2025 European Young Heritage Entrepreneur of the Year Award
14. 03. 2025
The prestigious Château Saint Trys, above the Beaujolais hills, set a majestic scene for the 2025 NextGen Prize Award during the annual EHH NextGen Conference. The event celebrated trailblazing entrepreneurs under 45 who are innovating within the world of historic houses.
You can read the full booklet with the winners here.
From France to Ireland, the UK to Switzerland, this year’s finalists presented inspiring models of sustainability and creativity. The jury was composed of industry leaders and heritage experts Karin Zumtobel, Angélique Martzel, Ménélik Plojoux, Justin Green, and Nicoline Schaub. Together, they recognised four exceptional initiatives.
Winner: Thibault le Marié – Château de la Mazure, France
Thibault was honoured for transforming a once-crumbling 18th-century bleachery into BLANC BLANC BLANC, a unique combination of a training centre and upcycled textile workshop. His “Manufacture du Blanc” initiative integrates historical preservation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable design, offering international residencies and rethinking work-life balance through a concept dubbed “Équilibre vie pro/vie pro“
2nd Place: Thomas Emmet – Altidore Castle, Ireland
Thomas restored a centuries-old pond at his family home, Altidore Castle, revitalising local biodiversity and transforming it into an educational and visitor-friendly feature. His commitment to sustainability and community engagement have made a lasting impact
3rd Place (shared):
Montague Cholmeley – Easton Walled Gardens, UK
Montague has fused heritage with art by establishing a fine art supply store in a historical clocktower
Luca Bizzozero, Château de Marnand, Switzerland
Luca reimagined a multi-building estate as a blend of antique restoration, sustainable farming, and community-focused heritage
The black-tie event included a cocktail bar and dancing, celebrating not only the winners but the shared mission of Europe’s young custodians of heritage. The NextGen Prize once again spotlighted the spirit of reinvention that defines the future of Europe’s historic estates.
The NextGen prize is sponsored by
