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    • In the heart of St Peter Port
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Ashford Castle

County Mayo, Ireland

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Discover the magic of the Ashford Estate

As Ireland's first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious experience.

Discover the rich history of The OGH

1700

1796

1803

1857

1940

1945

1957

2008

2012

1700

The imposing St Peter Port building began life as a home for local merchant, Nicolas Le Mesurier, who built his residence in the early 1700s in a scenic spot overlooking the harbour.

Lieutenant General Sir Hew Dalrymple.

1796

By the end of the 17th century, it had been bought by the Government of Guernsey to be used as a home for the Lieutenant Governor, the first being Lieutenant General Sir Hew Dalrymple, and it served as his official residence until 1842, hence the hotel’s given name.

1803

Sir Joghn Doyle was appointed Lieutenant General and took residence. In 1837 Sir James Douglas, after whom one of our meeting rooms is now named, was the last Lieutentant Governor to use the house.

1857

John Gardner purchased the property and launched it formally as Old Government House where it was quickly established within Victorian society as “An old and comfortable country mansion”.

1940

On the afternoon of 28th June 1940, German planes attacked St Peter Port Harbour. From 1940 to 1945 the hotel was occupied by German forces where it became their General Staff Headquarters.

Ownded by the Garder family post WWII

1945

On 9th May 1945, the island was liberated by British forces. With the war over, great alterations were made with the hotel enlarged and refurbished by successive owners.

The Queen Visits Guernsey

1957

Old Government House Hotel was honoured by the presence of Her Majesty the Queen at luncheon. She and the Duke of Edinburgh were the guests of the States of Guernsey, whose Bailiff, Sir Ambrose Sherwill, received them as the Royal Standard was hoisted.

2008

In our 150th anniversary year, the hotel was acquired by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Another chapter in the illustrious history of this grand old house began with a substantial refurbishment, making sure to retain the fine character and heritage of Guernsey’s most historic hotel.

2012

The Crown Club was purchased, and following a major conversion from the Old Crown Offices, was transformed into a bar, lounge and private meeting space.

Guernsey’s most historic hotel

Prior to becoming a hotel in 1858, The Old Government House was the official Governor’s residence for the island and the Bailiwick. During World War Two, the property was occupied by Germany and became their General Staff Headquarters. 

Old Government House Habour View Background

Meet our team

Led by General Manager Andrew Chantrell, we are the only five-star hotel in Guernsey and a proud part of the family-owned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

We are a family of passionate people, deeply committed to giving the best in all we do. Our warm, inclusive ethos embraces every aspect of our guests’ experiences, creating the perfect welcome in this beautiful, balmy corner of the British Isles.

Meet the characters of The Old Government House

Our differences

Exceeding expectations at every turn, our historic hotel has a team who take genuine pride in delivering impeccable service.

Overlooking manicured gardens with views across St Peter Port and beyond to the sea, enjoy delicious cuisine, a traditional Afternoon Tea, exciting cocktails, and relaxing moments of rejuvenation.

Reasons to love The Old Government House

Discover more about The Old Government House

The perfect family destination

Children stay & dine with our compliments

Sleep beautifully

Discover our bedrooms & suites

Stories of The Old Government House

Discover our gallery

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades

We care

Explore our sustainable initiatives

The perfect family destination

Children stay & dine with our compliments

Sleep beautifully

Discover our bedrooms & suites

Stories of The Old Government House

Discover our gallery

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades

We care

Explore our sustainable initiatives

The perfect family destination

Children stay & dine with our compliments

Sleep beautifully

Discover our bedrooms & suites
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Extraordinary experiences

We pride ourselves on our carefully designed and memorable experiences for guests to enjoy. From outdoor pursuits to healing therapies, our knowledgeable team ensures every stay is as seamless and personalised as possible.

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Delicious dining

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Delicious dining

The Old Government House Hotel has maintained an excellent reputation for superb dining and a remarkable cellar for longer than anyone can remember. Using an abundance of fresh local produce, our Executive Head Chef has created a collection of delicious seasonal menus for our guests to enjoy.

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The power of passion

"In 2008, The OGH - as it is now affectionately known - was purchased by Red Carnation Hotels and I was offered the honour to move to Guernsey and take up the position of General Manager. I am proud to be able to work with a committed team who thrive on continuing a long tradition of hospitality in this fine house. 


Built in the early 18th century for a local merchant, the house was bought in 1796 to provide a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor. For 46 years, successive Governors lived here until it opened for the first time as a hotel in 1857. 


I love nothing more than bringing the history and heritage of the house to life for guests. We are so grateful to live and work on such a beautiful island, to be surrounded by the sea, and to have the opportunity to enjoy all that it offers. There is nothing better than taking a cliff walk from St Peter Port to Fermain Bay, or enjoying fish and chips on the beach at Cobo Bay whilst savouring the sunset.  


We are thrilled to have partnered with Dave Bartram, a local guide and manager of Le Société Guernesiaise’s herd of six steers. Dave treats our guests to a stunning tour and is also beekeeper to our hotel's own hive. 


I very much look forward to welcoming you to The Old Government House Hotel and introducing you to our beautiful island."


- Andrew Chantrell, General Manager

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