Exclusive Collection has taken a further step in its sustainability journey with the introduction of Kress electric mowers across a number of its hotel and golf properties, reinforcing its commitment to responsible land stewardship.
Following extensive trials at Lainston House and The Manor House, the group has begun rolling out Kress RTKⁿ robotic electric mowers across its portfolio, supporting a more efficient, lower-impact approach to managing its golf courses and surrounding landscapes. The move aligns with Exclusive Collection’s wider environmental ambitions, underpinned by its B Corp certification and, at The Manor House, GEO Certification® for sustainable golf operations.
At The Manor House, where sustainability is embedded across both hospitality and golf operations, the technology has been tested over the past year on fairways and rough areas of the championship course.
The trial period allowed the greenkeeping team to assess not only performance and quality of cut, but also how the system could integrate into day-to-day operations on a busy estate.
The results delivered a consistently high-quality sward while reducing soil compaction and supporting healthier grass growth. The quiet, fully electric operation has also brought benefits for wildlife, golfers and guests, particularly during peak periods when traditional machinery can be disruptive.
The shift supports broader sustainability objectives at The Manor House, which has been recognised with GEO Certification® for its approach to golf course management. Working closely with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the estate has introduced habitat parcels to protect biodiversity, while recent initiatives have included water-saving irrigation upgrades, renewable energy generation and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Robotic mowing now forms part of this wider framework, helping to lower emissions, reduce noise pollution and make more efficient use of resources.
Six robotic units are now operating at The Manor House, with further units introduced at South Lodge, Royal Berkshire, Lainston House and Ansty Hall, bringing the total to ten across the Exclusive Collection portfolio. During the summer months, the majority of rough at The Manor House will be maintained by the robotic fleet, allowing greenkeeping teams to redirect time and expertise towards detail-focused work that enhances playability, presentation and the overall golfing experience.
Andrew Ryan, director of golf at The Manor House, said:
“Sustainability at The Manor House is about making considered, practical choices that benefit the course, the environment and our members and guests. The trial period gave us confidence that this technology could support those aims while maintaining the standards golfers expect.”
The partnership with Kress robotic mowers has been supported by premium distributor ATH Machinery in delivering tailored solutions across the properties.
Nicola Jones, head of marketing at Kress, said:
“Exclusive Collection is a perfect example of how robotic mowing can elevate standards while reducing environmental impact. The flexibility and precision make them ideally suited to golf courses and estate settings of this calibre.”
Tim Lane, managing director at ATH Machinery, added:
“Exclusive Collection have embraced innovation throughout the trial period and seeing the technology perform so well and then scale across such outstanding properties is something we’re really proud of.”
The wider rollout reflects Exclusive Collection’s continued investment in responsible luxury. As a B Corp-certified business, the group has committed to measurable progress across governance, community and environmental impact, with land management playing a central role given the scale and setting of its estates.
By integrating electric, autonomous technology into its grounds and course care, Exclusive Collection continues to evolve how its landscapes are managed - quietly, efficiently and with long-term environmental resilience in mind.
About The Manor House
The idyllic countryside retreat like no other at The Manor House. Offering a fairy-tale setting for romance and escapism in the historic manor or mews cottages, with fine dining and gastro fare, as well as a championship golf course, all set in the picture-perfect village of Castle Combe.
The hotel offers a choice of 50 luxurious rooms, suites, and cottages, all individually designed and full of historic character. Refined palates will appreciate the tasting menu offering British modern classics that never fail to delight at the Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant. For relaxed dining, local charm meets exceptional experience at The Castle Inn, an attractive 12th Century and top 50 gastropub.
Offering golf on another level, the 18-hole, par-72, parkland course was designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, and opened for play in 1992. The championship course measures 6,500 yards and is set within 365 acres of picturesque rolling countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. For more information visit here.
