Charlotte is the creative mind behind The Scarlet Hen, she started her career in art and design with a degree in Fashion and Textiles at Liverpool University back in the ’90s where she met and married Darren Hughes who was the founder of the super club Cream.
Charlotte was thrown into designing and building the merchandise brand for the Cream nightclub and Creamfields Festival. Launching a Cream clothing range for Littlewoods Catalog and opening The Cream Shop in Liverpool & Ibiza.
After appearing on BBC’s “Changing Rooms” she changed direction and retrained as an interior designer; After a successful design career in London, Charlotte and Darren moved to Charlotte’s home town in Yorkshire to bring up their two boys Hugo & Jasper.
The Family spent their Summers in Ibiza running “We Love Sundays” at Space. Once the children started school, Charlotte went back to Uni to do a second degree in teaching and currently teaches Art and Design at colleges in Yorkshire.
After a change in circumstances the family faced losing the forever home they had lovingly restored over the past 20 years. After enjoying traveling the world staying in Airbnb homes & apartments they decided to try it at Norfolk House to help pay the bills by renting out rooms and later the whole house for luxury celebrations.
Everyone said it wouldn’t work it… “why would anyone want to visit Huddersfield?” But Charlotte had in mind what she would want herself, for a weekend away with her friends. This is paramount to everything she does, always remembering the details, decor and hosting which defines a luxury boutique bespoke holiday home.
Charlotte had always been a great hostess and actually started her first hospitality business an outdoor cafe aged 10! Although her dyslexia has been a challenge as she struggles with some organisation skills, dates, numbers and timings she has managed to over come these hurdles and against the odds hasn’t messed up a single booking in six years!
What started as a good idea turned into a great business which sees Norfolk House welcoming visitors form around the world to explore Huddersfield and Yorkshire. A particular proud moment was winning the holiday home of the Yorkshire awarded by Prestige Awards 2021-22. Charlotte has achieved Super Host status on Airbnb since 2016. Also featured in Hello magazine.
The Scarlet Hen has supported Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership with their Giving Back Campaign.
The house has become THE destination for those seeking a boutique hotel experience in a luxury homestay.
As an art tutor it was a natural choice for Charlotte to deliver the creative life drawing classes at Norfolk House & other large local group accommodations with The Scarlet Pen.
Listen to her story here on the Northern Lass’s Podcast recored during lockdown 2020 when Covid had closed the house.
Do you have an amazing property which would be suitable for The Scarlet Hen? Get in touch and we can chat about a collaboration.
Charlotte is the founder of The Scarlet Pen Life Drawing Experience and delivers the session at Norfolk House or a venue of your choice. Including hotels, yurts, lodges, log cabins, holiday cottages, celebration homes, country escapes, cabins, pubs, private homes, retreats, farm houses, airbnbs, conference rooms.
