Journal

By Mark Howarth

Recently, Sophia Money-Coutts featured us in a piece for The Telegraph. Many insightful voices echoed through the piece including one of ours, that of our Managing Director, Philippa Somerset. According to Sophia, Philippa is our very own “Mayfair authority” – which was wonderful to hear. 

Philippa’s observation that “a decent butler would set you back £100,000” underscores the indispensable role of skilled professionals in curating an exceptional living experience.

By Mark Howarth

Recently, I had the enormous pleasure of interviewing the English landscape architect, Randle Siddeley, who amongst his peers has deservedly become known as ‘a modern-day Capability Brown’. I set out to discover his main influences, the design principles he works to, the way in which he deals with clients, and how he has adapted to the changing world of the landscape architect over the last 48 years.

We are delighted to report that our Somerset Estates team has scored a rating of 90 / 100 for ethics and achieved a bronze medal in our EcoVadis assessment! 

Mark Howarth interviews Simon Morgan, former personal security to the late Queen Elizabeth II and the British Royal Family. 

If criminals think you have extremely valuable items in your home, you and your family could be in serious danger. It’s unfortunate but it’s true, and that’s why home security is something to be taken seriously. 

So how do organised criminal gangs know what you own and when there is likely to be an opportunity to break into your home?

In February 2023 our hearts were shattered following the sudden loss of our colleague and friend Barry Breed. 

Barry was a wonderful, influential and charismatic figure in our industry. His death is a great tragedy and he will be deeply missed by so many.  

We feel so privileged to have known and worked with Barry over the past few years. He possessed a kind, caring and ambitious spirit, coupled with an infectious love of life, the industry and people. He was truly one of a kind. 

It was brilliant to collaborate with Studio Miaki on a property in Chelsea this year and the finished result was something everyone was thrilled with.

Our Head of Communications speaks to Philippa Somerset and Mia Kitisinis from Studio Miaki about what it takes to create a harmonious partnership and what can be produced because of it.