About Us
& Why Obstgarten Homes
“We believe we are merely custodians of these remarkable buildings, caring for them for a brief moment in their long history before passing them on to future generations.”
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
OUR FIRST RESTORATION
My passion for old homes began with our very first property: an old Victorian cattle barn in Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Originally converted into a home in the 1950s, it was in need of complete renovation.
With no skills but a lot of determination and a shared vision to do right by the property, Adam and I undertook most of the work ourselves.
Long before Obstgarten Homes existed, that project sparked something in me that has never left me: a love of historic buildings, thoughtful design and the privilege of bringing remarkable homes back to life.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Custodians, Not Owners
I have always believed we are merely custodians of these amazing buildings. We care for them for a brief moment of their long history before passing them on to future generations. If we can preserve a home’s character and ensure it thrives for a few more centuries we have done our job well.
ONE RENOVATION LED TO ANOTHER
Built One Home At a Time
Over the years, one renovation led to another. Every project brought new lessons, new challenges and a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, history and stories hidden within the walls. We are a family business, with a very small team who have worked hard to restore wonderful heritage homes in beautiful locations.
A Family Business
We are a family business, with a very small team who have worked hard to restore wonderful heritage homes in beautiful locations.
HOMES WITH STORIES TO TELL
We believe the best homes are the ones rich in character history and stories waiting to be shared. Our role is to preserve art heritage and help those stories continue.
The memories made within our homes become part of their story too, creating places that are not just somewhere to stay, but destinations in their own right. help that story continue. The memories you will make with us in our homes ensures they are the destination themselves
Meet the Team
Obstgarten Homes remains a small family-run business, supported by a close-knit team who share a passion for heritage properties, thoughtful restoration and exceptional guest experiences. Every home, project and guest stay benefits from the people behind the scenes who help bring the Obstgarten vision to life.
Susie McConkey
Founder & Creative Director
Susie is the driving force behind Obstgarten Homes and the person most likely to fall in love with a property long before anyone else can see its potential.
Before starting a family, Susie worked in recruitment then deciding to pursue her passion for health and fitness, combining life as a full-time mum with personal training. A former marathon runner and triathlete, she now swaps endurance events for Pilates, skiing and time spent with her horses.
Ask Susie to choose a favourite property and you’ll struggle to get a straight answer. Every home has a special place in her heart. If pushed, Starre Manor edges ahead for its history, atmosphere and the feeling you get the moment you walk through the door. Waking up to the sound of the brook on a summer morning or sitting by the fire during a winter storm captures everything she loves about heritage homes.
Susie’s passion for preserving remarkable buildings and creating memorable guest experiences sits at the heart of everything we do.
Adam McConkey
Founder & Operations
Adam has spent the best part of three decades investing in UK smaller companies as a fund manager and brings a calm, practical perspective to every Obstgarten project.
While Susie often falls in love with the finished vision, Adam is most excited by the beginning of a project and the possibilities hidden beneath the surface. He has an eye for potential and a remarkable ability to support even the most ambitious ideas.
Outside work, Adam is happiest by the coast, in the mountains, or at home in the garden with his chickens. Although much of the team would argue he spends just as much time falling over dog barriers and insisting they appeared out of nowhere.
Known for taking on everyone else’s worries as if they were his own, Adam is often the steady hand behind the scenes helping turn ideas into reality.
John Busby
Project Manager
John has been part of the Obstgarten journey for more than a decade, first joining the team after being recommended through a friend of a friend to help rescue the refurbishment of our own home.
Originally a decorator by trade, although he’d happily tell you it’s not his favourite job, John has become the person we rely on whenever a challenge needs solving. Whether it’s an unexpected problem behind a wall or finding a practical solution to a complex restoration, chances are John has seen it before.
Affectionately known as “Grumpy John”, he has a talent for finding fault in almost anything and anyone around him. Thankfully, his sense of humour is just as strong as his opinions. His favourite phrase usually involves telling himself to “shut up” before immediately answering himself.
Behind the complaints is someone who genuinely cares about getting things right and has played a huge role in bringing many of our homes back to life.
Ollie McConkey
Digital Marketing & Technology
Ollie joined Obstgarten Homes in 2026, bringing a fresh perspective to the business and helping lead the digital side of the company.
From website development and digital marketing to analytics, advertising and the endless task of keeping Susie’s computer working, Ollie is responsible for much of what happens behind the scenes online.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ollie has played cricket for most of his life, with the sport taking him to places including Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai and Australia. Alongside cricket, he is a keen golfer, runner and skier, and is always planning his next trip to the mountains.
Since joining the business, Ollie has led the relaunch of the Obstgarten Homes website and helped build the foundations of the company’s digital marketing strategy, ensuring more guests discover the homes and stories behind them.
The Collection Today — and Tomorrow
Where We Are Now
We now have a wonderful collection of homes that, over the years, we have lovingly restored and furnished — each one celebrating its history while offering everything needed for modern living. Every aspect of an Obstgarten stay is designed to help you slow down, reconnect and create lasting memories.
Looking Ahead
As we grow, our vision remains unchanged. We are always searching for remarkable heritage properties to restore in stunning coastal or alpine locations, ready to share with future guests. Alongside our homes, we are continually expanding the experiences and services we offer, helping guests make the most of their time with us.
We look forward to welcoming you
Susie & Adam
Founders of Obstgarten Homes (OH Collection)