spot, especially for their delicious Sunday dinner—the best in the area, in my opinion! Their beef roast is incredible, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a must. They also serve a lovely breakfast, along with great coffee and cake. The restaurant and café sit right in the heart of Warkworth’s medieval village, just a short stroll from Warkworth Castle and the river. And the best part? It’s dog-friendly, which is always a bonus for us!
When I’m not working, life is full-on—in the best way—with my pack of dogs (Labradors and Spaniels) making sure my partner and I are always on our toes! I adore long walks around Northumberland and the North East, spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new cafés and restaurants in the area, and heading out on day trips whenever I can. I also enjoy taking our caravan out for adventures and hopping on a plane whenever I get the chance to travel.
I ensure every meeting at North East Escapes starts with a proper tail wag and enthusiastic greeting. My key responsibilities include testing all dog-friendly properties for maximum comfort, inspecting local walking routes, and providing emotional support to the team during busy booking periods.
From a dog’s perspective (which is obviously the most important), it’s our genuine commitment to four-legged guests. I oversee our ‘paw-fect’ standards, by testing every dog bed, checking the quality of water bowls, and ensuring there are plenty of nearby walks for my fellow canine visitors. Plus, I make sure all human team members maintain appropriate
levels of belly rub proficiency.
I simply can’t resist any of the Northumberland beaches where I’m allowed on all year round. I like to splash in the waves and chase seagulls (who always seem to escape – I’ll get one eventually).
Any establishment that keeps treats behind the counter has my seal of approval
When I’m not busy with my professional duties, you can find me perfecting the art of the afternoon nap and practicing my “puppy eyes” technique for extra treats. I also enjoy long walks with my humans, preferably ones that end with me needing a bath – though I’ll never admit to deliberately finding muddy puddles!
Note: Mollie’s responses may have been slightly embellished by her PR team (she was too busy napping to provide direct quotes).
